Stormzy at the O2
(Picture: Redferns)When you’ve performed before 100,000+ people as the first Black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury, you’d be forgiven for viewing three nights at the O2 Arena as something of a step down. Yet, on the opening London date of his much-delayed Heavy is the Head Tour, Stormzy appeared humbled, telling the audience, “I’ve been waiting to play this show for as long as I’ve been an artist.”
It was precisely the sort of sincerity we’ve come to expect from the South Norwood-raised star – born Michael Owuo Jr – whose heart-on-sleeve bars have made him one of the UK’s most celebrated rappers. And there’s no denying he made the very most of the opportunity, delivering a homecoming show to remember, complete with innovative staging courtesy of the team behind Beychella.
Featuring crowd-pleasers including Know Me From and Audacity, the set’s ferocious first third foregrounded Stormzy the grime MC, finding him backed by DJ Tiiny, and hopping from foot to foot across two protruding catwalks, amidst a barrage of pyrotechnics, fireballs and fireworks. A more-leisurely middle section was kicked off with Crown, which featured a full band and six backing vocalists, plus a crown-shaped lighting rig, which was gradually lowered over Stormzy’s head to stunning effect.
Deviating from the usual tour setlist, he later dedicated 100 Bags to his mum for Mother’s Day, complete with a sweet slideshow of the two of them together, projected across the floor-to-ceiling video screens. Similarly touching was his rendition of Rachael’s Little Brother, which was supported by footage of him with his sister, and featured stunning gospel vocals from his back up singers.
It was the flab-free final third that stole the show, however. Beginning with the fiery Wiley Flow – performed on a floating platform suspended from the roof – he segued straight into Dave collaboration Crash, and when the Streatham rapper turned up to reprise his verses, the arena all but exploded.
A blistering rendition of Big For Your Boots found him donning a bucket hat thrown from the audience, while breakout freestyle Shut Up saw him adding heart-shaped shades to the mix. The incendiary run was followed by VT of Stormzy recording his as-yet-unannounced third album, before he returned to the stage for the spirit-stirring gospel-pop of Blinded By Your Grace, Pt 2, a giant crucifix projected behind him.
Earlier in the night, Stormzy had told fans, “I want everyone to leave here with joy in their heart. Let’s have a legendary night.” Watching the audience sway in unison to set-closer Vossi Bop, while being showered in confetti, you’d have to say mission accomplished.
