Rag’n’Bone Man’s ‘OVERPROOF’ tour rolled into Wolverhampton Civic Hall last Monday on the back of a number of sell out dates across the UK. The BRIT award winning (aka) Rory Graham bought with him support in the form of unsigned Josh Barry, and successful R&B soloist RATIONALE to an eager capacity crowd.

Josh Barry was the first support to take to the stage, alone amongst a sea of instruments for the following acts he effortlessly cruised through a short set to a great reception. Winner of this year’s Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition he looked both comfortable and yet humbled by the experience. Surely just a matter before he becomes the target of a major label.

Perfectly complemented on the night was Rationale whose indie pop and synth wizardry stepped up the tempo with his full band supporting. The audience now nearly 2 hours since doors opening were amazing receptive and Rationale’s positivity and lyrically engaging melodic songs left no one short changed.

As 21:30 approached the anticipation reached its climax as the headline act strolled comfortably onto stage to rapturous applause. With the second best-selling UK album of this year Rag’n’Bone man’s deep soulful tones filled the hall from the start.

Complemented by a strong light show and brilliant band he moved effortlessly across the stage, often lost in the music with his eyes shut his presence was something to behold. With all his radio friendly hits and tracks like HUMAN, SKIN, and WOLVES the man of the moment seemed entirely at ease with his stratospheric rise to success in the last 12 months.

At no point were his vocals overpowered by the music, and the depth of his lyrics and stage presence treated everyone to a night not to be forgotten. The sell out tour rolled on as the evening ended and surely just a matter of time before future arena shows are scheduled.

Words and Pictures by Mark Tipping Photography