James Blunt 'Who We Used To Be' Tour

James Blunt:

At the end of last year James Blunt released his newest album 'Who We Used to Be', Blunt's first full body of work since 2019, and it may well be his more emotional record to date. Take these songs and put them into a live performance and they become even more gut-wrenchingly beautiful, which is exactly what happened as James Blunt headlined The Royal Albert Hall last night.

After years of loving his music, and hearing overarchingly positive reviews about his performances, it is fair to say my expectations for this show were high. They were increased even more so when I bumped into a member of Blunt's old army regiment pre-show who joked "He's a much better singer than he was a soldier"! (Note: I promise this man showed me photo proof and wasn't just some randomer impersonating a long-term friend..). If that isn't enough of a review to raise your eyebrows, then I don't know what is; and he was certainly right about the musical ability. James Blunt delivered a 90-minute career-spanning set that encapsulated the full range of human emotions.

The pacing of the emotional journey was perfect. One moment he would have the crowd in tears with sombre, yet stunning, songs like 'Dark Thought and' The Girl That Never Was', then in an instant the whole crowd would be smiling and dancing to upbeat tunes like 
'Beside You' and 'Postcard. If a good live performance makes you feel something, then this must have been one of the best as I left having felt everything.

James Blunt is joined on stage by his long-term loyal touring band of Chris Pemberton (Piano & Keys), Paul Sayer (Guitar), John Garrison (Bass) and Karl Brazil (Drums). The quartet share an on-stage chemistry that even the best out-and-out bands struggle to have. The emotional connection between all five men was clear to see, especially in emotional songs like 'Monsters'. This song was written about James Blunt's dad, but the live performance captured the relationship between each band member and their fathers. Little touches like this throughout the night made this feel a much more personal show than many others, and summarised perfectly just how important the music of James Blunt really is.

Lucy Spraggan:

The evening was started by the wonderfully talented Lucy Spraggan, who is somewhat of a sleeping giant in the UK music industry. Having gained a loyal fanbase over the last decade, it really does feel like Lucy is ready to explode into the superstardom she's always been destined for. This is not to diminish Lucy's already unbelievable achievements in the Music industry, but when you see the way that she completely commanded a venue the size of the Royal Albert Hall, and the songs she did it with, there can be no questions Lucy Spraggan is destined to become an arena headliner

With every passing song the audience became more enthralled by Lucy, with early songs 'Run' and 'Lucky Stars' garnering deservedly loud reactions. However, it was her unique take on The Proclaimer's classic 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' that really made the crowd find their voice. Being the talented performer that Lucy is, she utilised this increase in volume to get the crowd singing along to her original songs in even louder voice. By the end of her set Lucy had the Royal Albert Hall eating out of her palms. A stunning rendition of closing song 'Lightning' was met with phone torches being shone in abundance and some of the night's loudest singalongs, cementing Lucy Spraggan's place as a firm crowd favourite. 

Lucy's live show displayed just how incredibly her music blends genres, meaning there really was something for everyone. The songs were intertwined with hilarious anecdotes that had everyone in stitches, further reinforcing just how infectious a stage presence Lucy Spraggan has. This truly was one of the best support slots I have had the pleasure of seeing for some time, with catchy tunes and a palpable presence, the sky really is the limit for Lucy Spraggan. The set also proved Lucy, and her live band of Nick Jekyll and Aron Bicskey, are in fine form as they prepares to head out on Lucy's UK headline tour. I cannot recommend enough that you go, this could be your last chance to see Lucy Spraggan in venues this size