By Paul Clampin, Rock At Night London
OLD DOMINION & KASSI ASHTON Eventim – Hammersmith 29/10/25
Christmas came early to Hammersmith. On a crisp autumn Wednesday, 4,000 country converts poured into the Eventim Apollo, buzzing like kids on Christmas Eve. Old Dominion—Nashville’s wittiest wordsmiths and serial hit-makers—were back in London for the first time since headlining C2C in March 2024. This time they brought the full How Good Is That World Tour arsenal: razor-sharp lyrics, earworm choruses, and a production so seamless it made the competition look like open-mic night.
The fandom was ferocious. Outside the venue, I met superfans who’d already caught the band in London the night before and were now chasing them to Manchester and Glasgow.
Old Dominion: 20 Songs, Zero Filler
The lights snapped off. The opening guitar swell of “Coming Home” detonated. Matthew Ramsey strolled onstage in jeans, snapback, and that effortless grin, and the Apollo instantly became the world’s largest karaoke bar. His voice—warm bourbon over cracked ice—wrapped around every syllable, turning 4,000 strangers into one roaring choir.
This band lives on chemistry. Brad Tursi’s solos flashed like heat lightning; Trevor Rosen’s mandolin twinkled like porch-light stars; the rhythm section of Whit Sellers and Geoff Sprung locked in grooves tighter than a Nashville contract clause. They powered through a tight 20-song set that never sagged.
Production was next-level. A massive LED wall shifted from neon desert highways to pulsing bar signs. During “No Hard Feelings,” lasers carved the air while gold confetti cannons drenched the pit. “I Was On a Boat That Day” saw inflatable flamingos launched into the crowd and the screen explode into crashing waves. Casual charm met arena spectacle—effortless and electric.
And yes, Matthew Ramsey is ridiculously hot. Screams ricocheted off the Apollo’s ornate ceiling every time he flashed that smile.
Kassi Ashton: The Future, Right Now
Opening was Kassi Ashton, a 31-year-old firecracker from California, Missouri, who performs like she’s been headlining since kindergarten. Fringe flying, boots stomping, she seized the stage with a voice that could strip varnish and a grin that could reapply it.
She built instant rapport—teasing the front row, high-fiving security, demanding singalongs before earning them. Her masterstroke? A searing mash-up of Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” that slinked into The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.”
The Verdict
Old Dominion didn’t just play London—they redefined the standard. The hooks burrow into your brain, the lyrics stick like burrs on denim, and the live show leaves you humming “How good is that?” for weeks.
Kassi Ashton isn’t rising—she’s arrived. Mark the name. Sell whatever you need to. This tour is country music at its irresistible best.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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