Live Review

LP Brings the All Is Not Lost Tour to London

Words by The Pit Standard · Photography by Marianne Brits

LP at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London — 2026-11-03

LP has a voice that is difficult to mistake for anyone else's. A distinctive rasp, an extraordinary upper range and those unmistakable whistle notes make for a formidable combination, but there is considerably more to Laura Pergolizzi as a live performer than vocal ability alone. At O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, LP delivered a performance full of personality, musicality and the sort of natural confidence that cannot be manufactured.

The All Is Not Lost Tour brought LP to London for an evening that showcased their range as a musician and performer. Comfortable, relaxed and entirely self-assured, LP has a swagger that feels instinctive rather than rehearsed. They don't appear to be trying to command attention; it comes naturally. Whether moving across the stage, picking up an instrument or stepping into a demanding vocal passage, they look completely at ease.

That confidence is matched by a voice that remains one of their greatest assets. LP can move from a lower, rough-edged delivery into soaring notes with remarkable control, shifting between vulnerability and full-throttle power without losing the character of a song. The whistle register is particularly impressive, but it's the way they use their voice that makes the difference. There's grit, texture and personality, rather than a performance concerned simply with demonstrating vocal range.

The whistling is worth singling out. It's such a recognisable part of LP's musical identity that it would be easy to treat it as a signature flourish, but hearing it live makes clear just how accomplished they are. The precision is extraordinary, with notes controlled and expressive enough to carry a melody in their own right. Far from being an occasional party trick, it's an integral part of the music.

LP also moves naturally between instruments, bringing the ukulele and acoustic guitar into the performance alongside electric guitar. Each change brings a different feel to the music, allowing for more stripped-back passages before the arrangements open up again. Their involvement in the music extends well beyond the vocals; LP is hands-on with the sound throughout.

“Shelly” and “Amnesia”, both from Room 12, featured in the set, bringing two of the album's tracks into the live performance. “Amnesia” offered a particularly strong showcase for LP's vocal delivery, while “Shelly” gave their songwriting room to breathe. “You Want It All” brought another energy to the evening.

Before introducing “Long Way to Go to Die”, LP spoke about how some people can make you feel bad for being successful, and whether that ever makes you hate singing a particular song. Their answer was heartfelt: they love singing these beautiful songs, particularly when they mean something to them and to the people listening. They said they felt grateful to be able to do this, thanking the audience for coming. It was a sincere moment that offered a glimpse into how much the music and its connection with listeners means to them. “Long Way to Go to Die” followed, its darker, more forceful character providing a different outlet for LP's voice.

The songwriting translates particularly well to the stage. LP doesn't need to overcomplicate a melody or push every line towards a dramatic finish. Sometimes a change in phrasing or a little rasp at the end of a note is enough. That instinct for knowing when to hold back and when to let loose is part of what makes the performance so engaging.

2026 marks ten years since “Lost on You” became LP's breakthrough song, and it remains a defining moment in their career. But the connection people have with LP extends well beyond one track. Blues influences, an alternative-rock edge and an instinct for an infectious pop melody all feed into a sound that resists easy categorisation. Their songwriting has an individuality that comes through regardless of the arrangement or instrumentation.

While LP is unquestionably the focal point, the musicians alongside them were exceptional and deserve recognition in their own right. Andrew Berkeley Martin, J Ryan Kern, Jermaine from the South and Ben Hilzinger make for a formidable live band, each bringing their own personality to the performance.

Martin has a particularly striking stage presence, with a glam-rock look that feels entirely at home in this setting. Jermaine from the South brings his own distinctly 70s-inspired style, giving the group a visual character that is as individual as the music. There's no sense of a uniform stage image here; each musician has their own identity, and it works.

Musically, they are just as impressive. Martin's guitar work brings bite and character, Kern adds depth to the arrangements, Jermaine provides a solid foundation on bass, and Hilzinger's drumming supplies plenty of drive and precision. The musicians work together exceptionally well, giving the songs weight where needed while leaving room for the more delicate moments. They aren't simply reproducing the recordings; there's a genuine sense of a band playing together, and their contribution adds considerably to the performance.

One of the most striking things about LP is the affection they receive from their audience. This is clearly a devoted following, with fans who don't just attend a show and move on to the next concert. Some follow LP from city to city, and one particularly dedicated fan has attended more than 50 shows. That level of commitment says a great deal about the connection LP has built with their listeners.

It's not difficult to understand the appeal. LP has an openness, an easy-going quality and a sense of humour that makes them approachable without diminishing their presence as a performer. The connection goes beyond familiarity with the songs; people clearly feel invested in the artist, and that enthusiasm is evident in the room.

Ten years on from “Lost on You”, LP remains an artist who is difficult to reduce to one song. Shepherd’s Bush Empire got the full picture: an accomplished musician, a compelling performer and a songwriter with far more to offer than their best-known hit.

For We Plug Good Music https://www.wepluggoodmusic.com/