Elbow Live at The Royal Albert Hall review by Ryan Beardsley
To quote Peep Show, “You probably love them, and fair do’s.” I think that perfectly encapsulates how the British public feels about Elbow, that rarest of things, a band that is impossible to dislike.
Couple that with the fact they’re here tonight at the Royal Albert Hall to support one of the UK’s finest charitable institutions, the amazing Teenage Cancer Trust, and it’s clear the stars have aligned for a special night. (Text RAH10 to 70085) if you want to chuck in a tenner for a wonderful organisation, by the way)
After an incredibly moving video highlighting all the amazing work the foundation is responsible for, followed by a small number of brave young adults coming out on stage for a well-deserved standing ovation, Bury’s finest head out for their first-ever show at the Royal Albert Hall.
Guy Garvey is in typically humble form as he welcomes everyone to the show, before blasting into ‘Things I’ve Been Telling Myself For Years’ from their most recent release, 2024’s Audio Vertigo. Then we go way back as The Bones of You has everyone on their feet singing along in unison before a truly special Mirrorball, complete with disco decoration revealed to be hanging from the famous ceiling, which creates an incredible visual and is a highlight of the night that has so many.
The Birds showcases Garvey’s powerful croon, so much so that he needs a bit of a rest after belting out the chorus refrain, an added poignancy considering why we’re all here tonight on the importance of living life without regret, none more so for those brave cancer survivors in attendance, ‘looking back is for the Birds’ indeed.
Ten albums deep into their career, the band have an incredible wealth of songs in the back catalogue, and it’s hit after hit tonight, Lippy Kids is as euphoric as ever, before Magnificent (She Says) has the goosebumps popping up, and once again seems so fitting for tonight, a truly beautifully written track encapsulating the innocence and opportunity of childhood.
Grounds For Divorce is seriously rock-infused tonight, with Mark Potter’s eclectic guitar reverberating around the Hall, complemented by Alex Reeves ‘ show-stealing drumming, means we’re dangerously close to what must be the RAH’s first ever mosh pit. With the seating removed tonight I wonder if its the first time someone has been on someone’s shoulders at a Royal Albert Hall concert. I imagine the King would not approve.
Just when you think it can’t get any better, the band return to a hero’s welcome for the encore with Garvey taking the time to thank everyone for coming in his self-effacing style. For a moment it really does feel like you’re watching your mate’s band down the pub, but then they pull out One Day Like This and you remember you’re in the company of true greatness. There are five more nights of live music this week in support of this amazing cause, the gauntlet has been thrown down, tonight will take some topping.
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