WORDS BY LEON CROOKS / MAIN IMAGES DESH KAPUR
In the intimate confines of the Brunel Museum, Tom Walker, one of the UK’s breakout global stars, entered to a tidal wave of applause and cheers. It was evident from the outset that the audience was in for a treat, eager to witness the prowess of one of the music industry’s most talked-about artists.
Launching into the performance with the rousing ‘Angels,’ Walker immediately showcased the power of his vocals, filling the atmospheric venue with his rich tone. Backed by a talented ensemble of singers & a keyboard player, he skillfully navigated his vocal range, captivating the audience from the get-go. What set this performance apart was Walker’s personable approach, engaging the crowd with anecdotes and insights into the creation of his songs.
Throughout the evening, Walker seamlessly blended older material with new and exclusive tracks, offering the audience a taste of what’s to come on his upcoming album, ‘I Am.’ A standout moment came with the stripped-back acoustic rendition of ‘Just You & I.’ Walker’s heartfelt explanation of the song’s origins, coupled with the audience’s collective serenade, turned the venue into a harmonious choir, creating a memorable and emotionally charged atmosphere.
Beyond the music, Walker’s ability to connect on a deeper level was evident. Between songs, he delved into topics like mental health, showcasing his prowess not only as a performer but as a socially conscious songwriter. The exclusive track ‘Statement’ was a poignant example, addressing the stigma of mental health in men. After drawing the audience into introspective moments, Walker effortlessly shifted gears, elevating the energy with the pulsating ‘Not Giving In.’ The venue transformed into a temporary rave, with reverberating instrumentation, strobe lighting, and a reciprocal exchange of energy between artist and audience.
The concert reached its crescendo with the soul-stirring ‘Leave A Light On,’ featuring a surprise duet with TikTok sensation Victor Ray. Their harmonious blend left the crowd in awe, and Walker exited the stage to the overwhelming sound of applause, cheers, and whistles. The demanded encore was duly granted, with Walker delivering a socially charged new song that underscored his prowess as both a lyricist and a performer.
In essence, Tom Walker’s performance at the Brunel Museum was a masterclass in emotional storytelling and dynamic stage presence. His unmistakable voice, combined with outstanding songwriting, left an unforgettable mark on the audience, solidifying his status as a global music sensation. As fans eagerly await the release of ‘I Am,’ Walker’s live performance undoubtedly whets the appetite for what promises to be another stellar addition to his discography.
SET LIST
1/ ANGELS
2/ FLY AWAY WITH ME
3/ HOLY GHOST
4/ WAIT FOR YOU
5/ JUST YOU AN I
6/ FREAKING OUT
7/ STIGMA
8/ NOT GIVING UP
9/ ECHOES
10/ LIFELINE
11/ THE BEST IS YET TO COME
12/ HEAD UNDERWATER
13/ BURN
14/ LEAVE A LIGHT ON
FOLLOW TOM WALKER
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago