For the second night in a row, American country star, Zach Bryan, delivered a true country party for the 65,000 people attending a sold out Day Three at American Express presents BST Hyde Park 2025. The 29-year-old Oklahoma Smokeshow singer invited Dublin singer-songwriter, Dermot Kennedy, on stage for a duet of the much-loved Hey Driver, and supporting artist Noeline Hofmann for Purple Gas.
The show began with an intro of Don’t Look Back In Anger and The Star-Spangled Banner, before Bryan landed on stage in a blue denim shirt and black jeans. Diving straight into his hit song Overtime, he reminded the crowd that he felt like the “luckiest man in the world” to be standing on the famous Great Oak Stage. “Thank you so much for being here, Hyde Park. To be in front of you is such a blessing.”
The string of hits kept coming: Dawns, Motorcycle Drive By, Starved and American Nights soon followed – with absolutely no let up in the chorus of voices echoing through the night. Bryan even took a moment to invite an eager fan, Michaela, on stage to share vocals on Tourniquet. Pink Skies featured at the perfect time – just as the sun went down. “Country music is just about the most beautiful thing in the entire world,” Bryan announced proudly. “It’s pretty hot out here, everyone’s drinking water! Thanks so much for waiting [for us] all day.”
By the time Kennedy joined Bryan for Hey Driver, the audience was well-oiled in recounting every lyric. “He’s one of the kindest men I’ve ever met and I think he’s singing with us,” he announced. “This song is called Hey Driver, and he sings it ten times better than I ever could.”
As the night drew to a close, Oklahoma-born Bryan impressed with a heartfelt Burn, Burn, Burn and party-hit Quittin’ Time. He then took the time to introduce his trusty band. Originating from Oologah (Oklahoma), California, New York City and Texas, the 19-strong musicians consisted of bass and electric guitarists, a drummer, lap-steel guitarist, quintet of string instruments and a six-player brass band.
The two-hour set then came to an end with a big-band extravaganza, featuring country dancing, fireworks and the epic Revival.
Dermot Kennedy, once again, led the supporting line-up this evening, with jaw-dropping vocals that, at moments, had the crowd wide-eyed and in silence. While popular tracks, such as Power Over Me, Rome and Glory were welcomed with screams, Innocence and Sadness had the entire audience in awe.
Having begun his music career busking on the streets of Rathcoole, County Dublin when he was 17, Kennedy was evidently humbled and grateful to be playing to a sold-out audience at BST Hyde Park, performing in front of 65,000 people. “Thank you so much for being here at this time and listening to these songs,” he expressed with sincerity. “I want to play [you] as many songs as I can.”
Turnpike Troubadours opened with the country waltz of The Bird Hunters, leaving the audience in no doubt they were in the presence of class. A galloping Every Girl followed, and then a ferocious Before the Devil Knows We’re Dead. “This is impressive. I get to look out and see this many people singing along with these songs all the way over here in London. Thank you very much,” said singer Evan Felker.
Country sensation Willow Avalon moved up the bill for her second performance on the Great Oak Stage this weekend. “Thank you so much, Zach Bryan, for having us and thank you all for coming out in the sun,” she announced to the by-now sizzling crowd, before launching into the pitch-perfect Something We Regret. “Woo, I hope you’re all drinking lots of water… and lots of alcohol out there. Make it a combo!” she added. The Tequila or Whiskey singer introduced fans to her three-piece band, before the audience clapped along to the springy Homewrecker. “It’s kind of sad sometimes, but if you’re not married by 20 you’re probably going to die alone,” she said by way of an explanation of a song that describes growing up in a small-town Carlton, Georgia, and her previous relationship with a married man. “It’s okay, my tastes are changing now…,” she laughed. When asked about the significance of playing BST Hyde Park, Avalon told us cheerily: “This has been my biggest gig in the world, ever.”
Clad in red cowboy boots, a white tank top and a denim shorts-skirt combo – with a sequin Union Jack across the front – Gabriella Rose was one of the handful of first-time acts on the line-up – coming all the way from Idaho for her Hyde Park debut. “I’m so excited to be here… Also very nervous but this next song was inspired by something that my mother told me at a very young age – and that is, if you’re going to marry an asshole, make sure he’s a rich asshole – because who wants to get cheated on for free?” Her set included the associated Money Makes the Heart Go ‘Round, plus Wait ‘Til I Get My Money Up and Doublewide. “I made this to show some patriotism for you guys today,” she said, explaining the lyrics of the latter, which say: “I’m just like my daddy, made in the USA. If you don’t like it, leave it, take your city ass home.”
Kentucky country-rock band, Ole 60, have had an extraordinary weekend at BST Hyde Park, gathering the masses at The Rainbow Stage for their early evening set. From the singalong friendly Dust to Dust to the emotional Brother Joe, the fivesome had the audience darting from deep contemplation to full on dancing. Thrilled to be on stage on this summer day, the band expressed their thanks to the BST audience several times – reminding everyone this was Tristan Roby and Jacob Young, Ryan Laslie, Aden Wood and Colby Clark debut in the UK.
Canadian Noeline Hofmann, also on the Rainbow Stage, delivered on the back-to-back country tunes – including Purple Gas (originally a collaboration with Zach Bryan) and August.
Kicking off our final day of country music was Waylon Wyatt, who was delighted to be back for a second day at Hyde Park. Bringing together this year’s country music family, Wyatt invited fellow line-up artist, Willow Avalon, to join him on stage for a collaboration on Smoke and Embers.
Under the shade of the Bird Cage stage, Austin’s up-and-coming star, Bo Staloch, introduced his new single Angelina – while Cleburn, Texas’ offering, Angel White, introduced songs from her debut record, Ghost of the West. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Jasper Hodges – who has recently been supporting The Snuts UK tour – joined us from Ramsgate in Kent.
BST Hyde Park returns with more superstars and unique shows. It has become THE place to be in the London summer, a date in the diary for hundreds of thousands of fans every year. This June and July will see more legendary artists take to the stage over three weekends with headliners Olivia Rodrigo (27 June), Zach Bryan (28 + 29 June) Noah Kahan (4 July), Sabrina Carpenter (5 + 6 July), neil young and the chrome hearts (11 July), Stevie Wonder (12 July) and Jeff Lynne’s ELO (13 July) taking over Hyde Park.
Tickets are on sale now
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