Big Mike, the problem, stiff chocolate, one of the greatest of all time. Whatever you want to call the legend that is Stormzy, it’s undeniable that the 28-year-old rapper is one of the biggest musical talents to come from the UK within the last 10 years. From absolutely blowing up on the music scene in 2014 and bringing UK’s grime music into the mainstream to being the first UK rapper to ever headline Glastonbury in 2019 the star has some of the most impressive musical accolades to date. He’s an industry powerhouse and has more hits than you can even begin to count, his most recent album ‘Heavy is The Head’ was released to great critical acclaim in December of 2019 and after several Covid related reschedules he was finally able to take this phenomenal piece of work on tour as he set off on his largest UK tour to date, selling out shows at the UK’s biggest arenas. We were lucky enough to catch Stormzy as he took over Manchester’s AO Arena for a spectacular night, playing to over 20,000 fans in attendance. Support for the night came from Stormzy’s own sister and DJ Rachel Anson.
Everyone inside of the packed-out arena had been waiting for this moment for two years and yet, no one was prepared for what was about to come. As the gigantic led screens parted ways Stormzy made his grand entrance atop of a giant elevator and kicked the night off with “Big Michael” and descended towards the stage. Before we continue with this review, one thing that has to be highlighted is the phenomenal production for this show and overall tour, it was absolute perfection. From huge fire and confetti cannons, to the floating stage that Stormzy would climb into mid set and serenade the crowd from above, it was truly mind-blowing. The set list for the night was incredible as Stormzy showcased all of his musical talents in both singing and rapping, he was accompanied by some extremely talented backing singers through some songs too which made the performance that more special. Fans were treated to favourites like, “Shut up”, “Own It”, “Big for your boots” and he even squeezed in a very special moment to wish his tour manager a happy birthday as the whole crowd joined in unison to sing. Stormzy closed the night out with encores of “Blinded by your grace pt2” and “Vossi Bop” before spending plenty of time greeting fans at the barrier of the runway. Stormzy recently teased his third album was in the works and after the spectacular show we had just witnessed I am sat on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting for it and for another tour.
STORMZY
Photos by Lewis Roberts| Exclusively for @Music,Why Not!