TOM WALKER: A CANDLE-LIT FINALE, DEDICATED TO HIS WIFE AND CLOSEST FANS

He’s been all around the world. Topped the charts. Obtained billions of streams. And played enormous shows. But for a man who’s just married, an intimate run of dates simply feels more alluring. And what better way than 3 special candlelit dates in Birmingham, Manchester and London? We headed to Tom Walker’s tour finale at Hackney Church to see what was instore.

The stage was laid beautifully with candles, turning the historic church into a dim-lit spectacle. This stripped-back approach saw the stage include only a mic stand and piano, which Walker acknowledged was real, unlike the ‘ones you see at Glasto‘ proceeded by a funny story of another piano he inherited from a house he recently moved into. Let’s hope when he hits Glastonbury this year, he brings it along.

Most of the evening was spent in deep reflection. There were no grand theatrics or anything that would distract from the purpose of these shows. Several of the songs were dedicated to his newly wedded wife, as he reminisced about his 12-year-strong relationship, and the days he travelled up to Sheffield to go out drinking with the love of his life and inevitably being more often than not, sick. It was all quite emotional, as he transitioned through the beautiful lyrics in Just You and I and Better Half Of Me. Both of which saw the church crowd sing back every word, starry-eyed and holding their phone torches.

Hearing Walker’s music in an environment like this felt right. It’s hard to believe he’s never done shows of this nature before, his voice and lyrical progression fit the bill. A lot of his song titles even sound religious, which is convenient, as he jumps into Angels.

Afterwards, Head Underwater, one off his new record, really changed the pace. It carried the signature gritty vocals and build-up that makes his songs so unique. Elsewhere, Walker played several others from his new album (I AM), all of which really lent themselves perfectly to this environment. Burn and Lifeline, in particular, really stood out gorgeously.

“Thanks so much for supporting me. From the bottom of my heart. That I get to call this my job” he exclaims throughout the set, making these shows really feel like a moment for him and his closest fans. Unsurprisingly, the hotly-tipped Leave A Light On was the final track of the night, and the chart-dominating single will never disappoint in a live environment.

It feels as though Tom Walker has reached a place of content, and hosting such an intimate run of shows has been a treat, and a real eye-opener into his soul.