Kiefer Sutherland may be best known for his screen presence in 'Stand By Me', 'The Lost Boys', and as Jack Bauer in '24', but his second act as a musician continues to gather momentum. Currently touring the UK with material from his fourth album Grey, not Gray; he is, as he might point out Canadian/British. Sutherland proves he is far more than a Hollywood curiosity dabbling in music.
The setting could hardly be more fitting. The Gothic grandeur of Islington’s Union Chapel offers an intimacy that few venues can match. Arriving before sunset felt almost novel, daylight filtering through stained glass windows. Upstairs, the venue’s relaxed bar buzzed with anticipation, fans sipping, along with Pino and cocktails, Sutherland’s own Red Bank Whiskey. Alcohol is not allowed inside the nave, but, as I joked to the amused bartender, “Didn’t Jesus turn water into wine?”
In the nave, the mood shifted quickly as Sutherland and his band took to the stage. Opening in a Stetson, he settled comfortably into his role as frontman. Early in the set, a cover of Garbage’s 'I’m Only Happy When It Rains' injected immediate energy, drawing the audience in and setting the tone for the night.
Despite the pews, fans in the front rows danced as much as the space allowed, encouraged by Sutherland’s easy rapport and enthusiasm.
His set leaned heavily on his original material, showcasing a blend of country grit and rock sensibility rooted in storytelling. 'Goodbye California' offered a reflective look at leaving the West Coast, while 'American Farmer' delivered a more politically edged narrative about the struggles of independent farmers. Sutherland’s song writing feels he's live it, grounded in experience…
A particularly moving moment came with his cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s 'See You on the Other Side', dedicated to those who have lost loved ones. It provided a contrast to the otherwise upbeat set. The Marshall Tucker Band cover 'Can’t You See' stood out, its pedal steel evoking a clear nod to Johnny Cash and classic Americana traditions.
Between songs, Sutherland was candid. “This is a dream come true for me,” he told the audience, expressing sincere gratitude for the chance to tour. It is a sentiment that could feel clichéd, but here it rang true.
The encore veered unexpectedly into Phil Collins territory with 'In the Air Tonight', complete with the iconic drum break, met with audible delight from the crowd. It was a playful, crowd-pleaser that balanced nostalgia with surprise. Instantly and inexplicably, I had a sudden craving for a bar of Cadbury…
Opening the night, support act Colin Andrew, from Kerry in Ireland, proved an excellent fit for the venue, delivering a strong set that marked him as another singer-songwriter to watch out for.
In a space steeped in history and atmosphere, Sutherland delivered a performance that was high energy. He may have arrived with a famous name, but he left having earned the audience’s attention on entirely musical terms.
Set list:
Down Below
Only Happy When It Rains
Goodbye California
Something You Love
Come Back Down
Can’t You See
Ole Lonely Life
Chasing The Rain
American Farmer
Simpler Time
See You on The Other Side
Love Will Bring You Home
Two Stepping in Time
This Is How It Is Done
Down In N hole
Friday night
Agave
Encore
In The Air Tonight
Starlight
