Rising duo deliver defining international moment with standout festival performances, standing ovations and stellar reviews: “it was quite simply iconic” (Entertainment Focus)
| LONDON, U.K. – (March 19, 2026) – Rising country duo Ryan and Rory have cemented their status as one of the most talked-about new acts in country music following a standout weekend at C2C: Country to Country Festival at the O2 Arena in London. Performing across the festival’s coveted side stages, the Nashville-based pair delivered a series of high-impact sets that captivated both audiences and industry, marking a defining international breakthrough moment in their career. Their natural on-stage chemistry and relatable songwriting created an atmosphere that felt both electric and deeply personal, transforming casual listeners into dedicated new fans returning to see them across the weekend. Over the weekend, the duo struck a seamless balance between high-energy, hook-driven anthems and more intimate, narrative-led moments. Reflecting on their first performance of the weekend, Entertainment Focus wrote, “They weren’t just playing songs; they were putting on a show,” adding, “For the finale, they saved ‘Them Boots.’ And they didn’t just play it—they detonated it.” Tracks such as “Truck Stop” sparked crowd-wide participation, turning packed-out performance spaces into impromptu dance floors – watch here. while “Lawn Chair in the Living Room” highlighted their emotional depth and storytelling authenticity. In each set, Ryan and Rory surprised audiences with a performance of the international smash hit “Tonight Tonight” from Hot Chelle Rae, the 2010’s pop-rock group co-founded by Ryan Follesé, who also served as its lead vocalist. The song electrified the crowd as the duo invited the audience into a playful “Who’s Louder?” singalong, transforming the stage into an interactive celebration of music and nostalgia. Fans and critics praised the shows for their energy, musicianship and audience participation. Closing each set with intensity and confidence, Ryan and Rory elevated their performances beyond what’s typically expected of side-stage artists. Media praise quickly followed, with Entertainment Focus describing their appearance as “one of the most iconic C2C side-stage performances ever,” underscoring the scale of their impact. The publication added, “The whole set felt like wandering into a bar on Broadway and discovering Nashville’s best-kept secret just before the rest of the world catches on.” Praise extended across the wider media landscape. Country in the UK highlighted the duo’s impact from the moment fans arrived, noting they delivered “the perfect wake up call” with “a huge sound… towards the pop-rock end of the country spectrum,” while UK Country News praised they had “loads of energy” and “brilliant harmonies” and that the “crowd were really into it,” adding that they are “quickly becoming one of the most exciting new acts coming out of Nashville.” Ryan and Rory’s final performance of the weekend drew a standing ovation following the one, two knock out punch of their recent bangers “Truck Stop” into “Them Boots.” Responding to overwhelming crowd demand — the only encore requested on the stage all weekend — the duo returned to the stage for an emotional performance of “Heaven’s Got a Country Station,” which was met with an equally explosive reception and their second standing ovation of the night. Adding to their breakout weekend, Ryan and Rory captured the attention of the UK’s biggest country radio stations, Absolute Radio Country, Smooth Country and CountryLine, all of whom interviewed the duo over the festival. This early support from major stations underscores Ryan and Rory’s rising prominence in the UK country music scene and signals that they are an act to watch. With growing media attention, rapidly expanding fan engagement, and a reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances, Ryan and Rory leave C2C London 2026 not only as fan favourites, but as artists firmly on the cusp of major international success. Plans are already underway for their return and they are working on their first full-length album under BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. |
About Ryan and Rory:
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s breakout duo Ryan and Rory “are bursting onto the scene” (Country Swag) with their self-titled debut EP and viral momentum to match. Named a SiriusXM Highway Find, their high-energy track “Pour Decisions” launched the six-song project, which includes the Billboard “must-hear” anthem “This Town.” They’ve continued to build buzz with “What’s Mine Is Yours,” a standout ballad, and the rowdy fan-favorite “Truck Stop,” alongside a growing online following. Ryan Follesé, an American Music Award-winning Nashville native and 2X PLATINUM-selling songwriter, brings a legacy of success as the former frontman of Hot Chelle Rae. Rory John Zak, a powerhouse vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from North Carolina, delivers harmonies and a magnetic live presence built across 300+ shows annually. They’ve toured with Sam Hunt, Jamey Johnson, Brett Young, and Tyler Braden, made their Grand Ole Opry debut, and were praised by MusicRow as “poised to make major waves.” With “commercial polish and honest storytelling” (The Tennessean), Ryan and Rory are “the next heir apparent to the country duo throne” (Country Swag). Recent releases showcase both heart and fun, including “Together Again (feat. Jamey Johnson),” “Them Boots,” “Girls Are Pretty,” and “Lawn Chair In The Living Room.” Now, the duo turns up the neon-lit energy with “Wasn’t Thinkin’,” a rowdy honky-tonk anthem built for last call and the stories worth reliving.
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Music Matters Magazine 