Rag’n’Bone Man comes to Birmingham touring his new album: What Do You Believe In?

O2 Academy Birmingham, 17 November 2024

On November 17, I had the pleasure of seeing Rag’n’Bone Man at the O2 Academy in Birmingham. Even as we queue, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. We know we are in for a night of dancing and easy listening.

Less formally known as Rory Graham, you’ve most likely heard Rag’n’Bone Man’s top hits, ‘Giant’ and ‘Human’.  His new album, What Do You Believe In?, steers away from pop and focuses on the artist’s roots of funk and blues, whilst drawing on the inherent soul that accompanies the richness of his iconically deep vocals.

Kymara open the show with a stripped-back, three-piece band of vocals and guitar.  The Netherland-born lead singer introduces herself and “her boys”, explaining how they’d formed their band in Brighton. The neo-soul genre of the tracks is refreshing. The emphasis on bass guitar in their tracks brings out the R&B inspiration in the performance: their songs were the perfect soulful prelude to Rag’n’Bone Man’s concert.

Opening with ‘The Right Way’, the singer immediately set the fun and easy tone for the evening

The audience demographic is incredibly mixed, perhaps weighing more towards mature listeners and families. This is a testament to Rag’n’Bone Man’s musical diversity and recent focus on bluesy-inspired music.

Opening with ‘The Right Way’, the singer immediately set the fun and easy tone for the evening.  The simple piano intro and reverbed spoken vocals built anticipation as the crowd welcomed the artist to the stage.  The visuals are nostalgic, as retro-style neon signs illuminate the back wall.  Graham is accompanied by a band of two singers, two guitarists, a drummer, and a pianist.

The O2 Academy venue is known for its intimate size, and the concert is also certainly intimate. Graham is excellent at listening to the audience, joking and chatting with them.  He receives some congratulations after his extremely recent wedding, and sure enough, his new wife Zoe can be seen in front of the barrier, having a party like the rest of the audience.  This makes the performance even more special, and emphasises the romantic nature of the concert, especially knowing that he was singing to his forever partner!

The party atmosphere picks up as Rag’n’Bone Man sings one of my new personal favourites, ‘Lovers In A Past Life’.  The song showcases the artist’s vocals but also has the iconic sound of Calvin Harris’s production.  Graham and Harris have collaborated before to create some amazing dance music, and this song is no exception in their successful repertoire. Also appearing on Harris’s 2024 album 96 Months, the song has an unbeatable instrumental (and dance break opportunity) with a sound reminiscent of summertime.  The track wouldn’t be out of place on an Ibiza Party playlist, and hearing it live makes me appreciate the artist’s ability to dance and own the stage, as well as produce vocals.

Closing off an already incredible night, Rag’N’Bone Man brings the whole performance home with one of his most popular and feel-good songs, ‘Giant’

There is a distinct lack of phones in the audience.  Being able to look down into the bulk of the audience meant I noticed how few screens were facing me throughout the show: perhaps that is a result of only a few young adults in attendance, but it is refreshing to see people doing their best to stay in the moment and enjoy the wave of new music.

After a few crowd disruptions, the artist and band stop and restart their tracks entirely in response to the commotion.  Graham even shouts in jest, “No more fainting, guys! You’re not allowed”, but he overall looks after his audience, assuring all is well before continuing the music.

Closing off an already incredible night, Rag’n’Bone Man brings the whole performance home with one of his most popular and feel-good songs, ‘Giant’. You can’t help singing along to the 2019 hit with its strong bass and ‘club’ sound.

After attending the concert, I’d urge anyone looking for some new bluesy, soulful songs to add Rag’n’Bone Man to their playlist.  His voice is raw and authentic and sounded even better in concert than in his discography.  Consider me an officially converted fan!

★★★★