War Child and DHL brought us a night of unforgettable vocals and heartfelt sing-alongs at King Tut’s last night as part of BRITs Week 2025. Headlined by the chart-topping Tom Walker, the evening also featured stunning acoustic performances from rising stars Aaron Rowe and Kerr Mercer.
Aaron Rowe took to the stage alone, but his presence was anything but small. With effortlessly smooth vocal runs and deeply moving lyrics, he proved that he didn’t need a band- his voice was more than powerful enough. Between songs, he engaged warmly with the crowd, (sharing his fondness for a cheeky VBL). He treated us to original songs, including the touching “Hey Ma, I Will Always Love You” and “Draw the Line,” which is due to release in April- so certainly keep an ear out for that.
Pictured- Kerr Mercer
Next up was Glasgow’s own Kerr Mercer, a gifted pianist and vocalist who was joined onstage by his guitarist. His set was a testament to his stunning songwriting ability and vocal ability, as he performed beautifully crafted originals, some of which he wrote as young as 15. One standout was “Carry Me Home”- and no, not from the pub, as he clarified for us all. With his impressive catalogue and a Scottish Live Music Award for Best New Artist in 2024 under his belt, Kerr’s star is undoubtedly on the rise. If you missed him this time, he’ll be playing at The Garage on March 23rd– and I encourage you to go and see.
Pictured- Tom Walker
Then came the main event: Tom Walker, the chart-topping powerhouse from Kilsyth, took to the stage, beanie and all, for an acoustic set brimming with emotion, energy, and raw talent. Despite battling the cold, he delivered every song with passion, sharing anecdotes and having a good laugh in between. The audience was completely captivated, with torches swaying and voices uniting for beloved hits like “Just You and I,” a deeply moving tribute to his wife. And, of course, he didn’t leave without giving us “Leave a Light On,” which I thoroughly enjoyed. As a special treat, he even debuted a brand-new song written just last week, it was an intimate and rare moment that made the gig even more special.
Pictures- Tom Walker
The atmosphere inside King Tut’s was very warm, with a real sense of community binding fans and artists together for a brilliant cause. War Child has been curating these intimate gigs since 2009, pairing iconic musicians with legendary small venues to raise vital funds for children affected by conflict. Since it started, the initiative has raised an incredible £7 million, thanks to music lovers who support the cause with their time and ticket purchases. War Child’s heartfelt thank you echoed through the venue last night, a reminder that the power of music can really make a difference.
To donate to War Child and support their mission, visit www.warchild.org.uk.
Photo Credits: Jennifer Imrie