Event Description

What began as a side project and heartfelt homage to the classic country duets of the 60s and 70s has blossomed into something extraordinary for Michael Weston King and Lou Dalgleish. Over the years, My Darling Clementine has grown to rival—and even surpass—their solo careers.

In just over a decade, the duo has released six critically acclaimed albums and a DVD collection and performed more than 800 shows across the globe. Their work has garnered numerous accolades and cemented their reputation as leading figures in the thriving Americana scene.

Their debut album, How Do You Plead? (2011), was met with widespread acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. Country Music People hailed it as “The greatest British country record ever made.” This success led to a U.S. record deal and invitations to prestigious events like the Americana Music Association festival in Nashville and SXSW in Austin.

Their sophomore release, The Reconciliation, featured collaborations with notable artists like Kinky Friedman and The Brodsky Quartet, further solidifying their reputation. The album received glowing reviews, including being named “Album of the Month” by the New York Daily News and earning a spot in PopMatters’ Top 10 Country Albums of 2013.

A bold creative pivot came next with The Other Half, a collaboration with bestselling crime writer and country music aficionado Mark Billingham. The project, a compelling mix of story and song, included a dark, noir-inspired tale of murder, lust, and revenge woven around eight My Darling Clementine tracks. Released as an album, audiobook, and stage show, it featured contributions from actor David Morrissey and singer-songwriter Graham Parker. The trio toured the project for 18 months, including a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival.

Returning to the studio, Michael and Lou released Still Testifying, their fourth album, which marked a shift towards gospel and country soul influences. Critics widely praised this evolution in their sound, highlighting their ability to continually innovate.

In 2019, they embarked on another collaboration with keyboard virtuoso Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello & The Attractions / The Imposters). Together, they reimagined a collection of Elvis Costello songs as duets, resulting in Country Darkness. Initially released as a series of vinyl EPs, the full album debuted in November 2020, charting in both the UK and European Americana charts.

After two years of touring, during which the Costello songs became fan favourites, My Darling Clementine is poised for another landmark year in 2025. A new album of original material is underway, with extensive tours planned across the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Ireland, and the U.S.

Praise for My Darling Clementine

• “MDC mix country gloom with excellent musicianship and very fine songs.” – The Guardian
• “King and Dalgleish have re-invented the country duet. The mingling of these two voices is just heavenly.” – Mojo
• “One of the most exquisitely pained country albums of recent years comes from England.” – New York Daily News
• “King and Dalgleish have earned their place in the roll call of great country duettists.” – UNCUT

For music, videos, and more, visit https://mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk/