David Gray @ Hull Arena

Yes, he played Babylon. Yes he did wobble his head more than a nodding dog sat on the back of a penny farthing racing down a cobbled street, but my God does this man know how to put on a show.I was a bit apprehensive about going to see Gray play this evening. Not least because I’m only familiar with a few of the hit singles but also because to be honest I really didn’t feel in the mood for what I (perhaps naively, definitely unfairly) classed as depressing music. When I got there however and the lights went down and Gray took to the stage, I instantly took to the friendly, up for a laugh personality that I saw before me.

Opening with the atmospheric ‘Alibi’, he effortlessly switched between playing near flawless piano to acoustic guitar, and I think what made the gig so enjoyable was that everyone could see he was having a good time playing his music. It really was refreshing to watch this man put so much into every single song, whereas some bands (who shall go unnamed, they know who they are) seem to just fall into routine when playing through a set, Gray was living in the moment for every single note and it was a pleasure to watch.

His rapport with the crowd was excellent as well. Joking about when he first played at Hull Adelphi 14 years ago before playing the first song off his first album, ‘Shine’ Ive seen psychiatrists, the fucking lot, and I’m finally back. His great sense of humour too was also evident as he dedicated ’slow motion’ to England’s World Cup performance. His laughter was infectious as he gave and took friendly banter from the crowd  at the danger of repeating myself it was so rejuvenating to see an artist having so much fun playing to an audience.

Not that Gray was to have all the fun, mind you. A surprise inclusion to the encore, a cover of Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ had the whole of the arena clapping, dancing and singing at Gray’s beck and call.

The only criticism I can think of was towards the end of the main set the momentum seemed to get lost quite a bit and the songs being performed all sounded a bit samey, however this lull was quickly picked up and carried on through the encore with renditions of the moving ballad ‘This Year’s Love’ and of course �Babylon� to close an overall fantastic set.

Before leaving the stage for the final time Gray called out to an army of fans he now had in the palm of his hands, ‘Thank you Hull City, you’re better than England’ I’ll be back!’ Needless to say, Mr Gray, if that’s true then so will I.

Review by Chris Prince