Fantastic, brilliant, superb were the resounding comments from the people sat around us and David Gray certainly didn’t disappoint on Monday night.

Gray played for more than an hour and a half non-stop, performing to perfection old favourites and new tracks from latest album Foundling, with compelling renditions of Babylon and Sail Away.

The whole performance was powerful and even if some songs are of a darker tone, there is no denying the quality of his musical ability. The execution of the numerous guitar changes was fascinating too.

Not being an avid follower of Gray, I don’t know much of the man, so I thought it was really nice that he gave a little of himself on a personal level as he shared with the audience the story or the feelings behind the lyrics of certain songs, which made them more potent. The head nodding was extreme, say no more!

Beforehand I was sure I would enjoy the music, but I wasn’t sure what to expect of the re-opened Barbican. There were not enough table tops in the bar area, but the arena was large enough to have good acoustics yet small enough to give a more intimate feeling, which was helped by a good stage set that had the atmosphere of a lounge bar.

The support act, Irish singer Lisa O’Neill, was quirky and humorous in song and unusual in style.

I enjoyed every second, a truly memorable event.

- Caroline Wright