Bristol O2 Academy, 2nd April
We Arrived skeptics, but left fully signed up members of the Sam Ryder fan club. A night full of surprises that’ll live long in the memory.
Of course we know who Sam Ryder is. Unless you’ve been living in outer spaaaaace maaaan how could you not.
However last year’s glorious EuroVision entry really was the full extent of our knowledge.
We also knew the show had sold out way in advance. What we didn’t expect were the queues stretching as far as the eye could see in both directions. Jaws briefly raised from the floor as a loud buzz of excitement grew around us, before jaws hit the floor again as we witness Sam walk the entire length of the queue doing a meet n greet with fans. Waving, smiling, joking n fist bumping with the older ones. Signing and taking pics with the younger ones. The rumours of Sam being one of the nicest performers in the industry justifying themselves very quickly.
The show starts with all the sparkle & dazzle of EuroVision combined with a high end West End show. “Somebody”, “Living Without You” & “Put A Light On Me” quickly bring us up to speed of just how good a performer this young man is. And just how much power and control he possesses in his pitch perfect voice.
The other huge weapons in Sam’s arsenal are his all consuming good energy, positive vibes and incredible like-ability. As evidenced by the age range in the crowd, from very young kids. To those who must have splashed the pension money on a ticket.
The breadth of the performers appeal is incredible. As is the way he conducts the crowd throughout like the glorious old skool variety performers of yesteryear. Sam Ryder fills a gap left behind in British culture since we lost the likes of Freddie Mercury from a vocal master. To Bruce Forsyth as a all round entertainer… yes he is THAT good.
The music continues with crowd bouncing anthemic covers of “You Got The Love” & “Misery Business”, but its in his own work that Sam Ryder shines brightest. “Deep Blue Doubt” & “whirlwind” truly beautiful songs from a performer who injects a positive energy into the very ether around him.
We close out the main set with “More” before Sam briefly leaves the stage.
The crowd greet his encore return with the roaring enthusiasm as the night is capped off with “Lost In You” and of course….. “Space Man”
Sam Ryder brought his “A” game. Stole our hearts. And brought the house down. Expect Sam to still be selling out UK arenas in 30 years time.
Porthjess
@bristolnomad_gigphotography
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
