With the weather unsettled all day and threatening to rain on this al fresco gig at Brighton Racecourse, there was a collective sigh of relief when the sun decided to make an appearance just around the time the doors opened at 4pm. The huge stage was located on the grass beyond the race tracks but faced sideways on to those in the stands, who had paid for VIP tickets, so while they had a fantastic view of the city and the sea, they were miles away from all the action in front of the stage.
Early support acts Etta Bond and Ida Vallens, a young artist supported by local music charity AudioActive, of which Rags is the patron, gave way to Norman J, who warmed up the crowd with his Good Times vibes before Maverick Sabre gave a seasoned performance, despite a technical hitch with the sound; his particular brand of blues and beats the perfect accompaniment to Rags’ own style. Having collaborated with the likes of Rudimental and Idris Elba, and more recently with Jorja Smith and Chronixx on his latest album, ‘When I Wake Up’, the English-Irish singer received particularly enthusiastic responses to 2011 track ‘I Need’, ‘Follow The Leader’ and ‘Her Grace’.
Norman J filled in the gap before Rags’ band appeared on stage sporting the blue and white stripes of the Seagulls (Brighton & Hove Albion FC), while Rags himself wore a navy-blue rugby shirt with the number 12 on the back. Having performed at Standon Calling the previous night, the mighty Rag’n’Bone Man seemed genuinely thrilled to be headlining in his hometown, at one point lost for words with gratitude. The crowd of largely local residents, old and young – reflecting his mass appeal – were equally delighted to see their boy make the big time.
After playing a new song with a very old-school soul sound, which was well-received, and ‘As You Are’, a feelgood belter, he gave a heartfelt rendition of ‘Grace’ from the 2017 album ‘Human’ that catapulted Rory Graham from Uckfield on to the world stage. The audience went wild for the title track, showing off his rich, baritone vocals and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. His distinctively bluesy sound coupled with hip hop influences, from his past as a rapper with local group Rum Committee, are what make his songs instantly recognisable.
About halfway through the set, Rags invited a lady on stage for a special announcement. His friend then walked on stage, got down on one knee and proposed to her to rapturous applause. She seemed pretty overwhelmed, but we think she said yes. Another touching moment came when he dedicated the emotive ‘Perfume’ from 2014 album ‘Disfigured’ to “the man on the left, who’s been calling out for it”, and by admission, one of his old favourites. ‘Skin’ took on far more poignancy as an acoustic version, tugging on the heartstrings, while the poppy ‘Be The Man’ transitioned into 80s classic ‘The Way It Is’ by Bruce Hornsby And The Range, revealing his inspiration for the tune.
Another new track with the refrain “calling out somebody” was more upbeat than his earlier work, while closing with ‘Giant’, his huge pop hit with Calvin Harris, Rory busted out some surprisingly limber dance moves for a man of his (ahem giant) stature, clearly feeding off the energy of the crowd, who danced to the infectious chords of the trumpet and sang along with every word. Perhaps hinting at the direction he’s going in, could fatherhood be compelling him to a more positive, lighter sound?
Brighton Racecourse, Saturday 27th July 2019
Words by Emma Baker
Photos by Xavier Clarke
