Her debut album 'My 21st Century Blues' was a dogged record of survival, released independently after RAYE's major label refused. Turns out they were incredibly wrong – RAYE went on to pick up a record number of BRIT Awards, topped the charts with candid single 'Escapism' and played a lot of big, validating gigs. It's little wonder her new record is called 'THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.'.
Tonight, the third of six homecoming shows at the 20,000 capacity arena ahead of a headline slot at Reading & Leeds later this summer, RAYE is running on pure self-belief. That plucky underdog story is very much finished, and instead, we see a star at the height of their power.
Early on, RAYE warns the crowd that she has officially entered her dramatic era, as if the fake snow, 19-piece backing band and West End theatrics weren't enough of a giveaway. Unreleased opening track 'I Will Overcome' sets the optimistic tone for the evening before gargantuan comeback single 'Where Is My Husband' has the entire room on their feet.
