The Dead South

The Dead South Live at La Riviera, Madrid

About the Event

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the trailblazing bluegrass quartet, The Dead South, descend upon the iconic La Riviera in Madrid on Thursday, 26th March 2026. This is not just another concert; it’s an immersion into a sonic landscape that defies easy categorisation, a potent blend of traditional bluegrass roots, darkly tinged folk storytelling, and an electrifying stage presence that has captivated audiences worldwide. Prepare to be swept away by their signature sound, a raw, powerful, and often surprisingly humorous exploration of life’s grander and grittier themes. The Dead South are renowned for their dynamic live performances, which are as much about shared experience as they are about musical prowess. This promises to be a night where the strings sing, the banjos wail, and the harmonies weave tales that resonate long after the final note has faded.

About The Dead South

Hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan, The Dead South have carved a unique niche in the modern music scene since their formation in 2015. Their distinctive sound is a potent concoction, rooted in the rich traditions of bluegrass and folk music, yet infused with a contemporary edge that appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners. Comprising Nate Hilts on vocals and guitar, Scott Pringle on mandolin and guitar, Danny Kenyon on cello and vocals, and Colton Pace on banjo and vocals, the band’s instrumentation is a cornerstone of their appeal. The deep resonance of the cello, a less common fixture in traditional bluegrass, adds a compelling gravitas and atmospheric depth to their arrangements, often creating a sound that is both haunting and invigorating.

Their breakthrough came with their debut album, Good Company, released in 2016, which garnered significant attention for its raw energy and compelling songwriting. However, it was their sophomore release, Illusion & Doubt, in 2019 that truly propelled them into the global spotlight. This album spawned their most recognisable hits, including the barnstorming “In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company” and the darkly comedic “Bundles”. These tracks, with their catchy melodies, vivid storytelling, and Hilts’s distinctive baritone voice, became anthems for a new generation of folk and bluegrass enthusiasts.

The Dead South’s lyrical content often delves into themes of redemption, mortality, outlaws, and the darker aspects of the human condition, all delivered with a healthy dose of wry humour and a surprisingly optimistic outlook. They possess a remarkable ability to craft narratives that are both intricate and universally relatable, drawing inspiration from folk ballads, Western lore, and personal experiences. Their music is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through song, and their live shows are a visceral experience that further amplifies this connection with their audience. They have consistently demonstrated their ability to translate their studio recordings into explosive live performances, solidifying their reputation as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the independent music scene in recent years.

Venue Information

La Riviera, a historic and beloved venue in the heart of Madrid, offers an intimate and atmospheric setting perfect for experiencing the raw energy of The Dead South. Situated on the banks of the Manzanares River, its distinctive architecture and long-standing reputation as a hub for live music make it a cherished spot for both local music lovers and touring artists. The venue boasts a fantastic sound system and a capacity that allows for an engaging and immersive experience, ensuring that every note and lyric from the band will reach you with clarity and impact. Whether you’re standing in the main floor area or enjoying the view from a vantage point, La Riviera provides an exceptional backdrop for a night of compelling live music. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for a performance that is as dynamic and captivating as The Dead South’s music itself. Their live shows are a masterclass in high-energy bluegrass, infused with the brooding intensity and storytelling prowess that have become their trademark. You can anticipate a setlist that seamlessly blends their most beloved hits with newer material, ensuring a journey through their evolving sound. Expect to hear anthems like the foot-stomping “In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company,” the narrative-driven “Bundles,” and the more introspective “Time For Livin’.” They are known for their passionate delivery, with Nate Hilts’s commanding stage presence and distinctive vocals anchoring the performance. The interplay between the banjo, mandolin, and cello creates a rich tapestry of sound that is both complex and exhilarating, often building to powerful crescendos.

The Dead South are not just musicians; they are storytellers who command the stage with an authentic and engaging presence. Their performances are characterized by a raw, unpretentious energy that draws the audience in, fostering a sense of shared experience. Expect moments of intense musicality, where intricate instrumental passages take centre stage, alongside lyrical passages that will have you hanging on every word. The band’s humour, often dark and delivered with a deadpan wit, also shines through in their live sets, creating a unique blend of gravitas and levity. While the exact duration of the concert can vary, a typical Dead South performance typically runs for around 90 minutes to two hours, encompassing their most popular tracks and offering a substantial and satisfying musical experience. Be prepared for an evening of foot-tapping rhythms, haunting melodies, and the captivating charisma of four musicians at the peak of their powers.

FAQs

Q1: How has The Dead South’s music evolved since their early days? The Dead South’s musical journey has been one of organic growth and refinement. While their core bluegrass and folk roots remain firmly intact, their sound has undoubtedly matured and diversified. Early material, such as that found on their debut album Good Company, showcased a rawer, more stripped-down aesthetic, heavily reliant on traditional instrumentation and Hilts’s distinctive vocal delivery. As they have progressed, particularly with albums like Illusion & Doubt and subsequent releases, they have explored more complex arrangements, incorporating richer vocal harmonies, and occasionally delving into slightly more elaborate sonic textures without ever losing their essential acoustic identity. The cello, an instrument that adds a unique depth to their sound, has also been increasingly integrated into their songwriting and live arrangements, contributing to a more nuanced and atmospheric musical palette. This evolution reflects a band that is confident in its artistic direction, consistently pushing creative boundaries while remaining true to the fundamental elements that make them so captivating.

Q2: Are The Dead South known for audience participation during their shows? While The Dead South don’t typically orchestrate overt singalongs or call-and-response sections in the way some folk acts might, their performances are inherently participatory in spirit. The sheer energy and infectious nature of their music naturally encourage a strong connection with the audience. You’ll find yourself tapping your feet, nodding your head, and likely singing along to familiar choruses, even if not explicitly prompted. The raw emotion and storytelling within their songs create an environment where the audience feels deeply invested in the narrative and the musical journey. Their stage presence is engaging and direct, fostering a sense of shared experience that makes everyone feel part of the performance, rather than just passive observers.

Q3: What kind of lyrical themes can I expect from The Dead South? The Dead South are celebrated for their evocative and often darkly poetic lyrical themes. Their songs frequently explore timeless subjects such as mortality, sin, redemption, love, loss, and the lives of outlaws and wanderers. There’s a strong narrative quality to their songwriting, often drawing inspiration from folk ballads, Western lore, and a keen observation of the human condition. While their subject matter can be serious and at times melancholic, it’s almost always delivered with a distinctive dose of wry humour and a surprisingly robust sense of optimism or resilience. They have a knack for finding the light in the darkness and presenting complex human experiences with a refreshing directness and wit. Expect stories that are both thought-provoking and relatable, delivered with a captivating authenticity.

Q4: Is it common for The Dead South to play covers during their live sets? The Dead South primarily focus on performing their own original material, which is extensive and highly regarded. Their live sets are carefully curated to showcase the breadth and depth of their own songwriting catalogue. While it’s not impossible for them to surprise audiences with an occasional, carefully chosen cover that aligns with their stylistic sensibilities, it is not a regular or defining feature of their performances. Their unique sound and extensive body of work mean they have ample material to fill an entire concert, delivering a truly authentic Dead South experience without relying heavily on covers. Therefore, you can primarily expect an evening dedicated to the powerful and distinctive songs that have made them a global phenomenon.

Q5: What makes The Dead South’s cello player, Danny Kenyon, stand out in their music? Danny Kenyon’s cello playing is a defining characteristic of The Dead South’s unique sound and a key element that sets them apart from many traditional bluegrass ensembles. The cello, often associated with classical music, brings a rich, resonant, and often melancholic depth to their arrangements that is both unexpected and incredibly effective. Kenyon’s playing is far from conventional; he utilises the instrument not just for melodic lines but also for percussive effects, rhythmic drive, and atmospheric textures. His contributions add a dramatic gravitas and a haunting beauty to their songs, creating a sonic foundation that is both powerful and emotionally evocative. He often weaves intricate instrumental passages that are as captivating as the vocal melodies, demonstrating a masterful command of his instrument within the folk and bluegrass context. His presence transforms the typical bluegrass instrumentation, giving The Dead South their distinctive, dark, and compelling sonic signature.