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REVIEW: 'It seems everything George Ezra does turns to gold'

George Ezra in concert at Utilita Arena Picture: Adam Kennedy
George Ezra in concert at Utilita Arena Picture: Adam Kennedy

IT SEEMS that everything George Ezra does turns to gold – and that he can do no wrong.

The award-winning artist’s first two albums reached the much-coveted Number 1 spot in the official UK charts, earning him the title of the golden boy of pop amongst some.

It’s rather fitting, then, that the musical alchemist has named his third and latest album the Gold Rush Kid.

The Northern Echo: Picture: Andy Kennedy
The Northern Echo: Picture: Andy Kennedy

Picture: Andy Kennedy

Following a high-profile headline appearance in front of tens of thousands of fans at Finsbury Park in London this summer, the artist is presently on an extensive arena run.

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Ezra’s sold-out show at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena marked the chart-topping star’s first appearance in the region since 2019, so those lucky enough to be in attendance had indeed got the golden ticket.

Following a 30-minute set from South African trio Beatenberg, Ezra took to the arena stage accompanied by his intro music – It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones.

Anyone for You (Tiger Lily), from his latest album, opened the show and was followed by old favourites Casey O’ and Get Away.

Backed by a seven-piece band and performing in front of a huge video wall, no expense was spared on Ezra’s arena production. The wonderful stage lights were rivalled, however, by locals who put on their own light show, their twinkling cell phones frequently illuminating the arena.

An uplifting airing of Pretty Shining People was enough to have the capacity Tyneside audience singing wholeheartedly at the top of their voices early in the set.

It has been said the Gold Rush Kid features some of Ezra’s most personal songwriting to date. Throughout the show tracks from the artist’s latest offering were featured, including hit single Green Green Grass and Dance All Over Me, to name but a few.

The Northern Echo: Picture: Adam Kennedy
The Northern Echo: Picture: Adam Kennedy

Picture: Adam Kennedy

Grasping an acoustic guitar and accompanied only on piano, a heartfelt rendition of fan favourite Hold My Girl mid set was one of the many highlights of the show.

The inclusion of beautiful ballads such as Sweetest Human Being Alive and the gospel-tinged In the Morning slowed down the proceedings momentarily, but as Ezra headed into the latter stages of the set an electrifying airing of Paradise and crowd pleaser Blame It On Me was enough to get the room moving.

George Ezra’s globe-trotting endeavours have proved to be a source of great inspiration for the singer-songwriter. Subsequently, tracks such as the classic Barcelona and Budapest showcased his travel-inspired repertoire – the latter of which, by his own admission, was where it all started for the British performer.

In this instance, however, it concluded his main set.

Following much applause from the Newcastle audience, Ezra returned to the stage and performed a two-song encore which concluded with the pop anthem Shotgun.

It was an explosive conclusion to a spellbinding evening of music from one of the UK’s finest artists.

Throughout Tuesday’s George Ezra show on Tyneside the gifted artist certainly delivered a gold standard performance.

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