I trundled into the 02 in Birmingham and made my way to the photograph pit. It was absolutely freezing and so the quicker I could get myself amongst the thousands of people who had descended on the 02, the better. I have seen Sam Brookes supporting Newton previously but when it's been a while, you can be forgiven for forgetting how somebody sounds live. Brookes beautiful acoustic music opened the evening and opened my eyes. With 'Mystery Rob' on the drums, Brookes performance was stunning with his song 'Numb' completely stealing my heart.
If I am honest, 'Studio Zoo' slipped past me which is a shame as I completely adore Newton Faulkner's music. He created this album which saw him screening the process live online. I certainly have never heard of this before but I didn't get quite as swept up as I perhaps should have got. The stage consisted of the usual cosy Faulknerness. He had his teapot ready to go, with a book shelf behind him and carpet lay down. I even think I saw a Ragdoll of Newton himself on the shelves? No fuss or dramatics needed.
As I was photographing, Newton performed 'Long Shot' which is truly my favourite track of his. Faulkner has a beautiful way with crafting his song, "...I put my faith in me...'" Faulkner has an delightful nature. He chatted warmly with the audience and involved them, especially with the new songs. Faulkner taught harmonies to the crowd with lyrics being sung back.
Faulkner normally takes to the stage by himself but this show saw him accompanied by his brother, Toby Faulkner, support act Sam Brookes and Celloist Beth. An unusual set up to see the stage so full but each component reflected what Faulkner was trying to do. Faulkner (Toby) and Sam Brookes both elevated the vocals and it also saw Brookes accompanying Faulkner on the guitar. I am a sucker for string instruments and so by including Beth and her cello was a wonderful surprise.
Newton's set was filled with everybody's favourites including his cover of 'Teardrop' by Massive Attack and 'I Took It Out On You', 'I Need Something' and 'Clouds'. Known for his covers, Newton performed Justin Timberlake's 'Like I Love You' blew me away, both hilarious and charming. It's worth mention that 'Orange Skies' was a truly beautiful way to finish the show. It's a huge compliment to Newton that even with 6 shows under my belt, I'm still amazed and stood in disbelief with how he plays and uses his guitar. To play the guitar, normally, then hit it like a drum, play it with his mouth and retune his guitar, while playing a song to hit different notes, all while singing as well...
He simply cannot do anything wrong. I adore him. 'Studio Zoo' is a masterpiece.
FUTURE GIGS
- date performer venue price
-
Wed 23 Apr 2025
Newton Faulkner
Ilkey
Kings Hall
[LS29 8HB] £30.00
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Thu 24 Apr 2025
Newton Faulkner
Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay Playhouse
[NE26 1LZ] £150.00
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Sat 26 Apr 2025
Newton Faulkner
New Brighton
Floral Pavillion Theatre
[CH45 2LH] £30.00
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Sun 27 Apr 2025
Newton Faulkner
Stoke-on-Trent
The Sugarmill
[ST1 1DR] £30.00
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Tue 29 Apr 2025
Newton Faulkner
Lytham St Annes
Lowther Pavillion
[FY8 5QQ] £30.00
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Wed 30 Apr 2025
Newton Faulkner
Coventry
Warwick Arts Centre & Butterworth Hall
[CV4 7AL] £30.00
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Thu 1 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
Stamford
Stamford Corn Exchange
[PE9 1PX] £30.00
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Sat 3 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
Barnsley
Birdwell Club
[S70 5UY] £30.00
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Sun 4 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
York
The Crescent Working Mens Club
[YO24 1AW] £30.00
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Sun 4 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
York
The Crescent Working Mens Club
[YO24 1AW] £30.00
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Tue 6 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
Bury St Edmunds
The Apex
[IP33 3FD] £30.00
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Wed 7 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
Reading
SUB89
[RG1 1EP] £30.00
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Thu 8 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
Stroud
Subscription Rooms
[GL5 1AE] £30.00
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Sun 11 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
Southampton
The Brook
[SO17 3SD] £30.00
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Mon 12 May 2025
Newton Faulkner
Penzance
Acorn Theatre
[TR18 4BU] £30.00
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