Rag’n’Bone Man Raises the Roof in Llangollen: A Soul-Stirring Second Night at the Eisteddfod

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2025 – Friday 27th June 2025

IMAGES DESH KAPUR / WORDS SHARON CONWAY

Rag N Bone Man

Night two of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod saw the Big Top Pavilion once again brimming with energy, music, and heartfelt performances. If Texas opened the festival with nostalgic anthems and rockstar polish, Friday night delivered a different flavour—raw, soulful, and emotionally charged—from rising talent to chart-topping headliner.

First to the stage was Kerr Mercer, a young Glasgow singer-songwriter quickly making waves on the UK scene. Joined only by his guitarist, Mercer stepped into the spotlight with warmth and charm. His soulful vocals—rich, passionate, and packed with character—echoed shades of Hozier and George Ezra, but with a distinctly Scottish twist. Mixing alt-indie sensibilities with polished pop songwriting, Mercer’s set was filled with emotion, story-driven lyrics, and a depth that belied his youth. This was a performance that felt both intimate and full of promise, and Llangollen may one day boast that it saw him before the big break.

Next up was Elles Bailey, and what a presence she brought. Dressed in a glittering, sequined short suit that sparkled under the lights, she looked every bit the country star—and more importantly, sounded it too. With a voice steeped in Americana, country, blues, and rock, Bailey captivated from the first note. Her vocals were powerful and emotive, effortlessly riding the line between gravel and grace, and her commanding stage presence had the crowd under her spell. She’s not just a great singer—she’s a storyteller, a force of nature, and a true artist with a sound as timeless as it is contemporary.

Then, as the lights dimmed and anticipation peaked, it was time for Rag’n’Bone Man—real name Rory Graham—to take the stage. And take it he did. Standing six-foot-five, covered in tattoos, beard thick and gold chain shining, he looked every bit the giant he is—but from the moment he smiled, it was clear this was a gentle giant with a giant heart to match. The Llangollen crowd greeted him with a huge roar, and as his unmistakable baritone voice filled the tent, a hush quickly followed.

His set was an expertly balanced mix of soulful ballads, groove-driven numbers, and new material, all delivered with that raw authenticity that has made him such a beloved artist. His voice—a mix of soul, blues, hip-hop and hints of funk—carried every emotion, and the minimalist staging let the music take center stage.

The undeniable highlight came with his performance of the global hit Human. Phones lit up across the pavilion, creating a sea of glowing lights, as the crowd sang every word in unison. It was a spine-tingling, communal moment that perfectly captured the intimacy of the night, despite the scale.

Rag’n’Bone Man’s band brought depth and power to the set, with his backing singers adding rich textures and plenty of charisma. And through it all, Graham remained humble and down-to-earth, sharing stories, thanking the crowd, and clearly soaking in the love.

Following in the footsteps of Texas was no small task, but Rag’n’Bone Man met the challenge head-on and delivered a performance full of soul, power, and heart. Night two of the Eisteddfod proved that this year’s festival isn’t just about heritage and harmony—it’s about passion, authenticity, and the unforgettable magic of live music.

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