Newton Faulkner

The hugely talented singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner entertained a sell-out crowd on Sunday night in front of many adoring fans.

Yes, Newton Faulkner is back and as good as he has ever been! He may no longer have the dreadlocks, but that was all that was missing from his performance at he played songs taken from all five studio albums to mark his success over the last ten years. The singer is back on tour to celebrate the release of his fifth studio album; Human Love, which came out last Friday (Nov 20th). This album marks a new direction for his music, including tracks specifically written to be performed live, including lots of drums, which has not been the case on previous live tours. Newton was supported by the band Victoria, an indie-pop group of 5 guys from London who gave a very good, well-rehearsed performance.

Newton showcased his amazing ability as a guitarist right from the beginning, opening the show with Intro, leading into I Need Something, both taken from his first album, Hand Built By Robots. He then performed one of my favourite tracks, Clouds, taken from his third album, Write It On Your Skin. This song provided the perfect opportunity to get the crowd involved by splitting them into three groups to accompany him for the outro of the track. He was pleased to hear that we were all in fine voice!

The next series of tracks performed were new releases, beginning with what is to be his next single, Get Free, a cover of the Major Lazer song written in 2012. The music video, which accompanies the track, caused quite the stir on social media as it depicted him cutting off his locks. After asking the crowd what they thought of the video, one shouted, “I cried”, but Newton assured her that it was not his intention, just a change to his appearance and music, which fittingly led into his next new track, Step in the Right Direction.

The fans were delighted to hear him perform Teardrop, a cover of the track by Massive Attack, which appeared on his debut album. One track which particularly got the crowd up dancing and singing along was Brick by Brick, an upbeat number from album three and the dancing continued as he performed the new tracks, Stay and Take and Far to Fall. Newton had bought many guitars with him on tour it seemed, with one of his favourites being an electric one, which he promised the crowd he would not get too carried away with as he performed various riffs during the guitar solo in the popular track People Should Smile More.

Newton revealed that the track mentioned above was written when he and his brother Toby “were outside public toilets, as a lot of songs are, like this one…”, where he proceeded to play the intro to his interlude track She’s Got the Time, a track which has renditions featured on both the first and second albums. He admitted that he wasn’t going to perform that track but asked the crowd whether they would like to hear it anyway. Toby claimed to have forgotten the words, but much to Newton’s amusement he did in fact not only know the words, but remembered all the harmonies as well!

Many of you will remember Newton Faulkner for his biggest hit, Dream Catch Me, which reached the number 7 in the UK’s singles chart in 2007. His performance of this track sounded even better live and was a fitting way to close this part of the show. I say this part, because usually at this point he would go off for a break, before returning for an encore. Yet, as several performers have noticed at this venue in the past, there is in fact nowhere to go, so he stayed on stage, closing the show with two more new tracks and a finale medley, which featured Losing Ground from the album Studio Zoo, Gone in the Morning from album one and finally Write it on Your Skin!

After the show Newton signed autographs and chatted with fans. It was a pleasure meeting him and an even bigger pleasure seeing him perform live!

I have seen Newton Faulkner about 5 times now and he quite simply never disappoints. His comfortable, relaxed style makes me want to see him again and again. I've loved his music since I first heard 'Dream Catch Me' played on the radio many years ago now. His voice is outstanding. But it's visually where Newton comes alive.

To watch him play and understand just how complex his playing style is, and then realise he is doing so much more than just singing along to a few simple strummed chords. And then to be in the crowd, just a few feet away. I have seen many class acts over the years but certain moments just stand out. And of all those moments the one that stands out the most was seeing Newton at York opera house in 2010.

For his final song he stepped away from the mic, unplugged his guitar and sang 'Not Giving Up Yet', a truly beautiful song. You could have heard a pin drop! It was the highlight of an amazing gig. What I like most about his live style is just how relaxed he is on stage, and this comes over to the audience so much.

He is a genuinely funny guy, truly entertaining. Seeing him on stage you never feel like a crowd member, you could easily be in his living room having a chat and listening to him play. He's just that laid back! And then there's always the chance to meet him after, which he is often up for. Quite simply the best live gigs I have seen.

An enthusiastic audience greeted Newton Faulkner at Epic Studios, Norwich on 13th February. The intimacy of the venue lent greatly to Newton's style, which is to frequently involve his audiences during the show, and true to form we were joining in on only the second song in the set, Smoked Ice Cream, the opening track from his latest album. Not long after that, his drum/loop machine failed and we all ended up singing the part that it would have played, much to everyone's delight - we were all true 'backing singers'! If you've only listened to his albums then seeing this guy live is a total revelation. His guitar skills are breathtaking, playing it as a percussion instrument and hitting chords/riffs with incredible dexterity. Add to that his superb voice and incredible songs and you have all the ingredients for a great show. 1hr 15mins of pure delight.

I only heard about the gig a couple of days before and was able to score tickets for Newton Faulkner with relative ease. He appeared at the O2 in Oxford.

It was my first time seeing him live and his music already being ace, I was pleasantly surprised with his interaction with the crowd and trying multiple times to get the audience involved in singing. It worked a treat and I was quiet once just to listen.

I think probably the greatest thing about seeing Newton live is that you see in person, and hear his incredible talent. His voice was even better in person and he's just a beautiful human being.

The show was worth the ticket price and making people feel part of the show is a gift that Faulkner has in spades.

Newton Faulkner performed a quality set at the RNCM Hall that majored on both his oldest and most recent album, with a few tunes from in between.

A born entertainer, he kept the crowd on their toes both in between songs and also within - inviting as much of out participation as possible.I think I significantly underestimated how strong a live performer he would be.

There's not much else to say! When he creates such a unique and endearing subgenre all on his own and then performs it to a higher standard than anyone could resonably expect, it's a show not to be missed.

Newton didn't disappoint! A fantastic live performer who makes a genuine and unique connection with his audience throughout.

This tour Newton brings new elements, in the guise of electric guitars and backing band members, to the stage along with him. And by no means do they detract in any way from his outstanding talent and stage presence, they simply enhance it and allow Newton's fans to experience something new and exciting from him and his team.

A must-see performer for all who are interested in contemporary music, acoustical guitar and sublime vocal acrobatics!

Even tho he wasn't accompanied by his brother and percussionist and yet again was standing on his own with nothing but what seemed like countless guitars. This being the 5th time I've seen him and has has never disappointed in any such way.

Playing all his beloved songs and stepping of stage after an mind blowing cover of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. The saying goes 'don't meet your hero's', but Newton is a different story. A man with great charisma, stunning guitar skills and what seems like a never dying smile. I plan on seeing him time and time again.

Was better than I had hoped. He was incredible on the guitars, did everything himself. Sounded as good as his album that is 10 years old. He involved the audience sooo much that we felt like part of the show, everyone loved it. And he was so funny and down to earth between songs, laughed more than a comedy show. He was brilliant, with a bit of calm and slow mixed in with crowd jumping fun songs. And it appeals to everyone, not exaggerating when i say i saw someone with their 14 yr old, and an old granny with hearing aids. Loved it.

I saw Newton Faulkner last night at the o2 Academy Bristol and im still buzzin! Ive seen him many times. He never fails to deliver excellent music with beautiful songs unbelievable guitar skills . He also has an amazing repore with his audience having us laughing , and joining in with most of the songs . The O2Academy as a venue isnt my favourite, as unless you get near the front of either the dance floor or balcony the view isnt great. but Newton was superb as always especially as he had just recovered from illness .

Masterclass on show

The night was amazing, a great mixture of new & old classics.
Newton involved the audience right from the start which made the night even more enjoyable, his interaction, as his playing was memorable.
His enthusiasm and enjoyment of playing live music was so enthralling you could not have found fault with anything, although when he did apologise for a totally unnoticeable faux pas it was laughed off by everyone

A fantastic night from a true entertainer