Review and Images by Jonathan Taylor

Instagram: jonathantaylorphotography

To celebrate the release of his 10^th studio album, ‘In The City They Call you Love’, Sheffield royalty, Richard Hawley heads out on the road to embark on a 16 date UK tour. Tonight’s stop is The Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton.

The set opens with the ‘She Brings the Light’. With its brooding guitars and vocal delivery, it is immediately clear from the off that Hawley has mastered his craft and has musical prowess in abundance. New tracks ‘Two for His Heals’ and ‘Prism In Jeans’ are up next which is followed by the beautifully and emotionally uplifting ‘Open Up Your Door’, which was without question, so early on, one of the evenings highlights.

Though an opportunity to showcase tracks off the latest album, the set was also laden with gems from 2012 album ‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge’, including the album, ‘Don’t Stare at the Sun’ and ‘Leave Your Body Behind’ as well as decade spanning classics with the epic ‘Is There a Pill?’, ‘Heart of Oak’ and fan favourite ‘Tonight the Streets Are ours’.

Throughout the evening Hawley’s charming wit and genuine humility whilst conversing with his audience was a joy and the historic venues acoustics and intimate ambiance were the perfect accompaniment for moments in the set for the likes of ‘Just Like The Rain’ and new track ‘Heavy Rain’, which both in turn pay homage and capture the romance of the dank weather of the beautiful North.

The evening is brought to a close with the 17-year-old skiffle inspired ‘I’m Looking for Someone to Find Me’ and finally ‘The Ocean’

Tonight, was an evening drenched in perfect storytelling, emotional depth and beautiful nostalgia. It was an incredible plethora of music, which not only galvanised the crowd but proved without question that Richard Hawley is not only one of Sheffield’s finest, but one of the most cherished acts of the UKs musical tapestry.

Set List:

She Brings the Sunlight

Two for His Heals

Prism In Jeans

Open Up Your Door

Standing at the Sky’s Edge

Deep Space

Just Like the Rain

Hear That Lonesome Whistle Blow

Tonight the Streets Are Ours

Alone

Coles Corner

Leave Your Body Behind You

Heavy Rain

Don’t Stare at the Sun

Is There a Pill?

Heart of Oak

Encore:

People

I’m Looking for Someone to Find Me

The Ocean