FOREST FIRE RAG N’ BONE MAN LIGHTS UP DELAMERE
- Phil Thorns
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Delamere Forest , Cheshire 15th June 2025
IMAGES / WORDS PHIL THORN
Delamere Forest becomes the UK’s best-kept gigging secret
Rag’n’Bone Man took over Delamere Forest on Sunday night and delivered a set that rumbled through the trees like a freight train. His voice is unmatched live, and when backed by one of the tightest bands on the scene, it made for something more than a gig, it was a full-scale sonic event under open skies.
Support came from Kerr Mercer, a rising young singer-songwriter from Glasgow who’s already notched up slots with McFly. There’s something in his tone that hints at early George Ezra but maybe with a bit more edge. His delivery is raw and personal, making it clear he’s not here to play safe.
Elles Bailey followed, award-winning and well-proven. Nominated for Blues Album of the Year in 2020 and a multi-time UK Blues Artist of the Year, she’s even been inducted into the UK Blues Hall of Fame. Hailing from Bristol, her powerful, gritty, smokey voice hits hard live. Her songwriting carries weight, but it’s her vocal grit that sticks with you. When she lets loose, it’s like gravel wrapped in velvet.
Then came the main event. Rag’n’Bone Man—a literal and vocal giant at 1.96m tall—strode onstage with 'Lovers in a Past Life', and that was it. The place was his. The set moved from the vulnerable 'Skin' (a 2017 standout reportedly inspired by Game of Thrones) to the crushing intensity of 'All You Ever Wanted', 'Grace' and 'Rush of Blood'—a 2024 release that digs into impulsiveness and regret with unflinching honesty.
He broke through in 2016 with 'Human', off the multi-award-winning album of the same name, and he's never looked back. Starting out as Rag’n’Bonez, the guy’s stayed grounded, known for his charity work and down-to-earth presence offstage. Live, he’s anything but small. That “Barry White on a motorbike” quote might be apocryphal, but you get the picture.
Backed by a band that fuses blues, gospel, soul and hip-hop into a seamless wall of sound, the chemistry on stage was undeniable. Special mention to the gospel-trained backup singers, more like co-vocalists at points, who lifted everything with harmonic depth and heartfelt duets. The connection with the crowd was impressive from start to finish.
The show closed with 'Giant', his Calvin Harris collab that blew up across Europe—and Delamere responded exactly how you’d expect: total chaos. The crowd went mental. Every voice in that clearing was shouting it back at him.
Let’s talk about Delamere Forest as a venue. It’s a natural amphitheatre hidden in the Cheshire trees, and the acoustics are unreal. The sound doesn’t bounce; it breathes. Add in great sightlines, good food and drink, proper parking access, and the fact that ticket profits go directly into conservation efforts. It’s gigging done right. Chic, Nile Rodgers, Sting and Paul Weller have already played here and Busted and The Blossoms are due in later this month. No surprise, it’s built for this. I highly recommend this venue.
Last night was a reminder that some artists aren’t just good live, they’re made for it. Rag’n’Bone Man is one of them, you wouldn’t think he’s only human after all, one of my favourites this year.
SET LIST
Lovers in a Past Life
Skin
Time to Love (new)
The Right Way
Hideaway
Grace
Hard Came the Rain
All You Ever Wanted
All I Know
What Do You Believe In?
Anywhere Away From Here
Iron
Ghosts
Be the Man
Rush of Blood
Crossfire
Human
Put a Little Hurt on Me
Giant (Calvin Harris & Rag’n’Bone Man cover)
UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2025
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High Lodge Visitor Centre, Thetford Forest, UK
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Cardiff Castle Grounds, Wales
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Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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