Belle and Chain Perform Intimate Set at El Club Detroit
On April 19, 2026, I attended my second show at El Club and had the pleasure of photographing the wild up-and-coming band Belle and Chain. The show was completely sold out, headlined by country phenom Barns Courtney, with every band bringing their own flair and style to a night that promised not to disappoint.
El Club set the mood beautifully for opener Liam Kelley, bathing the stage in moody, hazy lighting with spotlights that framed the newcomer perfectly. While Liam has been part of several bands in the past, he recently chose to carve out his own path, paving the way for his unique brand of indie rock when he released his first single, “Don’t Call Me Love,” in 2022. Showcasing a clear talent for heartfelt lyricism paired with raw, emotional vocals, Liam quickly found his place alongside other rising indie-rock musicians. His sound fit seamlessly into the night, energizing the crowd and preparing them for what was to come. In particular, his song “Where Are You Now?” stood out—its upbeat, fast-paced tempo and melodic chorus made for an easy singalong, with the crowd clapping along on every beat.
The energy in the room shifted the moment Belle and Chain took the stage—a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air as fans leaned in, eager for something to connect to. Opening with an unreleased track, “Lyla,” Spencer Grammer’s hauntingly beautiful vocals cut straight to the heart, backed by the wickedly talented David IL’s driving riffs and harmonies. Grammer has earned recognition worldwide for her extensive career, most notably her work in vocal performance and acting, but forming a band was never part of the original plan. After suffering a stab wound that caused permanent nerve damage in her right hand, Grammer picked up a guitar as part of her physical therapy—and fell in love with it. What began as poetry and a dream quickly became a vision, and that vision became reality when David IL joined the band full-time, setting a glittering new chapter into motion.
There’s something hypnotic about the way these two perform—something powerfully vulnerable in the blood, sweat, and tears poured into each song, resonating deeply with the audience. Belle and Chain also performed their released single, “Don’t You Worry Babe,” a bright, uplifting track that feels like a warm summer day with a light breeze rolling through a field of sweet grass. Grammer’s masterful writing lends the lyrics a hopeful, genuine tone, while the guitar itself seems to sing—notes weaving endlessly together to create something deeply human. Every moment of their performance felt authentic, and Grammer’s bubbly personality shone through during every interlude. It’s clear these two truly love what they do.
The night was packed with talent, from rising stars like Liam Kelley and Belle and Chain to alt-country staple Barns Courtney. Every song left the crowd hungry for more—I’m convinced they would’ve stayed all night just to hear one more. If this lineup comes to your city, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. I, for one, can’t wait to see what these artists have in store next.