LIVE REVIEW: ROBYN RED - THE PADDOCK STAGE - BUCKLE & BOOTS 2026
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
It was slightly disappointing to see Robyn Red solo opening the Paddock Stage on Saturday - the same stage she had headlined the previous year - where Robyn and her band put on one of the best displays of the weekend. In terms of musicality and showmanship, from her elegant dress revealing arrival, to her final sign off, it was a Main Stage performance and that was surely where she should have been placed this year. However like Kezia Gill this year celebrating her graveyard slot beginnings, by opening Sunday's Main Stage again, the same idea seems to have been applied to Robyn Red.
Fair play though, ever the professional, she was there with her guitar and stomp pedal, as was much of the crowd who had witnessed that performance by the look of it, who greeted her like a homecoming queen.
After an introduction from Gavin Chittock that duly paid homage to the level of performer taking to the stage it was time to start. With a few guitar strums, it was straight into "California's Looking Good On You", little gems in trousers, catching the light giving an extra little sparkle to the occasion. Robyn's first appearance at Buckle & Boots in 2023 was like this playing solo, however the development since then is immeasurable. At one point her guitar strap became detached, which might have thrown her slightly in 2023, this years model did not even drop a beat other than a wry smile. The volume, the stomp, the power of the vocals - everyone knew that this was a show to see.
More signs of the performer she has become, came with "10 Years On", it was calm measured, and authoritative. The extended "10 Years On" just before the song speeds up was marvelously extended. The murder of "Luke Jackson" always raises a smile, if only for when Robyn has to reassure us that the real life singer Luke Jackson is still alive. Slowing things down, Robyn announce that with a broad smile that "My World Is Yours" is going to be used as a wedding song. The acoustic format only shone more light at just how much power an emotion Robyn can generate with seemingly little effort.
The new single "Country Road Blues", became an immediate crowd favourite, with its immediate country feel rippling out, there was an immediate atmosphere created with the crowd clapping along. As people will find out, the recorded version is full of life and Robyn did a great job trying to evoke that feeling. The muted response to the question "Are you up for a singalong?" led her to chide the crowd with an "Are you sure?", yet soon even the Main Stage must have heard the singing and clapping emanating from the Paddock Stage. The announcement that party mayhem of "Just Need The Wine" was to be her last was met by a tent of disapproving "Ahh's", unhappy that the enjoyment was being curtailed.
It was a blistering way to finish, met by probably the most rawkus applause of the weekend from the Paddock Stage.
Robyn Red will be bringing her Red Hat to Country Calling Aug 14th-16th for a show not to be missed.
