David Gray

Gray Power

David Gray has a lot to smile about. Let’s start with his band; you’ll walk a lot of miles trying to find a better drummer or bassist this weekend. Then there’s Gray’s songs; a catalogue of sing-a-long crowd-pleasers guaranteed to blend perfectly with an early visit to the cider bus.

Add to this one blissful summer evening and a triumphant spirit of homecoming (Gray last played Glastonbury before Babylon reached for the moon and Gray’s world “started to get weird”). It’s a recipe to give one goosebumps. And goosebumps is what we got.

Gray’s band squeezed maximum value from the Pyramid Stage’s ass-kicking sound system as they rocked through Gray’s repertoire with studio crispness. This is a band at the height of its powers. The belief, the work, the talent… all are now paying off. You can see it on their faces. They know this is their time to be golden.

The crowd senses it too. It’s a magical Glastonbury moment for 30,000 or so of us; happy to see the rain clouds dispersed, relishing our first clear sunset of the festival, and ready to sing. “Sail Away,” “Please Forgive Me”, (of course) “Babylon” and a cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Whiskey in the Jar” steal the show.

An emotional Gray left the stage after sending a blessing to “the magic hills of Glastonbury”. He’ll be back. We’re sure of that.

Neil West

News Stories

• Mendip District Council say Glastonbury 2003 Was Very Successful
• Jools Holland Extravaganza
• TV Ratings Up, Up, Up
• Michael's Sunday Press Conference
• Glastonbury Extravaganza A Sell Out
• Thank you everyone
• Crime Substantially Down
• A New Beginning For Glastonbury Festival

General Links

• Official Site News
• News & Features from The Guardian
• Extravaganza
• Search