Whether they realised it or not, this may be the last chance Newcastle’s George Ezra fans will have to see him playing in a small venue like this.
Playing the second date of his first UK tour to a packed crowd in Newcastle University’s Students’ Union, Ezra wowed with a set list of his own tracks from his debut album and a classic Cyndi Lauper cover.
But after a great year in 2014 – the release of his top-ten album, Wanted on Voyage, headlining the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury, and the launch of his first tour - it is clear this will be the end of gigs in small venues like this.
The hour-long set kicked off with Cassy O, to appreciative screams from the predominantly student crowd, masterfully showcasing Ezra’s unique voice, and setting the energetic pace for the rest of the evening.
His equally famous guitar playing and strong backing band bought his tunes to life, making his fusion of country-pop a wholly natural combination.
The trademark husky voice was however drowned out in the choruses of Blame It On Me and Stand By Your Gun as singing fans recited his tunes.
The much-awaited Budapest could also hardly been seen by spectators at the back of the venue, as a sea of phone cameras masked the stage.
Ezra rounded off the set with Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, pulling it off well for an acoustic, male rendition of a classically up-beat, female anthem.
The set was full of energy and no doubt Ezra will be appearing on a large stage near you in the future.
by Antonia Paget
