An Italian pop star has played to a few hundred people in north London after performing to a record-breaking crowd of 250,000 people in Rome.
Ultimo played the intimate gig at Dingwalls in Camden this week, two months after he set the record for largest paid-ticket concert ever held in Italy – one of the largest ever staged by a solo artist in Europe.
When he played his biggest-ever show he arrived by helicopter, but at Dingwalls he walked onto the small stage with his guitar underarm and a beer in hand.
Without sticking to a rigid setlist, Ultimo performed acoustic guitar and piano arrangements of some of his biggest hits.
With around 600 people in the audience, the setting offered fans the chance to see Ultimo up close. Among those who secured the £20 ticket was Annamaria, 24, who travelled from Italy to see her favourite star.
“I’ve been following Ultimo for years, so when I saw the chance to see him in such a intimate venue, I knew I had to try to get a ticket”, she said.
Also among the crowd was Matteo, 21, an Italian student who moved to London for university. He said: “I’ve seen Ultimo perform several times in Italy, but seeing him here in the UK felt completely different.”
During the show, Matteo video-called his long-distance girlfriend back in Italy.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I just had to call her so she could experience the songs too.”
He added: “One moment you’re standing in the heart of London, and the next you’re singing along with 600 other Italians who, just like you, are home away from home.”
Thursday’s concert was not Ultimo’s first appearance in London, he previously performed at The Blues Kitchen Brixton in 2023 and 2025.
His connection with the capital also features in his music. He moved to London in 2022 to work on his music, and the city has since appeared in a number of his songs.
The concert also marked the eve of the release of Ultimo’s new single, “Tutto”, which he performed live for the first time.
“Tutto” is also the title of a new film documenting the Rome concert, Ultimo – Tutto, Live a Tor Vergata which is due to be released at the end of September.
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