You could feel it before a single note was played, this was never going to be just another tour stop. With Elles Bailey closing her Can’t Take My Story Away tour at the Picturedrome, expectations were already sky-high. Somehow, the night still managed to exceed them.
Arriving early with a VIP ticket proved to be more than worthwhile. Stripped back to just voice, guitar, and conversation, Elles created an intimate pre-show experience that felt genuinely personal. Taking questions, sharing stories, and performing a handful of songs, she reminded everyone exactly why her connection with fans runs so deep. There was no barrier, just artist and audience on equal footing.
As the venue filled and anticipation built, something else became apparent: cameras dotted around the Picturedrome hinted that this final night might be captured for posterity. If so, it’s hard to imagine a better setting or a better performance to preserve.
Support came from Caitlin Krisko and her band Caitlin Krisko and the Broadcast, performing tonight as a duo. Fresh from their wedding, what began as a tour slot had turned into something of a working honeymoon. The reduced lineup did nothing to diminish their impact. In just 35 minutes they delivered a set brimming with soul, warmth, and technical brilliance.
Highlights included “Blue Heron,” a stirring take on “Drown in My Own Tears,” and a standout performance of “Haunted By You,” which showcased Caitlin’s remarkable vocal control and emotional depth. By the end of their set they had undoubtedly won over a wave of new fans, many of whom will surely return when the full band tours the UK later this year.
Elles Bailey’s arrival on stage was as heartfelt as it was fitting. Taking a moment to personally introduce her support act in a storytelling style, she once again demonstrated her generosity not just as a performer, but as a person. Opening with the tour’s title track, the set immediately found its stride. “Growing Roots” brought a laid-back groove enriched by brass and Hammond organ, while “Better Days” offered a poignant tribute to the late Matt Long, a moment that carried real emotional weight.
The band were in sublime form throughout. Demi Marriner added stunning vocal layers on “Help Somebody,” while Jonny Henderson’s Hammond playing soared across the set. A duet cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “Love Me Like a Man” with Caitlin Krisko was a particular highlight, blending two powerhouse voices to thrilling effect.
“1972” turned the venue into a full-blown retro party, while “Angel” saw explosive brass work from Paul Jordanous. Then came “Let It Burn” a true centrepiece. With Bailey stepping behind the keys alongside Henderson, the performance built into a breathtaking crescendo, complete with a blistering solo from Joe Wilkinson. Closely followed by ‘“Tightrope” another emotional intense song hit the audience like a double whammy.
The latter part of the set leaned into the glowing, introspective tones of Beneath the Neon Glow. Tracks like “Love Yourself” and “Leave the Light On” transformed the Picturedrome into a sea of connection and shared emotion, while “If This Is Love” had the entire crowd clapping along beneath the venue’s warm lights.
The encore was the perfect send-off: a sultry, commanding “What’s The Matter With You” followed by the triumphant “Take A Step Back.” If there were ever doubts about how Elles studio work would translate live, this performance erased them entirely. Songs from Can’t Take My Story Away and Beneath the Neon Glow didn’t just coexist—they elevated each other, forming a cohesive and dynamic live experience.
What truly set the night apart, however, was the sense that something significant had happened. If the rumours are true and this show was recorded, it has all the makings of a landmark live album. Forget comparisons to legendary venues on this evidence, Holmfirth deserves its place firmly on the musical map. Elles Bailey is operating at the very peak of her powers. This wasn’t just a gig it was a statement. And for those lucky enough to be there, it’s one that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
With special thanks to Claire at Central Press PR and to Elles and her team for the media access and warm hospitality.
Photos by David Pickles.
