WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
The Dead South brought their unique blend of rockin’ bluegrass to the iconic O2 Apollo in Manchester. Hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, this folk-bluegrass quartet—led by Nate Hilts (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Scott Pringle (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Danny Kenyon (cello, bass, vocals), and Colton Crawford (banjo)—delivered a performance that was equal parts raw energy and musical ingenuity. The Apollo, steeped in history and having hosted legendary acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Oasis, provided a fitting backdrop for the band’s powerful, foot-stomping show.
As the house lights dimmed, a menacing banjo filled the venue. “Hello, we’re The Dead South,” announced Hilts, setting the tone for an evening that would take the audience on a journey through their three studio albums. The band, dressed like Canadian Mormons in big hats, white shirts, black trousers, and braces, looked every bit the part of a wild-west troupe as they played in front of a brilliant stage set resembling an old Wild West town.
Their sound—acoustic guitar, mandolin, cello, banjo, and a kick drum for rhythm—captures the spirit of bluegrass with a modern twist, infusing punk energy into their performances. The crowd, a diverse mix of young and old, was decked out in “Dead South uniform”—black ties, grandad shirts, black jeans, braces, trucker caps, checked shirts, and cowboy boots. Dedicated fans turned out in force, knowing they were in for a wild night of music that would straddle bluegrass, country, indie, and more.
The setlist spanned the band’s discography plus a few new songs for good measure. The harmonies—often delivered in three or four parts—were flawless, with each member contributing their own distinct tones and textures. Hilts’ gravelly voice, sounding like he’d smoked 20 cigarettes and drank whiskey all night, was gruff in parts but smooth and controlled when needed. Danny Kenyon’s double bass playing was a standout—plucking, strumming, and bowing with precision and power.
The Dead South’s songs feel timeless, as if they belong in a Clint Eastwood spaghetti western, with dusty one-horse towns and showdowns at twilight. Their ability to evoke such vivid imagery with their music is one of their greatest strengths. The audience was treated to both familiar hits and new tracks, with many songs showcasing the band’s signature abrupt tempo changes—a Dead South specialty that keeps their live performances unpredictable and exciting.
Hilts wrung every bit of emotion from his voice, especially during songs about regret and lives gone wrong. The band, often referred to as “Mumford and Sons’ evil twins,” fully leaned into their dark, gritty sound, making the night feel like a journey through time to a place where outlaws roam and heartache reigns supreme.
By the time the set ended, the crowd was fully immersed in The Dead South’s world—one where bluegrass meets punk, and where harmonies that The Beatles would be proud of soar through the air. The Dead South have carved out a unique niche in the music world.
For fans of The Dead South, the night was pure brilliance. For newcomers, it was a revelation. Either way, everyone left the O2 Apollo with the memory of a band that takes you back in time, to dusty towns and untold stories—and does it with a smile, a stomp, and a hell of a lot of passion. I enjoyed every minute.
SET LIST
(from previous nights show, so might be slightly different)
1/ Snake Man Pt. 2
2/ 20 Mile Jump
3/ Boots
4/ The Recap
5/ Gunslinger’s Glory
6/ That Bastard Son
7/ Black Lung
8/ Tiny Wooden Box
9/ A Little Devil
10/ In Hell I’ll Be in Good Company
11/ Honey You
Encore
12/ Clemency
13/ Completely, Sweetly
14/ Broken Cowboy
15/ Banjo Odyssey
FOLLOW THE DEAD SOUTH
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
