Ed Harcourt

Regarded as something of an institution by his considerable, dedicated fanbase (people of refined taste, one and all), the once Mercury Prize-nominated Ed Harcourt is a man of many talents. Of course, the most obvious of these are displayed across his burgeoning back catalogue of records; that soulful yet deeply weary voice, his Waitsian way around the keys of a piano, his mastery of melancholic and life-affirming melody. But that only tells half the story when it comes to his equally impressive live sets. Harcourt, far from the being the character of the downtrodden troubadour that’s so often centre stage in his songs, is both a wild partier and formidable comedian on stage, often taking breaks to indulge in a brief tipple or conversation with individual audience members that can soon have an entire room in stitches. It can be a little unnerving even to one witnessing his shtick for the first time, but it soon becomes part of what makes Harcourt brilliant – he gives you his heart and soul in his music, but to truly witness his whole, rounded personality, you need the wit and danger that comes with watching him run through those songs while in the very same room.

Went to see Ed on 30th June 2016 at The Borderline Club in Soho, London. Firstly the venue, it was intimate and compact which definitely added to the atmosphere. Ed was supported by Lock and John J Presley, neither of which we had heard of, but both were entertaining, loud and musically very very good.
This was the 2nd time we have seen Ed. He played a lot of his soon to be released new album and all the unknown tracks were brilliantly written and performed in Ed's uniquely recognisable style. We absolutely loved it. Ed is personal and more than happy to interact with the crowd. The improv rendition of Born in the 70's whilst waiting for his guitar strings to be repaired was funny and creative. If you are familiar with Ed's music, you will love this show and if Ed is new to you, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SHOW.
V & A from Southampton x

Absolute fantastic. He was singing, playin and joking with us. I felt warm and comfortable afterwards. Beautiful. He brought so many guitars and playing them with live played sampled sounds, it gave us a psychedelic show for sure. Loved it! Can't wait for his next show at Debaser Strand.