David Gray’s journey, from self-releasing White Ladder on his own label to filling the Royal Albert Hall, is a testament to the enduring power of music. That pivotal album, a catalyst for his subsequent career, the reason so many of us packed this hallowed venue tonight.
The concert opened with "After The Harvest" from his latest album Dear Life. This was swiftly augmented by the arrival of a six-piece brass section during "Leave Taking," adding a dynamic layer to the arrangements. The continuity of Gray’s band was notable. Drummer Craig McClune, a constant presence since Gray’s early performances a joy to behold. I remember watching him at the Marquee Club with The Flaming Mussolinis in 1987, a more passionate demeanour would be hard to find. His intense performance, remaining a focal point.
Gray’s dedication to his long-term guitarist, Neil McColl, currently battling cancer, was underscored by the performance of "That Day Must Truly Come." This dedication served as a reminder of the personal connections that underpin his music.
Dressed in a light grey suit, atmospheric lighting bathed the audience, whose participation increased noticeably during the set. "There are some big song's screaming let me out! said Gray and when he initiated the chant "Just Can’t Get Enough", the crowd responded with enthusiasm heralding the Depeche Mode cover.
The rendition of Soft Cell’s "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye," a track Gray reinterpreted for White Ladder, was a highlight. The performance, delivered with notable conviction, stood out even within a set filled with familiar songs. The Royal Albert Hall, initially subdued, transitioned into one all-standing solid voice.
The setlist, spanning a comprehensive range of his discography, included "Slow Motion," "The One I Love," "Alibi," and "From Here You Can Almost See the Sea." Collaborations with worthy support act Talia Rae on "Plus & Minus" and "Fighting Talk" added further texture to the performance. The core tracks from White Ladder, such as "Please Forgive Me," "Silver Lining," "This Year's Love," and "Babylon," were met with pure delight.
It's not the first time Gray has played this venue and certainly will not be the last. The encore featured "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye," Van Morrison’s "The Way Young Lovers Do," and "Sail Away," completing a well-worked two hour set which delivered a joyful 5 star shared experience for all.
Setlist:After the Harvest
Leave Taking
Slow Motion
The One I Love
Alibi
From Here You Can Almost See the Sea
Plus & Minus with Talia Rae
White Ladder
Please Forgive Me
Silver Lining
That Day Must Surely Come
Fighting Talk with Talia Rae
Be Mine
Dead in the Water
The Other Side
Heart and Soul
This Year's Love
My Oh My
Singing for the Pharaoh
Just Can't Get Enough Depeche Mode cover
Babylon
Encore:Say Hello, Wave Goodbye Soft Cell cover
The Way Young Lovers Do Van Morrison cover
Sail Away
