Olly Murs – York Races – 01/07/17
It’s fine day at the York racecourse for another meeting of entertaining races and music. The stands have long sold out and 30,000 people are soaking up the sun, knocking back a few drinks, and placing a few bets (and cashing them in if they’re lucky enough!). After a spectacular finish to the races, families and friends gather across the fields to welcome Olly Murs (7.5) to the stage to close the day in perfect style!
With the release of his latest album ’24 Hrs’ late last year, some fans have been eagerly waiting since the gates opened at mid day by the barrier to sing back the new tracks up and close with Olly. It’s not long before they are put straight to the test as we’re thrown into ‘You Don’t Know Love’ from the new album to get the show off to a flyer! Backed with a full band and backing singers it sounds fantastic from the start, and they look ready to kick off their July tour across the UK.
As the cheeky loveable character he is, Olly struts his way around the stage grinning and dancing away making sure every available space on stage is covered, and nobody along the front is left out. One thing is for sure Olly certainly knows how to milk a crowd, he has them singing, clapping and dancing along for the full hour through a back catalogue of hits and some fun covers like Stevie Wonders ‘Superstitious’ leading out of ‘Stevie Knows’ early on in the set.
With a back catalogue of hits it’s clear an hours performance just isn’t enough to get through everything we all want to hear, but fan favourites such as ‘Heart Skips A Beat’, ‘Dear Darlin’ and the groovy ‘Troublemaker’ are more than enough to keep everyone more than happy this evening.
New single ‘Unpredictable’ goes down brilliantly well with some finger clicking, but the absence of Louisa Johnson for the new single leaves a few people slightly underwhelmed, however the band back up Olly perfectly well and still sounds great live. ‘Dance With Me Tonight’ undoubtedly has everyone across the fields and stands dancing along with ease to the funky brass band.
‘Years & Years’ puts an end to the set with everyone singing along for one last time before they head home (or out to town) with a skip in their step. It’s a strong performance from Olly murs and his band, and the singer leaves the stage grinning with the message “Stay cheeky and keep smiling”! The perfect way to finish a beautiful day at the York races once again!
Check out the full set of live photos from the performance at York Racecourse here!
Photos: © Danny Peart Photography 2017
