Supporting one of the biggest names in country music in front of more than 65,000 people at BST Hyde Park is the kind of opportunity that can define a career. For The Shires, it felt less like a breakthrough and more like a celebration of everything they have achieved over the past decade. Britain’s most successful country duo delivered a polished, emotional and hugely entertaining set that reminded everyone exactly why they remain the standard bearers for UK country music.
It wasn’t entirely plain sailing. During the opening moments of ‘Lightning Strikes', the duo suffered microphone problems that briefly threatened to derail the performance. There was a short pause while the issue was resolved, but rather than letting it affect the atmosphere, the duo carried on with the professionalism that has become their trademark. Backed by thunderous drums and a powerful live band, Crissie Rhodes immediately took command of the vast Hyde Park stage, her effortless confidence ensuring the momentum never disappeared.
That confidence carried straight into ‘Getaway Car’, one of the duo’s biggest chart successes. The infectious UK Country Chart number one remains one of the finest examples of The Shires’ gift for marrying Nashville songwriting with unmistakably British storytelling. Live, it sparkled with energy, while the chemistry between Earle and Rhodes continues to be one of country music’s great strengths. Their vocals intertwined beautifully throughout the soaring chorus, creating one of the afternoon’s first major singalong moments.
If ‘Getaway Car’ demonstrated their commercial appeal, ‘State Lines’ served as a reminder that some songs simply refuse to age. More than a decade after its release, it remains arguably The Shires’ defining song. Before performing it, Rhodes dedicated the ballad to “anyone here with the person that they love”, giving the song an added emotional weight. Earle lightened the mood by joking that his microphone had failed during his vocal section before — “it happened last time we played here too!” — drawing laughter from the Hyde Park crowd. Once underway, however, there was nothing humorous about the performance itself. The soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics washed across the park, with thousands of voices joining in for a song that has become one of British country music’s enduring anthems.
The emotional heart of the set arrived with ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’. Rhodes explained that she wrote the deeply personal song about losing her father when she was just a little girl, dedicating it to all the dads in the audience. It was a remarkably brave programming choice. In front of a festival audience waiting for Garth Brooks, many artists would have opted for relentless high-energy anthems. Instead, The Shires trusted the strength of their songwriting, stripping everything back for an intimate, reflective performance. The gamble paid off magnificently. Hyde Park fell almost silent, hanging on every word as Rhodes delivered one of the afternoon’s most moving vocal performances. It was a powerful reminder that genuine emotion often resonates louder than volume.
Having taken the audience to such an emotional place, the duo cleverly shifted the mood with the brand-new ‘Watching You Watching Me’. The song introduced a lighter, carefree feel, driven by a jaunty rhythm that carried almost a seaside summer vibe with just a subtle hint of Spanglish flavour. It’s another indication that The Shires continue to evolve rather than simply recreate the formula that made them famous. To bring the track fully to life, they invited social media favourite Mamma Yeehaw onto the stage to lead the line dance created for the song. Before long, thousands across Hyde Park were attempting the routine, transforming the field into one enormous country dance floor and giving the new single an unforgettable live introduction.
Few songs encapsulate The Shires quite like ‘Nashville Grey Skies’. More than ten years after introducing much of Britain to their distinctive brand of country music, the breakthrough hit still carries enormous affection. Bathed in warm sunshine, Hyde Park became one giant choir as fans sang virtually every word back to the duo. It was a goosebump-inducing reminder of how significant the song has been, not only for The Shires but for the growth of British country music itself, even if it was performed under bright blue Mediterranean skies!
There was only one way to finish. ‘Thousand Hallelujahs’ exploded into life with its trademark uplifting chorus, bringing hands into the air across Hyde Park. Equal parts anthem and celebration, the song perfectly captured everything The Shires do so well: soaring harmonies, heartfelt lyrics and irresistible hooks. The crowd participation was immense, sending the duo off to a deserved ovation.
Across just seven songs, The Shires demonstrated the full breadth of their artistry. There were huge country-pop anthems, intimate moments of raw vulnerability, brand-new material and career-defining classics. Even unexpected technical issues at the start couldn’t distract from a performance delivered with warmth, professionalism and complete confidence.
With new album ‘Bonfire’ arriving next Friday, this performance could hardly have served as a better advertisement. More importantly, it was a reminder that British country music has its own authentic voice. Standing on one of the country’s biggest stages before one of country music’s greatest ever performers, The Shires didn’t simply warm up the crowd for Garth Brooks.
They showed that British country belongs there too.
Setlist: 1. Lightning Strikes 2. Getaway Car 3. State Lines 4. Daddy's Little Girl 5. Watching You, Watching Me 6. Nashville Grey Skies 7. A Thousand Hallelujahs Venue: Hyde Park, London
