David Gray’s first real steps, pun intended, towards stardom came when White Ladder took off in Ireland before earning the wider acclaim it so richly deserved. Gray has never forgotten that loyal fanbase, and judging by tonight’s reception, they have never strayed from him.
This evening is a celebration of that enduring relationship, told through song.
First up, however, is a terrific support set from the ever-popular Divine Comedy.
Neil Hannon and his band deliver an upbeat collection of typically quirky and sharply observed songs, including ‘Woodshed’, ‘At the Indie Disco’ and crowd favourite ‘National Express’.
The Enniskillen man is the consummate professional, mixing easy banter with a selection of newer material, including the eloquent ‘The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter’ from the band’s most recent album, ‘Rainy Sunday Afternoons’.
Playing for a full hour, The Divine Comedy provide a substantial and hugely entertaining appetiser before the main event.
Then comes the main man himself.
David Gray delivers in spades, producing a superb display of musicality and melody that will linger long in the memory.
The tour is aptly titled Past & Present, and the setlist lives up to that promise, offering a rich blend of beloved classics and newer material.
Gray takes to the stage sporting a distractingly enormous pair of wide-legged trousers, reminiscent of David Byrne’s legendary oversized suit in ‘Stop Making Sense’. At times, one fears a gust of hot air might send him soaring into the upper tiers of the vast arena.
Questionable fashion choices aside, it is the music we are here for, and for close to two hours, Gray delivers a powerhouse performance that captivates the packed venue.
‘My Oh My’ and ‘Please Forgive Me’ arrive early, both performed with rich intensity, immediately drawing the crowd into the moment. It is a testament to Gray’s enduring talent as a songwriter that newer songs such as ‘Plus & Minus’ and ‘Singing for the Pharaoh’ sit comfortably alongside the classics, matching them in both quality and emotional impact.
An added bonus on the night is the exceptional voice of Talia Rae on backing vocals. Having supported Gray on several dates of the tour, she proves herself an artist very much worth keeping an eye on.
Gray’s albums have always had a quietly immersive quality, gently drawing listeners into their introspective worlds. In a live setting, however, those songs expand dramatically, becoming communal experiences as thousands of voices join in, singing every word with heartfelt conviction. It is a marvellous thing to witness.
‘Please Forgive Me’, in its recorded form, is a beautifully layered and intimate plea for redemption. Live, it transforms into a full-blown anthem, complete with an infectious uptempo coda that sends the audience into raptures.
New song ‘Leave Taking’, we are told, was written shortly after Covid. Gray reflects on the uncertainty he felt while creating it in isolation, wondering whether the work would ultimately be worth it. He need not have worried. It is a compelling addition to an already impressive catalogue.
Highlights are plentiful. An exquisite rendition of ‘When the Flame Turns Blue’, an infectious performance of ‘The One I Love’ and the chiming guitars of ‘Be Mine’ are all delivered with deep emotion and received with equal enthusiasm by the audience.
‘Babylon’ will always be THE David Gray song, and tonight it receives a rapturous welcome. The original tale of heartbreak and hoped-for reconciliation is almost overwhelmed by the mass singalong that greets it, but what a glorious way to lose yourself.
The encore begins with a stellar solo piano performance of ‘This Year’s Love’, followed by a tender rendition of Sinéad O’Connor’s ‘Three Babies’ and a spirited cover of David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’.
‘Sail Away’, complete with its famous whistled refrain, brings the evening to a fittingly uplifting close. As the final notes fade, the huge crowd drifts out into the night, many still singing, carrying the warmth of a special performance home with them.
This was more than a concert. It was a celebration of a remarkable catalogue, an enduring connection between artist and audience, and a reminder that David Gray remains a captivating live performer.