Just a week after dropping his second album Staying at Tamara’s, folk-rock singer-songwriter George Ezra took Manchester by storm with a sold-out show at the O2 Apollo. True to his promise, George treated fans to a perfect blend of ‘oldies and new ones,’ performing a dynamic setlist featuring songs from both of his albums.
The night began with rising star Lily Moore, who set the tone with a heartfelt acoustic set. Her ballads, like ‘17’ and ‘Not That Special,’ captivated the audience, showcasing her powerful vocals and emotional depth.
Then, George Ezra stepped onto the stage, beaming with a grin and waving to the cheering crowd. He kicked off the night with a rousing rendition of ‘Cassy O,’ filling the venue with his unmistakable guitar work and the energy of his full band. As George played, fans erupted in applause and sang along to every word, clearly thrilled by the night ahead.
Before launching into ‘Barcelona,’ George shared a personal story about the inspiration behind Staying at Tamara’s, telling of his time spent songwriting in Spain and his stay with a woman named Tamara. This connection to the album’s creation made his performance feel intimate and engaging, as if the audience was hearing these stories for the first time.
While the crowd remained calm in comparison to the more typical concert frenzy, their enthusiasm was undeniable. They jumped, clapped, and belted out every lyric, especially during ‘Pretty Shining People.’ The feel-good vibes of the chorus—“Hey pretty smiling people, we’re alright together, we’re alright together”—resonated with everyone in the packed Apollo, creating an electric atmosphere.
Fan favorites like ‘Listen to the Man’ and ‘Don’t Matter Now’ kept the energy high. George introduced the latter with a smile, joking that the lyrics were easy to remember, leading the crowd into a sing-along of ‘do do do do,’ which triggered massive cheers and laughter.
One of the night’s standout moments came with ‘Paradise,’ where the band’s use of tambourines, trombones, and violins elevated the song’s live performance, turning it into a rich, multi-layered experience. Although Staying at Tamara’s had just been released, it was clear that the audience was already familiar with every word, especially during ‘Hold My Girl.’
Of course, no George Ezra concert would be complete without his hit ‘Blame It on Me,’ which needed no introduction. As the audience belted out the chorus, the room buzzed with excitement.
In an emotional turn, George returned for the encore, announcing that Staying at Tamara’s had just claimed the number one spot on the UK charts. The crowd erupted in applause, and George’s father joined him on stage, offering congratulations and reading verses from Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young.’ Closing the night with ‘Budapest,’ George left his fans with a sense of nostalgia and joy, reminding everyone that even after a four-year hiatus, he’s back and better than ever.
Catch George Ezra on the rest of his UK tour by grabbing tickets on his website!
