David Gray brought his 2025 tour to Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall on Monday March 31st, bringing him back to the city where he honed his craft as a musician. Having busked around the city as well as recording his first demo here, it was a fitting place for his tour to visit and what a show he put on!
The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is a stunning venue, boasting bone white walls and a large open space which provides amazing acoustics. Fitting of a performer who is held in high regard throughout the city. For me, David Gray and his back catalogue aren’t something I was well versed in, coming into this gig. Although his 1998 Album “white ladder” of which he is most prominently known, was a mainstay of my parent’s favourite albums and such, of my childhood.
What I was most taken aback by was his showmanship. Beckoning the crowd to get up and dance to the classic “Please Forgive Me” whilst seamlessly blending in newer tunes to his set. This was the “Past And Present” tour after all! Gray wasn’t afraid to communicate with his audience either, which some performers lack. I can imagine playing in front of a Scouse crowd with the constant echo of “Go on David laa” would make any musician feel loved!
Whether you’d come to discover new music, or you were a seasoned David Gray fan, the show had it all. A 2 hour set, blended classics such as Sail Away, Babylon and Please Forgive Me with new material such as Plus + Minus, a duet with his support Act Talia Rae, whose vocals hauntingly rung through The Philharmonic. As well as covers of Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough” the show had something for everyone!
You certainly got your money’s worth that’s for sure (I got in for free on press privileges so I wasn’t complaining)! On the whole, a stunning show. A trip through memory lane for fans of old whilst new fans got a detailed look into the career of one of Britain’s best performers, I certainly came out with a new found appreciation for a classic performer from my parents’ back catalogue! A stunning venue choice, befitting of the journey Gray has been on in Liverpool, from busking around Hardman Street, recording his first demo to now playing one of the city’s beautiful venues!
David Gray / The Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool / Mon 31st March 2025
FOR MORE ON DAVID GRAY, HIS NEW ALBUM AND HIS TOUR VISIT HIS WEBSITE
