Noah Kahan at the O2 Arena

Wednesday evening overlooking the Thames, Noah Kahan kicked off night one of his two-night residency at London’s O2 Arena, marking a monumental occasion as his largest show in the city to date.

Appearing on stage in a full sprint, the evening started off strong as he played Dial Drunk to a roaring crowd of fans. The sound of the entirety of the arena echoing with the lyrics, “Honey, it rang and rang / Even the cops thought you were wrong for hangin’ up / I dial drunk, I’ll die a drunk, I’ll die for you,” was surreal for both the audience, and surely Kahan.

Between his famed quirky anecdotes between songs, he invited a fan to join him in playing guitar during the song Maine, a genuinely touching moment. Kahan’s unpredictable presence led to some other amazing fan-artist interactions. For example, before playing one of his most popular songs Your Needs My Needs, Kahan explained it was written about taking his antidepressants, joking about healthcare in the UK versus the US. A fan then held up their empty box of Zoloft, which Kahan proceeded to sign, giving the crowd a truly unique experience.

Halfway through his set, Kahan descended through the crowd to the back of the venue surrounded by his supporters where he played an unreleased song, as well as She Calls Me Back, stating he “wanted to be as close to the fans as possible”.

Returning to the main stage, Kahan finished out his pre-encore set with a chillingly beautiful performance of Northern Attitude, in which fake snow started falling over himself and all in attendance. Hearing thousands singing along to, “If I get too close / And I’m not how you hoped / Forgive my northern attitude / Oh, I was raised out in the cold,” was nothing short of ethereal.

Closing out the gig by returning kitted out in a Chelsea FC jersey, Kahan played his hit Stick Season, leaving the crowd of his first O2 show on a high. Those present got a taste of Vermont backroads and its frigid winters, and the tales of Noah Kahan’s life through the words of his melancholy indie folk tunes; it was a night neither the fans or Kahan will forget anytime soon.

Kirst Hubbard
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Noah Kahan’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Stick Season here: