Renowned British singer-songwriter David Gray has kicked off his highly anticipated fifty-two-date Past & Present world tour, celebrating his critically acclaimed latest album, Dear Life. Released earlier this year via Gray’s independent label, Laugh A Minute Records/Secretly Distribution, the album has already received widespread praise from fans and critics alike.

As part of the extensive tour, Gray will perform a series of UK dates throughout March, April, and May, with many shows already sold out. Notably, London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo, Manchester’s O2 Apollo, and Dublin’s 3Arena have all reached capacity, showcasing the enduring appeal of Gray’s artistry. The UK and European leg of the tour will feature special guest Talia Rae, who collaborated with Gray on the lead single “Plus & Minus.”

The response to Dear Life has been nothing short of exceptional. Critics have hailed it as “a brooding triumph” (The Telegraph), “his most confessional and emotive work to date” (Clash Magazine), and “a slow-burner that catches fire” (Mojo). Some have even drawn comparisons to Gray’s multi-platinum album White Ladder, calling it his “poppiest and most successful album since White Ladder” (Music OMH). Rolling Stone noted, “the sonic DNA of White Ladder is present here,” reinforcing Gray’s continued impact on contemporary music.

David Gray’s career has been anything but conventional. After nearly a decade of struggle, he achieved monumental success with White Ladder, one of the best-selling British albums of recent decades. While his influence can be seen in artists like Ed Sheeran, Adele, and Hozier, Gray has remained steadfast in his unique artistic vision. His 2021 album Skellig was widely praised for its evocative storytelling and atmospheric soundscapes, further cementing his status as a master songwriter.

Gray’s thirteenth studio album was born from what he describes as “a starburst of songwriting.” Initially set in motion in 2019, its production was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rescheduling of his White Ladder anniversary tour. Collaborating with producer Ben de Vries, Gray expanded his sonic palette, incorporating orchestral strings, horns, and woodwind arrangements to match the album’s grand themes of love, loss, and transformation. Much of the album was recorded in a makeshift studio in Norfolk, where Gray found a fresh creative spark.

Speaking about the album, Gray reflects: “A lot has happened to me. There’s been change on so many levels—ups, downs, dramas, tragedies, and joys. This record has been a reckoning with things that have been building up like static for years. But I say this with joy and a smile on my face—I know what I’ve done is as good as anything I could possibly do.”

As Past & Present continues its journey around the world, fans in the UK and Europe will experience Gray’s performances with special guest Talia Rae, while U.S. audiences will see Sierra Spirit join the tour as a special guest. The live setlist is expected to feature a mix of new material from Dear Life alongside beloved classics spanning Gray’s celebrated career.

The physical release of Dear Life offers fans exclusive content, including two additional tracks, “The Messenger” and “More Than Anything,” available only on vinyl and CD.

With the tour already generating immense excitement and Dear Life receiving rave reviews, 2024 is shaping up to be another landmark year for David Gray, reaffirming his place as one of the most compelling singer-songwriters of his generation.

Past & Present UK and Ireland Tour Dates:

March 13th - Portsmouth, UK - Guildhall

March 14th - Brighton, UK - Brighton Dome / SOLD-OUT

March 16th - Swansea, UK - Swansea Arena / SOLD-OUT

March 17th - Bath, UK - The Forum / SOLD-OUT

March 18th - Oxford, UK - New Theatre / SOLD-OUT

March 20th - Newcastle, UK - O2 City Hall

March 21st - Stockton, UK - Globe Theatre / SOLD-OUT

March 22nd - Glasgow, UK -SEC Armadillo / SOLD-OUT

March 24th - Nottingham, UK - Royal Concert Hall / SOLD-OUT

March 25th - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo / SOLD-OUT

March 27th - Sheffield, UK - City Hall

March 28th - Llandudno, UK - Venue Cymru / SOLD-OUT

March 29th - Leicester, UK- De Montfort Hall / SOLD-OUT

March 31st - Liverpool, UK - Philharmonic Hall / SOLD-OUT

April 1st - Birmingham, UK - Symphony Hall

April 3rd - London, UK - Royal Albert Hall / SOLD-OUT

April 5th - Dublin, Ireland - 3 Arena / SOLD-OUT

May 1st – Limerick, Ireland – Live At The Castle / SOLD-OUT

May 2nd - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena

May 4th – Cheltenham, UK – Cheltenham Jazz Festival

May 6th - Glasgow, UK - SEC Armadillo

May 8th - Wolverhampton, UK - Civic Hall

May 9th - London, UK - Palladium / SOLD-OUT

May 10th - London, UK - Palladium

August 27th - Killarney, Ireland - Gleneagle INEC Arena / SOLD-OUT

August 28th – Killarney, Ireland – Gleneagle INEC Arena

August 30th - Belfast, UK - Custom House Square 

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.