Rag’n’Bone Man at Kenwood House

Saturday was a remarkable night out in Hampstead in the company of Rag’n’Bone Man at the start of his extensive UK summer tour. His latest record release, Life by Misadventure, was certificated gold after climbing the music charts in 2021 and remaining at the top spot for weeks, so the singer/songwriter was guaranteed to satisfy the crowd.

At nine sharp he and his band arrived on-stage with the single Skin from debut album Human. The age-diverse crowd jumped to their feet to dance, despite most of the venue having a seating plan. The mutual adoration for the music being performed on-stage – from the crowd and even the venue security – shone, through the exchange of hugs and singing along to the music.

As the artist shifted between old and new songs, a sadder, more heartfelt moment came with 2021’s Nothing But Thieves remix Alone, a lyrical mixture of powerful emotions and rock-solid messages. Right before the bass could make hundreds of hearts tremble, Graham introduced the song and pointed out that this more upbeat version was better suited for a live show. The crowd were emotional, regardless, waving their hands and embracing warmly.

Numerous extremely charismatic band members supported the astonishing baritone vocals that washed over Kenwood House without a break, finally closing with Human, the opening single from the singer’s titular record of 2016. The crowd, faces illuminated by red lights, knew every single word, some with hands on hearts as they sang, “I am only human after all”. And who can blame them? Human, the most listened-to Rag’n’Bone Man song on Spotify, is living proof that music lovers adore the song’s relatable lyrics – and when they get to sing along to those very lines at a live performance, it becomes a memorable night.  

Martina Liberini
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Rag’n’Bone Man’s website here.

Watch the video for the single All You Ever Wanted here: