REVIEW|DAVID GRAY|ROYAL ALBERT HALL “The stage was like ‘Piccadilly Circus,’ brimming with talent, energy, and musical virtuosity.”

Last night, a packed Royal Albert Hall hosted a truly magical performance by the incomparable David Gray. The stage, in addition to the auditorium, was packed in the most delightful way, with up to 13 performers at one point – including a brass section that added incredible depth to the evening’s sound, especially during the post-Covid anthem “Leave Taking.” As Gray humorously noted, the stage was like “Piccadilly Circus,” brimming with talent, energy, and musical virtuosity.

The night was not only a celebration of David Gray’s iconic career but also of his surprising collaboration with rising star Talia Rae. Talia, who has already built her own impressive name, was spotted performing at an intimate New York gig, where she caught the attention of Gray’s manager. The manager approached her, suggesting she collaborate with David on a song he was writing and looking for a female vocalist. Talia, who grew up listening to Gray’s music, was understandably starstruck and jumped at the chance. Last night, she made her Royal Albert Hall debut, and it was clear she was both in awe of the moment and completely at ease on stage, earning massive applause from a spellbound audience for her performance. The chemistry between her and David Gray was palpable, and it was a joy to witness her soar.

David Gray’s setlist was a perfect blend of old classics and newer hits, taking the crowd on a musical journey through the years. Many times throughout the night, the appreciative audience rose to their feet, especially when they heard the stirring notes of Babylon, a definite highlight of the evening. The entire set was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with soaring highs and tender moments.

Here’s a look at the full set list:

After The Harvest
Leave Taking
Slow Motion
The One I Love
Alibi
From Here You Can Almost See The Sea
Plus & Minus
White Ladder
Please Forgive Me
Silver Lining
That Day Must Surely Come
Fighting Talk
Be Mine
Dead In The Water
The Otherside
Heart & Soul
This Year’s Love
My Oh My
Pharaoh
Depeche Mode
Babylon
Hello Goodbye
The Way Young Lovers Do
Sail Away

The performance was a reminder of David Gray’s incredible catalog of work and his enduring ability to connect with the audience. Whether he was delivering poignant lyrics from White Ladder or bringing a burst of energy with newer tracks, the crowd was with him every step of the way. The Royal Albert Hall, with its stunning acoustics, was the perfect setting for such an intimate yet grand performance, and Gray’s voice – rich, raw, and vulnerable – filled every corner of the iconic venue.

This was a night of nostalgia, new beginnings, and collaboration, all wrapped up in the sheer magic only David Gray can create.