Richard Hawley at Hackney Church

2024 has been a standout year for Richard Hawley, releasing his tenth studio album In This City They Call You Love to acclaim, charting at number five in the album chart. He and his band rounded off the year with a sellout show in the intimate surroundings of Hackney Church with a set of just under two hours, covering over 20 years of his solo career in stunning fashion, showing the breadth of his back catalogue and how effortlessly he can shift through Americana, folk, indie and more.

Before Hawley took to the stage, the crowd were treated to a raucous set from Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, rattling through tracks from their album This Could Be Texas. Lily Fontaine’s vocals were on fine form and the group’s sound, which incorporates elements of post-punk and art rock, suiting the acoustics of the venue. The stellar World’s Biggest Paving Slab was fully charged, while the slower buildup of Albert Road was a fine way to cap a set that showcases why the band are held in such high regard after a year to remember, with plenty to look forward to in 2025.

Hawley’s sound can be quite mellow but the set offered a glimpse at an edgier side of the Sheffield artist. Opening with the almost prog rock sounds of She Brings the Sunlight and bluesy twang of Two For His Heels, really set the tone for the 19-track set that contained material from seven of his studio albums, built heavily around his latest LP but finding room for fan favourites, scattered throughout.

Hawley’s sound was bolstered by two accompanying guitarists, adding extra oomph that worked well in the surroundings. The more acoustic Prism in Jeans, one of the highlights from his most recent album went down a storm, segueing wonderfully into Open Your Door, one of his most recognisable tracks.

Just Like the Rain off Coles Corner was a treat to behold live, showing how well Hawley’s voice has held up, close to 20 years after the album’s release. Tonight the Street’s are Ours felt celebratory and the full-capacity crowd made themselves heard, making the venue seem several sizes bigger.

The setlist really found a perfect balance between softer ballads like Coles Corner and Heavy Rain with more expansive sounds that show his evolution as an artist and versatility. Hawley had the audience in the palm of his hands, with his modest comments endearing them further.

A small contained venue like Hackney Church really suited Richard Hawley’s sound with his vocals soothing the soul while shifting through genres with an effortless ease that spotlights his prowess as a guitarist and songwriter, remarking that he wrote Just Like The Rain at 16 years old. This was a victorious show that saw off a stellar year for one of Sheffield’s finest.

Christopher Connor
Photos: Mike Garnell

For further information and future events visit Richard Hawley’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Prism in Jeans here: