Live Review: Teddy Swims – 11th November 2024 – Eventim Apollo, London, UK

Georgia-born Teddy Swims, the American singer-songwriter, rose to prominence after the single “Lose Control” from his first studio album (2023’s I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) ) was a top ten hit worldwide. His international tour for the album included stops in Europe and as far away as Australia and New Zealand, as well as a string of festivals. He announced he’ll expand and extend the tour to arenas in 2025 after the release of I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), including two shows at London’s O2 Wembley Arena in March.

We caught his show Nov 11 at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London. Taking the stage promptly at 9pm, he was greeted enthusiastically by the VERY packed house and kicked off the show with Goodbye’s Been Good To You from the Therapy Pt 1 album and worked his way through songs from the album and a few of his better known singles.

From what little I could see pinned up against the very back wall of the floor, he was dressed casually in jeans, flannel long-sleeved shirt and a baseball cap which matched his casual, relaxed performance style. With only his band supporting him, there are no background vocalists (and certainly no dancers), he transitioned between songs with only the occasional short comment or very brief sidenote. His unique blend of pop, rock, country, and soul is grounded by his incredible vocals. He seems to effortlessly project enormous volume, but in a way that is still immensely comforting probably due to his remarkable intonation (I didn’t hear him even slightly off key all night). His voice has a wonderful and warm raspiness that is perfectly imperfect, and lands in the most pleasant spot in the hear. He is truly a joy to listen to.

In between his own songs, he mixed in a few covers and collaborations including a very well-received cover of Shania Twain’s You’re Still The One (while being joined by up-and-comer Raiche), as well as All That Really Matters, his song with Illenium which was fantastic.

Finally, after an hour and 20 minute show, he played an encore that included his big hit Lose Control and the extremely catchy tune The Door to close out the incredible set.

Setlist:
Goodbye’s Been Good to You)
What More Can I Say
Broke
911
Bad Dreams
Hammer to the Heart
All That Really Matters
Devil in a Dress
Sara Smile (Daryl Hall & John Oates cover)
Funeral
Apple Juice
Simple Things
You’re Still the One (Shania Twain cover) (with Raiche)
Some Things I’ll Never Know
Bed on Fire

Encore:
Tell Me
Lose Control
The Door

Robert Lee

::: Renowned For Sound Technical Director and Film Reviewer ::: Robert is an IT geek, movie fan and part-time movie reviewer/editor. Robert also looks after the ‘behind the scenes’ technical elements of Renowned For Sound.