Christone “Kingfish” Ingram returned to the UK with a performance that confirmed exactly why he is seen as the future of the blues. I last saw him on the Mediterranean Blues Cruise in 2023, and even then he was a force of nature. On this night in Wolverhampton, he somehow raised the bar again.
Words: Stephen Harrison | Images: Taf Rock
The show opened with Dylan Triplett, who set the tone with a punchy, funk-driven blues set that grabbed the crowd straight away. He was followed by Mathias Lattin, whose appearance felt like a reunion. His silky guitar work and smooth vocals were every bit as impressive as I remembered from that cruise stage. A joy to watch.
When Kingfish finally stepped out, backed by keys, drums and bass, the room shifted. His growth as a performer is remarkable. Each song feels like he is pushing himself, lifting the energy, and finding new emotional depth. Material from his new album Hard Road hit hard, especially Voodoo Charm, which wrapped the audience in its atmosphere and showcased how far his vocals have evolved.
Been Here Before remains a standout. Lines like “No milk for my cornflakes” and his grandmother’s wise words “Child, you been here before” cut through the noise of the room. It is blues storytelling at its finest, rooted in struggle, memory and spirit.
A mid-set walkabout brought the crowd to life as Kingfish moved through the audience, guitar blazing, never losing intensity. The finale was a knockout, as Dylan Triplett and Mathias Lattin joined him for a superb version of Who Knows, each musician pushing the other higher.
This was an exceptional gig from an artist who continues to evolve in real time. Kingfish is not just carrying the blues forward. He is reshaping it. The genre is in safe hands for years to come.
Don’t forget to read our November issue with Kingfish on the cover: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70845109/blues-matters-155-nov-2025
