If you were at the RAG’N’BONE MAN gig two years ago at Cardiff Castle you had a good idea what we were in for. That June 25th night in 2023 was spectacular, last night (Sunday 13th July) even more so.
I think what made it so was a combination of a very excited crowd, who always enjoy the historic setting, especially when the weather is great. But for Rory Graham (Rag’n’Bone Man) we really felt he was honoured to be performing again in our capital, with a look of genuine, heartfelt thanks as he shared this special moment with the fans.
The evening started with two support acts, JAMIE GREY who kept everyone entertained as they found a spot on the grass or grabbed a drink in the warm early evening air.
Then Bristol favourite ELLES BAILEY was fearless as she took to the massive stage, clearly thrilled to be playing so close to her hometown.
We had a lot of stories from Elles about life, love and the negatively powerful force of social media, all of which resonated with the crowd, who were eating out of the palm of her hand from the get-go.
Her band were fantastic, the music connected with us all, and her back stories and rapport with the audience showed us this is a performer just steps away from next-level success. Try and catch Elles on her own headline tour later this year, you won’t regret it.
As the sun began to set, with the Welsh flag gently fluttering atop the keep, it was Rag’n’Bone man’s turn to step out to a massive cheer from the excited crowd, who by now were on their feet and ready to party.
Opening with ‘Lover’s in a Past Life‘ the hit he shared with Calvin Harris, you could see his huge smile as we all sang and danced along to every word.
The band were clearly lapping up the atmosphere too in what was to become a set filled with love, friendship and family.
One of the early highlights is when Rory brought his young son out on stage, who clearly couldn’t wait any longer to join his dad. Reuben shuffled to his dads side, with a model plane in his hand and baseball cap firmly on his head, all relevant to the story. Rather than explain the reason, take a look at our Instagram post below.
That was followed by another huge favourite from his Human album. ‘Skin‘ is the third track and second single on the record and shows off Rory’s powerful voice and delivery to the max. As he sang about love, loss and longing you could feel his powerful lyrics had a real impact on so many in the audience.
There’s no doubt that he writes from deep in his heart but it became clear last night what a lovely, caring and sensitive bloke Rory is.
Just a few songs into the set he spotted someone in the crowd, obviously in need of assistance. He stopped the show, made sure help was delivered, remaining on stage the whole time, gently entertaining us with a rendition of ‘You Are My Sunshine‘.
We had all the hits and a few new songs, and to quote Rag’n’Bone Man, a song that doesn’t even exist. With a taster of some new material it left us excited for what is clearly going to be another fantastic album, hopefully sometime soon.
There’s something about his lyrics which act like a band aid on our open wounds. They are real, heartfelt and connect with all of us who have lived through pain. The woman in front of me was deeply moved by his music and told me ‘it’s like he’s singing about my life up there’.
Rory epitomises the phrase ‘never judge a book by its cover‘. What you see in pictures and videos is far different to the man who thrilled the Cardiff Castle crowd. He is funny, caring and undoubtedly a dedicated family man. And as for his talent, that is completely off the chart.
And it was chart favourites which took us through the rest of his 90 plus minute set.
From ‘Giant‘. ‘All I ever Wanted‘ and the song we all reprised as we left the castle grounds, ‘Human‘, this was another TK Maxx Presents Depot Live night we’ll never forget.
For details on the remaining shows at Cardiff Castle go HERE.
TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle 2025  
- 19th July – Rock The Castle – Funeral For a Friend, The Blackout, Punk Rock Factory & more
- 20th July – UB40 Ft. Ali Campbell with special guest Bitty Mclean + Reggae Roast Ft. Mr Williamz
- 26th July – Depot at the Cast. with Jess Glynne, Maximo Park, Sigma, Professor Green, Goldie Lookin’ Chain and More
- 30th July – Fontaines DC
- 31st July – Pet Shop Boys with support from Dave Pearce
- 1st August – Faithless with support from Kosheen and Chicane
- 20th August – Tom Jones (Sold Out)
- 21st August – Tom Jones
- 25th August – Will Smith with very special guests Nile Rodgers & CHIC
