Riley Green’s UK return has been nothing short of triumphant. Fresh off a sold-out headline show at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town, the multi-PLATINUM, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter brought his Damn Country Music Tour to Birmingham last night, proving once again why he’s one of the genre’s most compelling modern voices. Mixing fan favourites with new material from his recently expanded album ‘Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe),' Green delivered a set that blended playful swagger, heartfelt storytelling, and his trademark Southern charm. Songs like the sultry ‘Worst Way,' current UK radio single ‘Change My Mind,' and the title track itself stood tall alongside classics from his back catalogue, connecting deeply with the packed-out crowd.
For Green, this UK run marks another major milestone in a career built on relatability, authenticity, and a knack for songs that resonate across borders. Since his 2018 debut, he’s topped the charts with hits like the 2X-PLATINUM ‘There Was This Girl,' the fan-favourite anthem ‘I Wish Grandpas Never Died' and his collaboration with Thomas Rhett, ‘Half of Me.' His latest album, produced by Dann Huff, finds him doubling down on the straight-talking honesty and lived-in storytelling that have made him a household name back home in Alabama, while also embracing bold new material that highlights his growth as both an artist and performer. With most shows on this UK run sold out, it’s clear Riley Green’s mix of small-town heart and stadium-ready presence is striking a chord with British country fans in a big way.
Riley Green’s Birmingham show on Saturday night was nothing short of a celebration of country music’s past, present and future. The evening opened with two very different but equally engaging support acts: Erik Dylan, a prairie-born songwriter with a gritty, earthy style and Hannah McFarland, whose charm and storytelling warmed the crowd instantly. Dylan’s raw, grounded songs gave the set an authentic edge, while McFarland won over new fans with her medley that blended Taylor Swift with Brooks & Dunn, proving she can straddle country-pop and traditional country effortlessly. Her new track ‘Foolin’,' playful and confident, hinted at an exciting new chapter in her career, even without Chase Rice there to provide his recorded duet part.
When Green finally took the stage, it was to the unmistakable riff of Dire Straits’ ‘Money for Nothing,' a bold and brilliant choice of introduction. Without missing a beat, he launched into ‘Different ’Round Here,' and the Birmingham audience erupted as if they were an extra vocalist in the band. The sheer volume of the singalong was remarkable, setting the tone for what would become a night of communal celebration. By the time he powered into ‘If It Wasn’t for Trucks,' the crowd was fully immersed—sweaty, drinks raised high and completely in step with the Southern traditions Riley champions, even if the UK has little truck culture of its own.
Part of Green’s magic lies in his band, and special mention must go to his player who effortlessly switched between steel guitar and fiddle, enriching the sound with just the right amount of mournful twang. The chemistry between band and frontman was electric, especially when Erik Dylan returned to join Green on ‘Damn Good Day to Leave,' a song Dylan co-wrote. The crowd matched their energy, roaring every word back as if it were a hometown anthem.
Momentum never faltered, as Riley leaned into big Saturday night vibes with the Thomas Rhett duet ‘Half of Me,' a drinking song that had pints raised and the crowd swaying in unison. Even deeper cuts like ‘Hell of a Way to Go,' ‘Rather Be,' and ‘Georgia Time' drew huge reactions, showing the depth of Green’s connection with his fans. A cover of Toby Keith’s ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy' further proved that this new wave of TikTok-boosted country fans have done their homework, belting every word as if they had grown up with it.
The emotional core of the show came in its middle section. Highlights included ‘When You Come Home Tonight,' where Green engineered a playful blues-off between his guitarists before seguing into viral hit ‘You Look Like You Love Me,' during which the crowd’s phones lit the venue like stars. A slowed-down, solo-acoustic stretch followed, beginning with ‘Jesus Saves,' delivered under a lone spotlight. The intimacy was striking, the crowd hushed yet still singing along, a testament to Green’s ability to shift from raucous to reverent with ease.
The acoustic set also brought one of the night’s most touching moments, when Hannah McFarland rejoined Riley for their duet ‘I Just Need You.' A brief pause for a medical emergency in the crowd could have derailed the energy, but Green pivoted seamlessly, moving into ‘Don’t Mind If I Do' with McFarland, which reignited the audience. ‘Make It Rain' followed, glowing in its stripped-down arrangement before the band’s gradual return lifted the energy once more. It was a carefully measured transition that showed Green’s mastery of pacing.
That pacing came to full fruition in the set’s closing arc. The sultry ‘Change My Mind' gave way to ‘Worst Way,' one of the sexiest songs in country music’s canon, and the crowd responded with feverish intensity. Phones were raised, female voices dominated and the band stretched the outro into a climactic release of energy. After stepping offstage, Green returned for a stirring encore of ‘I Wish Grandpas Never Died,' with the crowd’s voices and phone lights creating a sea of warmth. Finally, the expected rollicking cover of Alabama’s ‘Dixieland Delight' closed the night in a blaze of old-school country joy.
By the end, it was clear Riley Green had not just played a show—he had conducted an experience. His setlist ebbed and flowed with precision, balancing heartbreak and humour, intimacy and rowdiness, classic covers and fresh hits. The connection between artist and audience was extraordinary, reminiscent of Morgan Wallen’s Hyde Park show last year, and proof that Green’s star is still on the rise internationally. With the soul of Merle, the grit of Waylon and the honesty of Toby Keith, Riley Green stands as one of country’s most authentic modern torchbearers. Birmingham witnessed him at the peak of his powers and the road ahead looks brighter than ever
Set list: 1. Different Round Here 2. If It Wasn't For Trucks 3. Damn Good Day to Leave 4. Half of Me 5. Hell of a Way to Go 6. Georgia Time 7. Rather Be 8. When She Comes Home Tonight 9. You Look Like You Love Me 10. There Was This Girl 11. Should've Been a Cowboy 12. Jesus Saves 13. I Just Need You 14. Don't Mind If I Do 15. Make It Rain 16. Change My Mind 17. Worst Way 18. I Wish Grandpas Never Died 19. Dixieland Delight Venue: Birmingham O2 Academy Date: September 13th 2025
