David Gray must pinch himself every single day of his life. A mere four years ago, he was a major label outcast, dropped by the moneymen for not making a return on their investment. Unwanted, unsuccessful but undeterred, he put out the self-financed 'White Ladder' and inadvertently found himself back in the welcoming arms of the big boys, shifting five million copies and becoming a reluctant star in the process.
Tonight he steps out onto the stage of the cavernous Earls Court arena for the third night in a row, having just completed a major nationwide jaunt around the UK's largest venues promoting his new album, the more plaintive, introspective 'A New Day At Midnight'. Anyone graduating to venues this size has their work cut out, but David Gray probably never even imagined this was possible having spent a decade or so peddling his everyman folk around the spit and sawdust circuit.
He appears sat alone at a grand piano and takes the bold step of opening with new single 'The Other Side'. The band is revealed half way in and with a few of his trademark head wiggles and jiggles he appears to be entirely at ease in these surroundings. As the set progresses however, an uncomfortable stand-off between the man and his audience becomes apparent. His between song banter is a little clumsy and he berates the punters for turning up to hear the hits rather than the material he favours. The fact is most probably haven't heard the new songs, are looking forward to unwrapping them on Christmas day and for now would love a good seasonal sing-along.
He clearly wants to close the 'White Ladder' chapter once and for all, with the first three songs drawn from the new album. It isn't until 'My Oh My' begins that the audience really warms up, not producing an ecstatic response until the mid set 'Sail Away'. Admirably he never short-changes anyone', belting out his songs with great passion and his irresistible trademark, molasses soaked voice, but he is visibly happier playing his fresher compositions.
For David Gray, 'White Ladder' has become a populist millstone that now weighs heavy around his neck, and one which he would rather cast aside. His audience's reluctance to let him is all too obviously becoming a major frustration.
