Willow Avalon takes on Manchester Academy 2
The singer brought her 2025 album ‘Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell’ to the North.
Photo: Madeleine Wrigley
Arriving at Manchester Academy 2, packed full of cowboy hats and double denim, it wasn’t long before Willow took to the stage, opening with Pink Pocket Pistol.
Throughout the show, you could feel the love and passion pouring off her and the band. Willow would often spend time playing guitar and dancing around the stage, beaming from ear to ear at her band. This alone showed her love and passion for music.
Willow took time to speak to the audience, too, interacting with a baby on the shoulders of a parent, waving to them. She blushed when her guitarist told people to raise their cowboy hats in the air so we could see how many donned the country outfit for this show. The room was full of peace and love, with the audience singing every line to every song.
A few little girls at the back of the room were singing and dancing with headphones on to muffle the sound, and yet they still hit every beat. It is clear that Willow is rising, and her bubbly personality makes it impossible for you not to smile and have a good time with her as she dances around the stage.
The passion pouring out of her and the storytelling of her songs allow the audience to experience each song in the most amount of detail available, as well as laughing and joking when interacting with the crowd.
She keeps a piece of home with her when she introduces a song with a voice memo from a family member, reminding the audience how much family means to her.
The stage design was simple, with Willow taking front and centre, a spotlight shining sharply on her, highlighting the sparkles from her bedazzled microphone and guitar.
From the back of the audience, you still clearly saw Willow and the band as the lights never impacted the audience. The lighting often focused on the stage and didn’t strobe into the crowd too often. Keeping the lighting aspect relaxed allowed the audience to sing and dance along with Willow. From this show alone, it was clear to see that Willow has a wonderful community surrounding her wherever she goes.
All photos by Madeleine Wrigley.
