Review
The return of Neil Gray
On Friday the 14th of February, we were in the audience of Neil Gray’s first gig in 6 years. it was a showcase of raw talent not to be missed…
On Friday 14th February, singer Neil Gray performed at the Fishnet Tavern in North Shields in what was his first gig in approximately 6 years. It was a special gig, and one that was an honour to be in the audience of.
From the second Neil stepped up to the mic, his charisma shone. Going into his first track, Adore You by Harry Styles, the talent he has was evident immediately. Anyone in the room who had not heard him sing before was in for a treat. It was clear his years away from the mic hadn’t dulled his craft. The songs he played, each infused with his distinct style, were a brilliant showcase of the incredible range Neil brings to his performances. His heartfelt rendition of Friday I’m In Love by The Cure was a beautiful addition to the Valentine’s evening, showcasing the deep emotion Neil pours into every word. In contrast, his energetic cover of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody highlighted the impressive vocal strength he possesses.
A particularly memorable moment was when Neil performed a song by Sam Fender. Given that we were in Sam’s hometown, the crowd immediately connected with the choice, and Neil’s version of Arm’s Length was nothing short of magical. His take on the song had a rawness and authenticity that made it feel like his own, yet the familiar energy of Fender’s music made it a perfect fit for the night.
What stood out the most was Neil’s ability to balance the setlist. There was a perfect mix of covers—from classics like Toploader’s Dancing in the Moonlight to songs that felt as though they were written just for him, such as with his reimagined cover of Sabrina Carpenter's Taste, contributing to the Valentines atmosphere. Each song, no matter the style, was delivered with precision and passion. Even in moments when it seemed like the nerves might have gotten the better of him, the support in the room was palpable. It wasn’t just a room full of strangers; it felt like a room full of people who genuinely wanted to see Neil succeed. And succeed he did. In those brief moments of hesitation, the energy from the crowd rallied him, and he picked right back up, carrying on like nothing had happened. It was a testament to how deeply we all believed in his talent, how much everyone wanted him to shine.
The sense of pride for Neil in the room was clear.
In the end, Neil’s performance wasn’t just a reminder of the incredible vocalist and guitarist he is, but also of the power of community. Everyone was there, cheering him on, and he gave it all back tenfold. After years away, it was clear that Neil Gray had returned with even more to offer. His performance felt like the beginning of something great, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes him next.
