From Rags To Riches: Rag ‘N’ Bone Man Shines In Leeds

There appears to be a penchant at the moment for artists who not only have big soulful voices but are also large physically too; if they happen to be heavily tattooed, also contributes to their success as demosntrated by Jelly Roll, Teddy Swims, and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man being cases in point.

As the Eastbourne-born singer attested on stage at the Leeds O2 Academy that he was “very proud of the new album,” it only confirmed what many already know. What Do You Believe In? demonstrates a huge shift in terms of songwriting, production, and style, as well as highlighting issues of love, loss, hope, and introspection.

The new album rightly provided the backbone of the concert, with the majority of the setlist coming from a record that shows an artist at the pinnacle of his career. What Do You Believe In? was only released a month ago, so its brilliance and quality haven't had enough time to resonate.

The first three tracks from the album were delivered as naturally as a river in full flow: The Right Way being an apt description of the evening, Hideaway dealing with the constraints of success and being in the public eye, while All I Know was delivered soulfully with an emotive vocal.

With the sold-out audience more tuned into Rag ‘N’ Bone Man’s back catalogue, Thinking About You was an early indication of this, as they took the song to heart, singing along almost choral like before it was time to re-visit the new record.

The atmosphere took a more sombre moment for a batch of slow numbers involving songs dedicated to his sons and his late Grandma on Life In Her Yet as the singer showed the importance of family before a lone trumpet signalled the arrival of Lovers in a Past Life, with the mood becoming more joyful.

The seven-piece band worked tirelessly, with the two backing singers providing an electric undertone throughout, allowing the songs to shine on the inaugural night of the tour. If there had been any first night nerves, they never became apparent.

The fragility of Human brought the evening to a close, intensifying the atmosphere, before Rush of Blood and Giant concluded an unforgettable night that was truly remarkable in its delivery, presentation, and overall quality.

The tour continues with further dates in the north:
20th November- Manchester Apollo
2025
10th July - Halifax Piece Hall
11th July - Scarborough Open Air Theatre