Gig Review: Kezia Gill – Rock City Nottingham Feb 2026

21 February 2026 rocknews

Kezia Gill Live Review Rock City Nottingham: A Homecoming Masterclass

Tonight’s show was far more than just another date on a tour schedule; it was a homecoming celebration in the truest sense. For Nottingham’s own Kezia Gill, returning to this legendary stage represented the pinnacle of a 20-year journey, and the massive crowd of supporters provided the electric atmosphere of a party rather than a standard gig. In this Kezia Gill Live Review Rock City Nottingham, we look at how a local hero turned a rock venue into a world-class country honky-tonk.

The Support: Alyssa Bonagura

Nashville’s Alyssa Bonagura, who also produced Kezia’s upcoming album All On Red, opened the night with fantastic songwriting and rock-and-roll edge. Marking her first time on the main stage, she commanded the room with ease. Her set was a driving journey through tracks like “Train” and “New Wings,” including a standout transition where she blended her original “Wild” into a soaring cover of KT Tunstall’s “Other Side of the World”.

Alyssa also shared the history of her single “Hippies,” highlighting the intimate storytelling that has made her a sought-after Nashville collaborator.

Kezia Gill Live Review – Build-Up and The Heart of the Night

As Alyssa left the stage, the air in the venue shifted to heavy anticipation. When the house lights finally dimmed, the welcome was deafening. While full-band openers like “Life You Always Dreamed Of” and “Dublins Outta Whiskey”kept the energy high, this Kezia Gill Live Review Rock City Nottingham must highlight the moment the night truly shifted gears: when the band departed for the solo segment.

Standing alone under the spotlight with her acoustic guitar, Kezia was in her element, sharing personal stories with the very people who have supported her career—many standing just 10 feet away. She spoke candidly, noting that there are only two men in her life: her father and her husband. What followed was a poignant tribute to her father—her biggest musical influence—as she performed “Local Man Star”. With the crowd singing every word in unison, it was a moment of pure, transcendent connection.

She was then joined by her pianist for “Girl of Your Dreams,” further demonstrating her absolute grip on the room. As the acoustic segment concluded, her husband walked onto the stage to collect her guitar, and a brief, tender kiss between the two served as a beautiful reminder of the support system behind her 20-year career.

Synergy and Songwriting: Whiskey In A Wine Glass

Kezia shared the charming origin story of “Whiskey In A Wine Glass,” co-written with Alyssa in Nashville. She recounted an after-gig celebration where Alyssa, finding no whiskey glasses left, accepted a wine glass with the line: “Whiskey in a wine glass—I’ll take it”. Sharing the story of the two artists creative synergy, the performance itself was a brilliant, high-energy showcase for Kezia and her band.

Kezia Gill Live Review – Theatrics and Spectacle: Money in the Bank

True to the “rock star” energy she has honed over two decades, the night featured grand theatrics that transformed the venue. Following a short excursion off-stage, Kezia returned to the spotlight transformed, sporting a vibrant red fur coat and sunglasses to launch into “Money in the Bank”. As the song reached its peak, she ventured out onto the crowd barriers, towering over the front rows. Raising her hand high, she revealed a “money gun” and began firing fake dollar notes into the air, driving the crowd into a frenzy.

A Rock City First: The Honky Tonk Takeover

RockNews witnessed a truly unprecedented moment during this Kezia Gill Live Review Rock City Nottingham. During the performance of “If Heaven Has A Honky Tonk,” Kezia instructed her fans—many of whom had arrived in their best cowboy hats and boots—on the specific steps for a line dance. Instead of a mosh pit, a massive, coordinated line dance erupted across the entire floor. The energy was so infectious that Kezia joined in, venturing deep into the crowd to finish the song surrounded by dancing fans.

The Grand Finale: This House Would Sing

To close the regular set, the synergy on stage became the focal point as Kezia was joined by her support act, singer and producer Alyssa Bonagura, for a stirring performance of “This House Would Sing”. The abundant energy between them confirmed the “long lost ginger sisters” bond they have shared since first meeting in Franklin. Seeing the two “ginger sisters from another mister” harmonising together was a heartwarming conclusion to the main set.

For the encore, Kezia returned in a red denim jacket emblazoned with “Miss Benidorm” for a roof-raising finale of “Oh Benidorm”.

Kezia Gill Live Review – The Rock News Verdict

There is no denying that Kezia Gill is an artist at the very top of her genre. Seeing her at any gig is special, but no other show could compare to the raw emotion and celebration witnessed in Nottingham tonight. For this Kezia Gill Live Review Rock City Nottingham, the conclusion is simple: I’m glad I got to witness it.