Zach Bryan made a memorable impression on his British fans at BST Hyde Park, kicking off the night with Warren Zevon’s classic “Werewolves of London” as his entrance music. Instead of the expected cowboy attire, he donned an Ozzy Osbourne tank top, signaling his connection to the UK’s rock culture and showcasing his unique style.
Beginning with “Overtime,” Bryan seamlessly blended heartfelt storytelling in the vein of Marcus Mumford with the vibrant energy reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run.” His second song, “Open the Gate,” erupted with lively fiddle, zither, and saxophone, transforming the venue into an electrifying dance atmosphere. Fans sang along passionately to “28,” a heartfelt tribute about feeling loved on his birthday.
“Fifth of May” brought a mix of warmth and nostalgia as Bryan shared reflections on his childhood and the sadness of losing his mother. The song “Oklahoma Smokeshow” infused country blues into his hometown anecdotes, while “Dawns” echoed deeper emotions tied to his mother’s last days, resonating with the audience.
The tempo picked up with “Heavy Eyes,” showcasing exhilarating fiddle solos, and continued with “Motorcycle Drive By,” which Bryan creatively remixed to feature Hyde Park, igniting cheers from the crowd. He also debuted a new single, “Streets of London,” encapsulating feelings of homesickness and quickly becoming an anthem among fans.
Bryan’s clever reworking of lyrics in “Burn, Burn, Burn” added emotional depth, questioning longing for home. Later, “East Side of Sorrow” transitioned from a muted reflection on Navy service to a lively celebration, honoring the Turnpike Troubadours.
As the performance progressed, a harmonica added flair during “Pink Skies,” leading into the fan-favorite “Something in the Orange,” where the audience illuminated the park with their phone lights. Just when it seemed the show couldn’t intensify, Bryan unveiled Ollie Hawkins for an energetic “Heading South,” followed by Dermot Kennedy for a poignant rendition of “Hey Driver,” lamenting the loss of innocence.
After an impressive 24 songs, the band took a brief intermission, during which the crowd spontaneously sang “Hey Baby.” Bryan and his band returned with an explosive encore featuring an extended version of “Revival,” which included fireworks and humorous banjo moments, reflecting a bit of Johnny Cash’s rebellious spirit.
Expressing his gratitude on stage, Bryan remarked that he felt “like one of the luckiest men in the world.” Given his rapid ascent from intimate performances in London to two sold-out shows at Hyde Park, his success stems from authenticity and a genuine connection with fans. This performance suggests that the UK’s enthusiasm for Zach Bryan is only just beginning to rise.