Tonight was Monroe’s first headline gig in England and so a packed Bush Hall waited with real anticipation. What followed over the next seventy minutes or so was such an outpouring of love from an audience that I don’t think I have witnessed through over 600 gigs.
From the first song to the last each track ended with at least a thirty second applause and whooping and hollering from the knowledgeable crowd that were singing back throughout the night.
Monroe backed by guitarist and double bass ran though most of the new album, a couple from the first and a cover or two. Her slight frame belies the depth and range of her voice and she captivated us all through the night.
The main set is over in a blink and she’s back but joined this time with best friend and new country royalty in the shape of Miranda Lambert who these days is more used to playing arenas back over the pond. Both were in a band called Pistol Annies along with the also excellent Angaleena Pressley who I saw last year too.
Their beautiful harmonies complement each other perfectly. There’s time for a second encore as Ashley steps up on the creaky stage on her own with a stunning version of ‘Hickory Wind’.
Britain clearly loves Ashley and after tonight I think she loves us right back.