Rag’N’Bone Man (w/ Emily Burns, Max White) @ O2 Academy (Leeds, UK) on October 21, 2021 [Photos & Show Review]

Singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man became a household name following the release of his hit single “Human” so it comes as no surprise to find that, upon arriving at the O2 Academy in Leeds, there isn’t a single ticket left for this show.

While most fans are still getting in for the two support acts joining the headliner on this tour, both bands certainly went away with new fans thanks to some wonderfully intimate music. First up was Brighton-based songwriter Max White who between playing tracks like his new single “Breaking Down” from his Imagine E.P., cheekily managed to get a plug in for his merch and upcoming UK tour which will see him visit the city again in a few weeks.

Next up was Warwickshire-based singer Emily Burns who, as with Max, look suitably ecstatic at being given the opportunity with one of the stars of British music. Again, the singer only had a short time on stage so made the most of it warming up the crowd nicely with tracks like “P.D.A.”.

Combining rock and soul, the headliner has the kind of voice that will leave an audience spellbound and here in Leeds he did just that. Sure, when he strides out wearing a denim jacket and with the now-familiar Post Malone-style face tattoos, you’re expecting something a bit grittier but, as soon as he opens his mouth and starts singing, all pre-conceptions go out of the window.

Aside from the voice, one of the things that makes Rag’N’Bone such a special person is how humble he comes across. When he steps out onto the stage, the roar around the room literally shakes the wall and, for a few seconds, the singer just stands there soaking it all up with a massive smile on his face. It’s two songs in before he addresses the room joking shyly about how he likes to take a couple of songs to get warmed-up before speaking to the crowd.

With an armoury of songs like “Skin” and “All You Ever Wanted” showing exactly why the Brighton singer is a huge deal. 2021 saw him also collaborate with pop superstar P!nk and 2022 looks like it will be a busy year with high profile festival headline appearances already being confirmed.

Returning with new album Life Of Misadventure, Rag’n’Bone Man announced his return in the best style possible and, with sold-out venue after sold-out venue singing along to hit singles “Human” and “Giant,” you get the feeling that we’re going to be seeing plenty more of this musical powerhouse in the next twelve months.