For celebrated songwriter Lana Del Rey, her debut headline show at the iconic Wembley Stadium was a triumph years in the making.
The last time 1883 Magazine caught the American artist live was at BST Hyde Park in July 2023, a fantastic moment where Del Rey performed to a huge crowd. How do you top that? You announce a string of UK stadium dates for July 2025. As someone who’s made a significant impact on pop culture—particularly over the last 14 years—it’s almost hard to believe LDR is only now headlining stadiums here. On the first night of her two-night stint at Wembley, thousands turned up, many adorned in aesthetics Lana has made iconic over the years: hair bows, heart-shaped sunglasses, even floral crowns. After a stellar support set from Addison Rae, the atmosphere only intensified.
At this point in her career, Lana is embracing country music and weaving its imagery into her artistry. Earlier this year, she released the gorgeous singles “Henry, come on” and “Bluebird.” As Johnny Cash played over the speakers before her set, a quaint farmhouse and garden took centre stage, something you’d expect in rural Alabama on a starry night. When she finally took the stage, the roar from the crowd was immeasurable. She opened with an unreleased track, “Stars Fell On Alabama,” before launching into “Henry, come on.” Backed by her gifted band, dancers, and a string section, it was a production that filled the 90,000-capacity venue with ease.
From the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear how much it meant to her. “Okay London, this is so beautiful, thank you so fucking much,” she said, waving to the crowd, and continued to show gratitude throughout the set. Further embracing her country era, she covered Tammy Wynette’s 1968 classic “Stand By Your Man” before launching into “Chemtrails Over the Country Club.” With lap steel guitar twangs, dancers on the farmhouse roof, and flawless vocals throughout the set, the atmosphere felt nothing short of magical.
With such a vast discography, the setlist struck a great balance of fan favourites, including “Ultraviolence,” “Ride,” and “Video Games.” A standout moment came as the crowd screamed “goddamn, man child” during “Norman Fucking Rockwell,” with a projected version of Lana gazing from the top window of the farmhouse. Theatrics were in full effect too. At one point, the farmhouse appeared to burn down with projected flames. A rare performance of “Venice Bitch” toward the end was a major highlight. It was also heartwarming to see Lana graciously give her backing singers space to shine, and she even brought Addison Rae on stage for her track, “Diet Pepsi”. To conclude the set, she finished with a cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”.
Compared to her Hyde Park show two years ago, Lana is more confident, vocally stronger, and bolder in her presence. Some may have questioned whether she could command a venue the size of Wembley, but after easing into the tour, the whole band was firing on all cylinders.
Lana Del Rey could’ve headlined Wembley years ago, perhaps as early as the Honeymoon era. Regardless, her arrival now feels perfectly timed. Her ascent to UK stadium status is well deserved, and her star has never shone brighter.
Words Cameron Poole
Photography Gareth Cattermole
View more photos from Lana Del Rey’s Wembley show, below.
