TOM GRENNAN live at the P&J Live, ABERDEEN.
words + photography by K (@KGShoots_)I first discovered Tom Grennan back in 2017, when his hit "Found What I've Been Looking For" was everywhere, and I knew right away that his voice stood out. Now, he's playing to sold-out crowds across the UK and brought his powerful, heartfelt music to Aberdeen's P&J Live. Big stars don't often make it up here, so this show felt extra special, especially after Lewis Capaldi played a few gigs the week before. After about a year or so without big concerts up here, these two back-to-back were just what we needed. The venue was packed with fans of all ages, and you could feel the excitement from the get-go. Everyone was ready for a night of emotion, huge vocals, and unforgettable sing-alongs.
The night kicked off with rising Scottish star Rianne Downey, and from her first guitar strum, it was clear why people are talking about her. Her voice was soulful and honest, with just the right amount of edge and emotion to draw everyone in. Wearing a red and white festive outfit, she gave her all to every song, proving that sometimes less really is more.
Songs like "Sunblind" and "Good in Goodbye" really showed off her storytelling, and her lyrics connected with the crowd, who listened in quiet awe. She was naturally charming, cracking jokes and chatting between songs like she was with friends. A highlight was her cover of the Scottish classic "Caledonia", when the audience lit up the room with their phone torches. She also shared stories about performing with Paul Heaton on his arena tour and at festivals over the past two years, and sang "Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)" as a thank you to Paul and his team. Aberdeen was lucky to see her at this stage in her career.
The atmosphere changed the moment Tom Walker came on stage to a huge cheer. He started with "Holy Ghost", a moody, bluesy track that highlighted his vocals. Then "Angels" raised the energy, with its gospel chorus and the crowd clapping along.
No Tom Walker show is complete without his heartfelt ballads. "Just You and I" turned P&J Live into a giant choir, with couples swaying together, while "Castles" brought a triumphant feel and had everyone singing along. His latest song, "Head Underwater", felt especially vulnerable, and the honesty in his voice really resonated throughout the arena.
"Burn" brought the energy up even more with its pounding beats, getting the crowd moving, and then Walker finished with his breakout hit, "Leave a Light On". As soon as the first notes played, the arena went wild, and the crowd's cheers almost overpowered his voice. It was the perfect end to a set complete of soul, grit, and big anthems.
Tom kept the energy high with a setlist full of favourites like "Better Half of Me" and the global hit "Leave a Light On". He poured his heart into every song, which is why so many people connect with his music. Between songs, his friendly personality came through. His jokes, banter, and genuine appreciation for the crowd made the night even better. When he left the stage, the whole place was buzzing, and chants for Grennan started to fill the air.
The roar that greeted Tom Grennan when he bounded on stage to the opening chords of "Full Attention" was deafening. From the first note, his powerful, soulful voice filled P&J Live, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. He wasted no time, firing straight into "Higher", its infectious energy igniting the crowd and getting everyone on their feet.
Tom put together a setlist that mixed big, joyful moments with more vulnerable ones. Early on, "All These Nights" was a real crowd-pleaser, with everyone bouncing and a wild confetti blast at the end that sent the place into a frenzy. "Cool With That" brought a relaxed vibe and showed off Grennan's range. When "Found What I've Been Looking For" started, the whole arena exploded, reminding everyone how far he's come since that first hit.
Songs like "Boys Don't Cry" and "Don't Break the Heart" revealed Grennan's emotional core, with the entire venue singing back to him, creating a shared intimacy despite the vast setting. Midway through, "Crown Your Love", "Certified", and "Royal Highness" brought swagger and energy, showing off Grennan's playful, charismatic stage presence.
One of the most powerful moments was when he sang "Somewhere Only We Know." His voice was raw and honest, and the crowd lit up the arena with their phone torches. I got chills listening to him. Right after, "Let's Go Home Together" brought a wave of excitement. Since Ella Henderson wasn't there, Angel, one of Grennan's amazing backup singers, stepped in for the duet and delivered a flawless performance. Their chemistry and harmonies gave the song a new, soulful feel and made it a real highlight of the night.
As the show gained momentum, Grennan launched into "Diamond" and "How Does It Feel", both of which showcased his knack for blending emotion with irresistible hooks. The energy only climbed higher with "All Goes Wrong" and the fiery "Lionheart (Fearless)", which had the arena bouncing and fists pumping in unison. The production value for the show truly came out in full force for these two, with massive fire blasts throughout "All goes wrong" and other pyro effects throughout the show, including fireworks and an abundance of confetti.
Near the end, the crowd was surprised when Tom left the main stage and suddenly showed up on a smaller stage at the back of the hall. I'd watched videos from earlier shows to get ready, but even I didn't see this coming! Watching him perform with just a microphone and no band felt super special and intimate, and the whole audience was captivated.
The last part of the show was pure joy. "By Your Side" turned P&J Live into a dance floor, with everyone moving, singing, and smiling. Grennan finished with "Little Bit of Love," and the crowd was so loud they almost drowned him out, singing every word as confetti fell. It was the perfect ending to a night full of passion, energy, and connection.
To sum it up, Tom Grennan is easily one of the best live performers in the UK right now, maybe even worldwide. He had the crowd singing and bouncing along the whole time, which is precisely what live music needs. It was all about love and connection to the music. For me, it's a definite 5 out of 5 stars—one of the best gigs I've been to in a long time!
