It’s been about 12 months since Sunny Sweeney has been in the UK, and her 2024 UK tour is starting off with a bit of deja vu - The 1865 was the final venue played in 2024 and the first of 2024.

One thing that hasn’t changed in that time is the fact that Sunny and Harley (Husbands, her sideman and guitarist) are still thinking about the petrol they “stole” somewhere near Luton last time they were here. Another thing that hasn’t changed in the last 12 months is how damn good Sunny and Harley are.

Quick side note… if it feels like I’m mentioning Harley a lot already it’s because he’s an integral part of the show, not only in the music (he’s a wicked guitarist) but also in the stories Sunny tells.

So, back to how good those guys are… a Sunny Sweeney show is not just about the music, it’s about the stories she tells. Those stories range from how the songs were written - and her list of co-writers is as awesome as they come… Erin Enderlin, Brennen Leigh, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, it goes on - to stories of the mischief that she’s got up to on the road and in life.

The 1865 is an interesting, with the vibe of a working mans club and laid out with tables in the style of a cabaret club. The stage is huge and the acts tower over the crowd in the venue but none of that held Sunny back, as she said herself she’s been doing this for long enough. The one thing that does play on her nerves is how “respectful” the UK crowds are - and we’re a quite bunch, very quiet on a Tuesday in Southampton.

The songs then… well there’s a focus on Provoked and Still Provoked, the 10th anniversary version of Sunny’s breakout record. We get the UK debut (?) of ‘My Own Lane’, as well as a terrific ‘Backhanded Compliment‘ (there’s a sequel coming apparently!) and ‘Better Bad Idea’. 2022’s Married Alone is covered by a really poignant ‘A Song Can’t Fix Everything’, and my favourite Sunny record Trophy by songs like ‘Pills” and another beautiful rendition, this time of ‘Grow Old With Me’.

This is the fourth time I’ve seen Sunny live in the last couple of years and she puts on a great show each time. If you want to see live music with heart, with sass, with guts, and with honesty then there’s no better in the business.

Find out more about Sunny, including her tour dates, on her official website. Check out where she is (not in a weird stalky way) on Instagram.