Up Close with Toby Lee: A Night of Blues Magic in Nottingham
Toby Lee at The Bodega: A Blues Masterclass in an Intimate Setting
From the moment Toby Lee struck his first chord, The Bodega erupted into a whirlwind of blues mastery. His searing solos and soulful melodies held the crowd captive, mesmerized by a talent far beyond his years. Inches away from his audience, Toby was locked into a musical trance, pouring emotion into every riff as if each note carried the weight of blues legends before him.
Blues sensation Toby Lee has been captivating audiences since he was a child. Born in 2005, he first gained worldwide attention when his tribute video for B.B. King went viral. Since then, he has cemented his status as one of the most exciting young blues guitarists in the world, sharing stages with legends like Joe Bonamassa and winning the Young Blues Artist of the Year award at the UK Blues Awards. With albums such as Aquarius (2021), Icons Vol. 1 (2022), and House on Fire (2024), Toby has evolved into a true blues powerhouse—combining soulful melodies, electrifying solos, and a stage presence that demands attention.
On April 25, 2025, Toby took the stage at The Bodega, an intimate venue where the audience was mere inches away from the action. The venue itself—small, raw, and packed to the brim—felt like the perfect setting for an artist of Toby’s caliber. The closeness of the crowd created an electric atmosphere, amplifying every riff, every soulful note, and every moment of musical magic. The stage lights reflected against Toby’s guitar as he drenched the room in sound, filling the space with a gritty blues intensity that resonated deep in the bones of everyone watching.
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Toby kicked off the night with a brand-new track, “Getaway Driver”—a bold, adrenaline-fueled opener that immediately set the tone. With his guitar singing and the audience locked in, he transitioned seamlessly into the fan-favorite “House on Fire”, igniting a wave of cheers and energy through the packed venue.
Without missing a beat, Toby took a moment to introduce his band, barely pausing before launching into an electrifying jam session. The synergy on stage was undeniable—each musician feeding off one another delivering a raw blues spectacle. Drums thundered, bass lines grooved, and Toby’s guitar cut through with fierce precision, pulling the audience deeper into the magic of live blues at its finest, showcasing the level of talent that comes only from years of dedication and passion for the craft.
Midway through the gig, Toby paused, his expression shifting as he prepared to speak. The room fell silent, sensing the weight of the moment. With deep emotion in his voice, he paid tribute to his late manager Nigel Templeman —a close friend and mentor—who tragically passed away just as the band was about to embark on their tour.
The loss was evident in Toby’s words, his connection to the man who had guided him through so much reflected in every syllable. He dedicated “Safe Ground” to him, his playing raw with sorrow and remembrance. As he poured his emotions into the song, the audience could feel the weight of the tribute—a heartfelt goodbye, wrapped in melody and reverence.
It was a moment that transcended performance; it was personal, intimate, and profoundly moving, serving as a reminder that music is not only entertainment but also a means of healing, tribute, and reflection.
But the night wasn’t without its lighter moments. At one point, a crowd member enthusiastically shouted for Toby to play AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” Toby paused, grinned as he pondered the suggestion, and—without hesitation—expertly launched into a few seconds of the iconic intro. The roof lifted with the cheer from the crowd, their excitement surging as they recognised the legendary riff.
With a mischievous smile, Toby looked up and announced, “You wouldn’t want to hear me sing like Brian Johnson,” sending waves of laughter through the room. It was a reminder that, beyond his extraordinary talent, Toby Lee is a performer who understands how to engage and entertain his audience—not just with music, but with moments of pure joy and connection.
As the set continued, Toby delivered standout performances of “Search for Happiness” and “No Need to Lie”, both packed with heart, grit, and intricate guitar work that further cemented his place as one of the most exciting blues talents of his generation.
For the grand finale, Toby closed with “Fever”, a fiery, hypnotic performance that drove the energy of the night to its peak. Just when the crowd thought the night was wrapping up, Toby gave a knowing smile and—in a perfect moment of showmanship—dropped in the riff to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” nodding to the fan who had requested it earlier in the night. The audience erupted once more, the unexpected encore a thrilling way to cap off an already unforgettable night.
From the first chord to the final note, Toby Lee held The Bodega in the palm of his hand. The intimate setting, the raw emotion, and the electrifying blues mastery made this performance not just a concert, but an experience.
There are many accolades being associated with Lee from the music industry, and witnessing his show at The Bodega tonight, he deserves every ounce of praise he receives. His talent is far beyond his years, and his destiny is surely to grace the iconic stages of the world.
And if you missed this show, here’s the real question—can you afford to miss him again? Toby Lee is touring extensively across the UK throughout the summer, bringing his electrifying blues magic to venues near you. Will you be there when he sets another stage alight? Or will you wait until he’s selling out arenas and wonder why you didn’t see him sooner? A blues guitarist of this caliber should not be missed—so don’t just hear about the legend in the making—be part of it.
Up Close with Toby Lee: A Night of Blues Magic in Nottingham @ Rock News.
