David Gray - Live Review

David Gray’s Past & Present Tour at Oxford New Theatre: A Night of Perpetual Magic

There’s something about David Gray’s music that feels like an old friend - familiar, warm, and always welcome. At Oxford New Theatre, his Past & Present Tour wasn’t just a concert; it was an education in effortless musicianship and nostalgia. And while the classics were there (of course, they were), Gray also had a few surprises up his sleeve, including fresh cuts from his new album Dear Life and a setlist shake-up that kept the night feeling alive and spontaneous.

Kicking Off With a Twist (And a Little Laughter)

Before Gray even took the stage, Talia Rae, the evening’s support act, set the tone with her soulful vocals and intimate songwriting enabled her to be more than just a warm up act. So it was only fitting that she returned for the second song of the night, Slow Motion, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Gray as they delivered a delicate, aching performance.

A little early hiccup from Gray fumbling the intro twice allowed the audience to see a cheeky grin and chuckle, with a shrugged off comment “Let’s try that again, shall we?” The crowd, already in the palm of his hand, laughed along, melting away any barrier between stage and audience.

New Songs That Already Feel Like Old Favourites

While this tour celebrates Gray’s rich catalogue, he wasn’t about to let the new material take a backseat. ‘After the Harvest’ and ‘Singing for the Pharaoh’, both from Dear Life, landed with surprising ease - like they’d been nestled in his set for years.

It’s always a gamble introducing fresh songs to an audience hungry for the hits, but Gray’s songwriting has never relied on novelty. These tracks carried the same emotional weight and vivid storytelling that define his best work. After the Harvest had a gentle, hypnotic pull, while Singing for the Pharaoh unfolded with a slow-burning intensity that held the theatre captive with an added unexpected treat segued into a cover of Just Can’t Get Enough by Depeche Mode. The audience, initially caught off guard, quickly embraced it, swaying and singing along to a song they never knew they needed. If this is where Gray’s musical instincts are leading him, we’re in good hands.

David Gray, The Conservationist

It’s no secret that Gray’s passion extends beyond music. A night crammed with hits didn’t allow him to highlight Curlew Action as much as he would have wished, a wildlife charity dedicated to protecting the endangered curlew. But his charity awareness gave us another glimpse into the man behind the music. There’s something refreshing about an artist using their platform not just for self-promotion but for something bigger than themselves.

Ending on a High: White Ladder in Full Glory

Of course, no David Gray show would be complete without the White Ladder classics, and as the night neared its end, he delivered. Babylon was as euphoric as ever, with the entire theatre singing along, voices blending into a perfect, slightly chaotic harmony. This Year’s Love felt like a collective exhale, while Sail Away wrapped the evening in a soft, nostalgic glow.

By the time the final notes faded, Oxford wasn’t ready to let go - but Gray had done what he does best. He’d taken us somewhere, made us feel something, and left us with melodies lingering long after we stepped out into the night.

And really, what more could you ask for?