Live Review: Tom Grennan - Utilita Arena, Newcastle 16/09/2025
In a world of commercial pop performers, Tom Grennan still stands out, aside from a knack for song writing, and honest story telling, he’s also got the “putting on a show” down, which he showed off at Newcastle’s Arena.
Opening the evening was Scottish singer songwriter Rianne Downey. She’s a breath of fresh air, inspired and invigorated by 50’s alternative pop, she brought an energising set of pop songs to open the evening. Her stunning voice, charming personality and smooth stage patter added to an already powerful performance from herself and her guitarist, although I did have to warm up to her as her pastel power pop meets country could’ve done with a little more bite if you’d have asked me. Tom Walker followed with the ‘bite’ I’d been waiting for, despite his most well-known song to date being a soaring pop ballad.
Walker entered the stage with energy and swagger and wasted no time as he kicked his show into gear the moment he set foot on stage. Known for ‘Leave A Light On’, I’d not expected his live show to be so highly energetic and unapologetically loud in message and sound. His incredible entrance left an impression that lasted his entire set as he launched into hit after hit supported by his incredibly talented band; keys and drums elevated his soaring and emotive pop songs. As seen on the big screen, Tom Walker smiled the entire time he was on stage, that love and passion for his craft shone through in every element of his show, and his powerful vocals left us all with goose bumps. The surprisingly young audience at the Utilita Arena was clearly not solely there for Grennan, as Walker received all the energy he deserved from the packed venue.
Songs such as ‘Just You and I’ and ‘Head Underwater’ were sung back to him wholeheartedly, and the way he left the stage; with ‘Leave a Light On’, truly gave Tom Grennan a run for his money. Although really, we got two headliners for the price of one. Because Grennan, with his years of experience, has well and truly honed his craft and live performance and once again completely blew me away. It might be your music, it might not be, but seeing a performer such as Tom Grennan perform his songs live, is something not many artists can match. However, half the joy I experienced during this evening came from the young girls in front of me who were having the time of their lives, jumping, waving, and singing along to most of his songs.
With a stellar quartet of background singers, a horn section, and an outstanding band, Grennan delivered a show that brought together a crowd of about 11.000 people. For one night they all forgot their differences and focused on their commonalities; their love for the music of Tom Grennan. Kicking off the show with ‘Full Attention’, throwing in ‘Found What I’ve Been Looking For’ early on, and even playing ‘Royal Highness’ off his debut album, those I’d wanted to hear were all part of his set. ‘Royal Highness’ did highlight that most of his audience were there for the newer material, as not many were able to sing along to every word like I was. That fact highlighted how his new music tapped into a new audience, an age range he’d not reached before, showcasing that love for music knows no boundaries, nor does it know exclusivity; music for every single one of us. Tom shared his spotlight with his background singers, played an acoustic song guided by the piano, which brought most of us to tears including Grennan himself, and ended with ‘Little Bit of Love’, delivering on a show most of us won’t soon forget, even those that might not have been a big fan of Tom Grennan in the first place.
Words by Laura Rosierse
Photos by Celia Medina
