SAMANTHA FISH, an internationally renowned guitarist and singer-songwriter whose talent is incredibly inspiring, is known for her slide guitar skills and her intense performances that we have likened to “starlight filtering through smokefall.” We were looking forward to her show at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Saturday, February 28th 2026.
Audiences have been consistently captivated by Sam’s unparalleled fiery passion, her bold creativity, and the emotional depth of her songwriting, and her signature rock and soul creations.
This marked Sam’s second visit to the famous former BBC Television Theatre, which was the site of ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’ filming and Amy Winehouse’s recording of “I Told You I Was Trouble.”
Following their rendition of MC5’s 1969 track “Kick Out The Jams,” a wild and boisterous piece that energized Sam’s band, the vibrations from “Paper Doll” were high-pitched and sharp, striking the audience’s emotions and causing a visceral reaction in the London crowd. This song featured a gritty, fragmented beat and a distinctive feline vocal, to serve as a rock ‘and ‘n’ roll allegory about revenge. The song is the title track from Sam’s 2025 album. Like a reaping hook of retribution, it whipped-out across the Empire!
Like a reaping hook of retribution,
RAW RAMP
it whipped-out across the Empire!
Ron Johnson (bass) wore a wide brim fedora, with Mickey Finn (keys and tambourine) sporting a ‘Kango’ fisherman’s look, and Sam herself, (always looking a million dollars) on the stage, shining in a tight side-lace black one-piece.
“How ya doin’ yall…” she shouted across the heads of the adoring crowd at the packed-out venue (two long queues had formed along the West side of the Bush with fans waiting at least an hour for the doors to open!) The edgy construction of “I’m Done Runnin’” incorporated super-polished guitar and rinds of pure percussion; as the song’s lyrical content touched on future excitement and reflected on past regrets. This number’s rhythm and beat radiated across the Empire with unbridled eager energy. As expected, Fish’s skilled slide-guitar performance shone here, her notes sent, like sparkling glints of silver, across the vitality delivered by the band…. the piece climaxed into a fireball of delight!
“Sweet Southern Sounds” was a kind and benevolent gift, featuring smooth organ sounds and abundant gospel-soul devotion.
The guitar riff in ‘Lose You’ was undeniable and created a sense of eager anticipation. It was a bluesy rock ‘n’ roll number, dense with sonic detail, and boasted a compelling verse with an irresistible, sing-alongable chorus.
A standout moment at the London show was when Sam was handed her cigar box guitar by the tech. She proceeded to draw out dark tones and powerfully play “Bulletproof” on the aged and rusty strings.
At Shepherd’s Bush, the skill Sam showed with her slide guitar and the heartfelt piquancy in her ballads, particularly in the more complex songs, demonstrated Sam’s wide emotional capacity. Sometimes her guitar came across as an ivory tinkle adornment, but at most other times, Sam’s notes cut the air like slices of sharp apple.
This concert was a showcase of brilliant vocals, fantastic musical support from a talented band, and wondrous guitar playing, featuring energetically performed songs from Sam’s notable album “Paper Doll”. Each number was stuffed with unwavering determination and spirit. Epic!
Words: © Neil Mach
Photos: © Simon Green
Order the album here: https://samanthafish.com/
RAW RAMP 