Live Review: Rag’n’Bone Man – 12th June 2025 – Hampton Court Palace Festival, London, UK
3 min read
On Thursday evening we were lucky enough to venture into Hampton Court Palace’s historic grounds for the second night in this year’s run of concerts. Welcomed by the sunshine and the wonderful array of food stalls, the festivities were already well underway with the expectant audience soaking in the atmosphere, eagerly awaiting Rag ’n’ Bone Man’s set.
The audience piled through the garden entrance to the palace, those who had not ever been to the building taking in the gorgeous architecture. In the last of the three courtyards the stage was set, and at 9pm sharp Rag ’n’ Bone Man, AKA. Rory Graham arrived. The groovy bass line and stomping beat of Lover’s an a Past Life acted as the perfect introduction, Rory dressed in black with gold chains swaggered on and gave the first of many excellent vocal performances. The crowd continued to pour in as he played, second song Skin ending before everyone was sat in their seats. “I have to be honest,” he said candidly, “I feel far too common to be playing this venue.” He followed this comment with a new song, images of galloping horses and birds flying across a reddened sky accenting the drama of it. The Right Way contrasted this with pictures of his younger self, as well as his family and friends. Rory strode about the stage, interacting with fans who caught his eye. His humility and warmth radiated from his performance and got made everyone feel at home, common or otherwise.
Every song in the set took the audience in a different direction. Some had metal-esc guitar riffs and huge solos, others took a softer bluesy approach. No matter the song, however, the crowd were riled up, joining together for clap-alongs and arms sways. “I wasn’t expecting you to be so rowdy,” Rory admitted at one point, some of the audience even being removed for being just that. Despite this, songs like Anywhere Away from Here utilised the band and brought the general din to a momentary pause, people admiring the sheer talent in his entourage. Pocket from the new album becomes a late set highlight, everyone singing along, up on their feet. This feeling was continued with the disco-tinged Rush of Blood, and then amplified by Human. Tight on time, the group made a quick exit stage left, before returning for a few more hits, treating the crowd to a longer set than anticipated. The night had breezed past, but the performance lingered with festival goers as they made their way through the maze of halls to the various exits. Another successful and memorable night at Hampton Court Palace.
Set List:
Lover’s in a Past Life
Skin
Time to Love
The Right Way
Hard Came the Rain
All You Ever Wanted
Grace
All I Know
What Do You Believe In?
Anywhere Away From Here
Iron
Be the Man
Crossfire
Ghosts
Human
Encore:
Put a Little Hurt on Me
Giant
Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.
