Everyone knows George Ezra as the happy-go-lucky pop artist, who can easily put a smile on people’s faces with his feel-good hits. And he didn’t disappoint fans at Chepstow Racecourse as he brought a weekend of live music to a close on Sunday night, (July 2).
But what people don’t always recognise about him is that he really knows how to put on a party. “This is a celebration”, he told his fans, who warmed up more and more throughout the night.
The singer came on after support acts Kingfishr, The Big Moon and TikTok sensation Cat Burns who got the show off to a fantastic start. I thought Cat Burns in particular, wowed the crowd- and I heard one lady earnestly remark; “I’ll be adding her to my Spotify”, and I have to say, I was thinking the same about some of her songs I’d not hear before.
After a Tom Jones classic bellowed around the racecourse, George Ezra walked while 'It’s not unusual' was playing. This delighted the Welsh crowd, before he got straight into the first single of his third studio album, ‘Gold Rush Kid.’
Under a sunset backdrop which melted turned into a glowing full moon skyscape, the atmosphere was incredible. What I love about George Ezra is that he really is a what-you-see is what you get kind of artist.
There are no extravagances about the way he performs. He peppered his setlist with comments about how much he wants the whole crowd to enjoy themselves, and is just one of those people that radiates good energy.
The pop chart-topper and Brit Award-winning artist delighted his buoyant fans with a set packed full of songs from his hit albums, including singalong anthems Green Green Grass, Anyone For You, Budapest, Shotgun and many more. I have to say, I think fans of this singer are initially a more relaxed audience, happy to absorb the magic of the atmosphere without getting too wild- which is so lovely, and really adds to the enjoyment of his wholesome, earthy songs.
But after 'Green Green Grass', there was much more of a festival feel to Chepstow, as everyone suddenly started throwing their hands in the air in celebration. Dynamic, soft and dramatic all at the same time- I loved how everyone could drift into different moods in the joyous setlist.
'Did you hear the rain?', his debut single from 2014 album, Wanted On Voyage, has to be my favourite song of the evening. I felt like it added another dimension to the night, proving his music has a whole range of layers to it- and that he can indeed, throw a party.
It was also the perfect night for families. I saw so many parents dancing with their children, which was so heart-warming- and great to see that his younger fans got to enjoy their favourite George Ezra songs.
‘Hold my Girl’ was a really lovely moment, as he told the sea of people avidly hanging on his every word; “This is one of my favourite songs.” I think this surprised people a little, as it is probably one of his less hyped-up hits- but people were even more keen to dance and sing along afterwards.
I feel like going to a George Ezra concert should be on everyone’s bucket list at least once. Even if you’re not a huge fan of every song, there is such a focus on positivity, and almost a celebration of life at his gigs. We definitely need more sunshine in this world, so if you ever get the chance to see him live, it’s an experience you won’t regret.
