Last Friday at Islington Assembly Hall, the legendary Alison Limerick returned to a London headline stage for the first time in years with Come On In – and the title proved fitting from the very first note. The atmosphere inside the packed hall felt less like a comeback and more like a long-overdue reunion, with an audience ready to celebrate both the club classics that made Limerick an icon and the new material pointing firmly toward her next chapter.
Opening the night was Maddox Jones, whose heartfelt set drew heavily from the deluxe edition of his album Still Waiting For The World To Turn. Beginning with “My House,” Jones immediately established an intimate rapport with the crowd, balancing emotional storytelling with polished pop melodies. “21” and “Split the Bill” showcased his knack for reflective songwriting, while “Everyone But Me” carried a soaring chorus that earned one of the biggest responses of his set. By the time he closed with the anthemic “Waiting for the World to Turn,” the audience was fully warmed up for the main event.
When Alison Limerick finally walked onstage to “Make It On My Own,” the reaction was instant and deafening. It was a statement opener – soulful, uplifting, and vocally immaculate. Limerick sounded as rich and commanding as ever, effortlessly moving between house, soul, disco, and R&B across a setlist that celebrated every corner of her career.
“Spirit Rising” and “Working On It” kept the energy building before “Time Of Our Lives” transformed the venue into a full-blown dancefloor. Yet the night was never simply an exercise in nostalgia. Several songs from her forthcoming album SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW hinted at the singer-songwriter’s continued creative growth.
A standout moment came with “Never Knew,” delivered with understated elegance, before Limerick launched into a joyous rendition of “I’m Every Woman” that had the entire room singing along. “Let’s Hold On (To Love)” and new single “Sista Mother Child” brought emotional depth, reminding everyone of the social consciousness and personal experiences that have shaped her music.
By the closing stretch, the energy inside Islington Assembly Hall was euphoric – yet Limerick maintains an effortlessly cool presence, making a compelling run of hits look easy. Yet there was only ever going to be one finale. As the unmistakable opening of “Where Love Lives” rang out, the room erupted. More than three decades after its release, the song remains timeless – a house anthem that can unite any dancefloor. Hearing it performed live in such an intimate setting felt genuinely special.
Come On In was more than a return show. It was proof that Alison Limerick’s music forever resonates with power, joy, and relevance. Backed by her vibrant band, Sista NuSoul, and a devoted audience, she reminded London exactly why her distinct voice should be celebrated.
