The Pack Horse became a haven for soulful storytelling as Mac Adams and Sam Cotton delivered a night of raw talent and heartfelt connection.
From Cotton’s poetic lo-fi set to Adams’ intimate performance, the evening marked a powerful milestone in Adams’ debut tour Never Know.
Sam Cotton and his band opened for Adams. Cotton’s contribution was a masterclass in vibe‑matching intimacy and soulful depth. It was the perfect warm-up for Adams.
Cotton’s live band perfectly complemented his catchy lo-fi beats, creating sounds that evoked the mellow yet poignant charm of musical influences such as Loyle Carner and Tom Misch.
During the set, Cotton let the audience know his usual pianist was absent. Nonetheless, he effortlessly filled the gap, stepping in on keys while still taking lead vocals. This juggling act seemed entirely natural. His ability to command both roles added to the stripped-back charm of the set, displaying his versatility without missing a beat.
Cotton’s performance was elevated by the addition of spotless female backing vocals, which brought pitch-perfect harmony to his emotionally charged spoken word verses.
As the opener, Cotton set the tone with effortless cool and poetic energy, warming the stage beautifully for the night’s headliner, Mac Adams.
As the lights dimmed again and the audience crept even closer to the stage, Adams stepped gracefully into the spotlight.
His presence immediately grounded those in the intimate space. Picking up perfectly from Sam Cotton’s warm and soulful set, Adams launched straight into his own with a quiet confidence, his expressive voice instantly recognised and welcomed by the crowd.
Front and centre in the attentive crowd was Adams’ dad, who had previously introduced himself and was beaming with pride.
When Adams played his only released track, Place Called Home, the room lit up with recognition, as he encouraged singing along to the chorus.
Adams’ lyrics were reflective and vulnerable, especially in moments during songs like Pioneer and Share a Secret, where a hush fell over the room, creating a special bond between performer and listener.
Continuing to showcase his talents, Adams sang and played keyboard with ease as he delivered each song with raw passion and a sense of purpose.
Speaking with Adams before the show, he shared how touring was on his bucket list for 2025. It was clear that he’d put his all into preparing for this gig. It was filled with meaning, connection and the energy of an artist truly stepping into their own.
A highlight of the night was when he spoke about his performance from the night before at Nottingham’s Rough Trade where he signed his name next to many other musicians. Adams made special reference to Olivia Dean, paying a heartfelt tribute to her, calling his cover of her single UFO “an ode to the wonderful woman she is.” His version, reimagined with his own soulful spin, turned the pop favourite into a blissful moment of vulnerability and connection. It was clear the song held personal meaning, and he sang it as though it were his own.
As the set came towards an end, Adams wrapped up the night with Never Know, offering one of the most honest moments of the evening. Singing the lyrics, “If I never knew how to keep my mother’s jewellery box closed,” Adams pointed to the glittering choker around his neck that had caught the light all night. It was a nod to his identity and his artistry unapologetically entwined.
It was clear this first ever tour, and his second only show outside of London, was more than just a milestone – it was a powerful and personal exchange amongst family, friends, fellow musicians and fans.
As he thanked B23 Collective for helping put the tour together, the Pack Horse became a haven for musical connection.
It’s clear that Mac Adams is only just beginning a journey that will take him far, with a growing audience eager to follow.
Mac Adams’ next single, Never Know, is due to be released on 18th July.
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Photography by Jazz Jennings.
