11 December 2024 (gig)
4 h
Last night, London got its first proper taste of for King + Country, and wow—what a treat it was. The Smallbone brothers, Joel and Luke, took the stage at Indigo at The O2, bringing their signature mix of heart, talent, and showmanship all the way from Nashville.
Walking onto the stage dressed in old-world military-style jackets, Joel and Luke immediately set a tone that felt timeless and theatrical. While the stage at Indigo is cosy compared to the main O2 arena, they somehow managed to make it work for their nine-and-a-half-piece band. That said, their performance could’ve easily filled the larger venue without missing a beat.
The show kicked off with a beautiful, stripped-back version of ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’, a soft, atmospheric carol that enveloped the room—setting it alight with anticipation. But it wasn’t long before the brothers cranked up the energy, diving into a jubilant ‘Joy To The World’. The holiday cheer began, and the Smallbones immediately had everyone on their feet.
Throughout the night, Joel and Luke kept things fresh, mixing Christmas classics with their original hits. Between songs, they shared memories and cracked jokes about their Australian Christmases, where Frosty the Snowman and roasting chestnuts made little sense under the blazing summer sun.
One moment that really stood out came during ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’. The brothers stepped off the stage and made their way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging smiles. For a venue packed with people, it suddenly felt intimate. It was impossible not to feel a connection with them at that moment—they were hosts welcoming us into their world.
Another highlight came when Joel brought his wife, Moriah Peters, on stage. Together, they performed a stirring rendition of ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain’, and it was pure magic. Moriah’s vocals added an extra layer of richness, and the chemistry between her and Joel was undeniable. It was the kind of moment that felt personal; it felt like we were peeking into a touching family Christmas celebration.
Midway through the night, the pace slowed for something more reflective. Joel and Luke sat down on the edge of the stage, and with sincerity in their voices, they dedicated ‘Unsung Hero’ to their mother. A woman who, as Luke shared, held their family together during some of their darkest times. The song was a love letter not just to their own mother but to mothers everywhere, a tribute that visibly moved many in attendance.
The stories didn’t stop there. Before the intermission, Luke opened up about their collaboration with Compassion, a charity working to end child poverty. He recounted a story about how their family, upon arriving in America, faced overwhelming challenges but was shown generosity in a way they never expected—hospital bills paid by a complete stranger. It was a reminder of the good in the world and a call to action for all of us in the audience to pay it forward.
Next came ‘Silent Night’, and at the band’s urging, the crowd pulled out their phone torches, creating a sea of light that danced across the room as a glitter ball cast sparkles everywhere. For a few minutes, people were part of something bigger, singing along with strangers who suddenly didn’t feel so strange anymore.
The night wasn’t without its fun, too. Luke introduced his 10-year-old son to the stage for a special birthday celebration, and the audience enthusiastically sang Happy Birthday to him. Later, in a heartwarming full-circle moment, he returned to play the role of the ‘Drummer Boy’ during the band’s thunderous rendition of Little Drummer Boy. That final performance was everything you’d hope for—loud, energetic, and full of life. It brought the crowd to their feet and ended the evening on a high that left everyone buzzing.
for King + Country’s debut show was a masterclass in how to combine great, powerful music, heartfelt storytelling, and raw emotion to create something truly special. The night was a reminder to all of us of what makes the Christmas season so special: connection, generosity, and joy. And they did it in a way that felt warm, genuine, and unforgettable.
