Zach Bryan Image Credit: @jrcmccord / PRESS

American Express presents BST Hyde Park – Zach Bryan

Here we are having the privilege of attending a American Express presents British Summer Time concert in London’s Hyde Park, which is one of the best organised events there is. They really have it sussed, and you can always count on a great day/night, whatever your taste in music. The series over the summer months features an eclectic collection of artists, tonight’s leaning towards a country vibe, with the usual mixture of up and coming to the established artistes. On the Rainbow Stage, young Waylon Wyatt impressed and needs to be watched for the future, and a great set by Ole 60, points to bigger things in the not-too-distant future. A toe tapping set by Willow Avalon got the Great Oak Stage warmed up nicely for Gabrielle Aplin, who kept the momentum up for Dermot Kennedy, who delivered a usual impassioned performance, which went down well with the ever-increasing crowd in front of the main stage.

Headlining tonight on a sun-drenched stage – it was hot – is Zach Bryan. And although not being an artist we have come across too much albeit a few videos on YouTube, logic says that if you can sell-out not just one but two nights at Hyde Park, you must have something going for you. This assumption was correct, it was obvious from the first note that he means business, and the crowd responded in kind. Singing and shouting the lyrics, easy as his tunes lend themselves to being played in large venues with large crowds, they are stadium songs. Zach himself looked like a kid on Christmas morning and seemed a little taken back at the response. So far away from his home country and he was loving it, just as much as the sellout crowd.

With Dermot Kennedy joining him later on stage to sing together, there vocals really complemented each other. And when it came towards the end, a version of his song, ‘Revival’, which as we started to make our way to the exit, seemed to end up in a fun chaotic finish, with a bandmate chucking a beer over Zach, and the band seemingly going nuts. What a night! And this from a relative newbie Bryan fan, it was a cracking concert and based on this, god knows what’s next for Zach Bryan.

Review by Geoff & Jenny Griffe