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
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Fri 26 Apr 2024
Newton Faulkner
Clitheroe
The Grand at Clitheroe
[BB7 2DL] £28.50
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Sat 27 Apr 2024
Newton Faulkner
Liverpool
Hangar34
[L1 0BS] £28.50
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Sun 28 Apr 2024
Newton Faulkner
Lincoln
Lincoln Drill Hall
[LN2 1EY] £28.50
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Tue 30 Apr 2024
Newton Faulkner
Leeds
The Old Woollen
[LS28 1UJ] £28.50
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Thu 2 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Stockton-on-Tees
Arc
[TS18 1LL] £28.50
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Fri 3 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Carlisle
Old Fire Station
[CA3 8QW] £28.50
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Sat 4 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Selkirk
MacArts
[TD1 1SP] £28.50
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Sun 5 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Bury
The Met
[BL9 0BW] £28.50
-
Thu 9 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Southend-on-Sea
Chinnery's
[SS1 2EJ] £28.50
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Thu 9 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Southend-on-Sea
Chinnery's
[SS1 2EJ] £28.50
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Fri 10 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Cambridge
The Junction
[CB1 7GX] £28.50
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Sun 12 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Shoreham by Sea
Ropetackle Arts Centre
[BN43 5EG] £28.50
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Tue 14 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Shrewsbury
Theatre Severn
[SY3 8FT] £28.50
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Wed 15 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Newbury
Arlington Arts Centre
[RG14 3BQ] £28.50
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Fri 17 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Southampton
1865
[SO14 3AR] £28.50
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Sat 18 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Exeter
Exeter Phoenix
[EX4 3LS] £28.50
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Sun 19 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Bath
Komedia
[BA1 1EP] £28.50
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Tue 21 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Buxton
Opera House
[SK17 6XN] £28.50
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Wed 22 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Southport
The Atkinson (The Studio)
[PR8 1DB] £28.50
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Wed 29 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Grimsby
Docks Academy
[DN31 3JD] £28.50
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Wed 29 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Grimsby
Docks Academy
[DN31 3JD] £28.50
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Thu 30 May 2024
Newton Faulkner
Harrogate
Harrogate Theatre
[HG1 1QF] £28.50
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Sat 1 Jun 2024
Newton Faulkner
Holmfirth
The Picturedrome
[HD9 7DA] £28.50
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Fri 19 Jul 2024
Newton Faulkner
Hope Valley
The Devil\'s Arse
[S33 8WS] £30.00
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Thu 22 Aug 2024
Newton Faulkner
Cottingham
The Civic Hall
[HU16 5QG] £37.50
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