Review: October London @ O2 Shepherds Bush Empire Sunday 26/1/25
When you hear a voice as refreshingly divine and impeccable as October London’s, you realise that what the world needs now — long overdue — is definitely another love song! (Sorry, Bleek Gilliam!)
Picture this: the band rolls the drums, elevating the musical vibrations as the crowd anticipates the main man… His birth month as his namesake, the other half plucked from an image of a night skyline of this city. October London enters the stage, looking effortlessly fresh in a dark suit, white open-collared shirt (with cufflinks), and the shiniest shoes. Add a pair of shades and a glass of dark liquor (October’s Bourbon, perhaps?) perched beside his mic—it all equates to a smooth jazz-club swoonster vibe. Yet, Mr London carries himself humbly and tastefully so, simply doing his thing—seemingly effortlessly.
He starts the show to a room full of cheers from a beautifully diverse audience — after all, we’re in London!
His performance was clean—nothing extra, nothing unnecessary. He was just… so. From his velvety voice to the grateful, audible response of the audience, it was clear he had many fans in the room. And if they weren’t before, they certainly must have left impressed! The crowd played along, happily responding to his call-and-response:
“Do you have your passport? Do you have your visa? Do you want to come with October to America…?”
October London has his own sound — diverse and versatile. His vocals often echo Marvin Gaye, as his album The Rebirth of Marvin suggests.
At times, you can also hear sprinkles of Silk Sonic, especially when he sang “3rd Shift.” October could certainly hold his own alongside Bruno and Anderson—and in fact, he already has, collaborating on “From Here.”
He shares that he expresses himself through many genres: Country, Pop, Reggaetón, Jazz… and tonight, he delivered a variety of songs. I would have loved to hear more (#greedy!) Lover’s Interlude, Back to Your Place, 3rd Shift, She Keeps Calling, Mulholland Drive, Kill Shot (a smooth alternative to Nas’ Made You Look, in my opinion) — amongst others.
Between songs, he shared insight into his journey, how the world was once about to gain a new truck driver before fate intervened, and we unknowingly almost missed out on October’s soul-satisfying sound. But the universe had other plans.
Thanks to a fateful meeting with Jazze Pha (T.I., Ciara), October’s track “Colorblind” made its way to Snoop Dogg — and that was his sign on the dotted line moment.
He told us how he completed The Rebirth of Marvin in just one week. And whenever doubt crept in, Snoop, in between puffs, reassured him:
“Don’t worry about it, nephew…”
October’s advice? If you feel it, go for it. Keep going until you can’t stop.
The band, except for the guitarist, was UK-based and made a superb effort learning the music for the tour. A little more chemistry would have been great, but that’s something that takes time to cement.
We were introduced to his guitarist, RJ from Birmingham, Alabama—whom October [fondly] refers to as an asshole. His right-hand man! Why asshole? Because, as October puts it, “When RJ plays a tune, I’m compelled to sing.”
That led to a nice impromptu rendition of Usher’s “Nice & Slow”—which the crowd immediately joined in on, phones out, recording en masse. (That does look odd when you’re watching from the upper deck!) It was great to see him flex his vocal range in spontaneous moments—and honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of Usher?
Still, I was perfectly content just hearing October London’s own tunes!
Later, RJ had his solo moment, strumming another supercharged riff. October called for some audience participation, launching into the Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark”, then smoothly transitioned for the hip-hop heads, nodding to Ice Cube with “Today Was a Good Day.” And indeed, it was!
Seems like there’s something about Indiana and its musical gifts—The Jacksons, Babyface, and now, October London.
As the show neared its end, October expressed his gratitude to the audience before powerfully swooping into “She Keeps Calling Me” (my favourite!) I just love the way the beat drops after the musical pause—and when those brass instruments come in? Pure magic.
But that wasn’t the end.
We were treated to an encore of “Back to Your Place.” So fine. So Mr Gaye.
With time and experience, a little more pizzazz in his big-stage presence could take him even higher. But all in all? October London gave us something special — musical HOPE.
Walking away into the pouring rain (London again!), I had extra favourites ringing in my head:
“3rd Shift” (ah-chic-a-ah-ooh) & “Mulholland Drive”, “I wanna get away from the world…”
Sounds like a magical plan.
Try adding them to your playlist — tell me you’re not converted… and I’ll give you some Q‑tips!
‘Til next time…


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