Despite running off just eight hours sleep in five days (having played Capital's Summertime Ball and been in the Soccer Aid team), popstar Tom Grennan celebrated the release of his new album with a tireless, career-spanning performance at Thetford Forest last night.
Taking to the stage shortly after 9pm (three hours before his third record 'What Ifs & Maybes' was shared with the world), the Bedford-born musician described the Forest Live gig as like "Christmas Eve".
With a mix of families and couples in the crowd - including children on their dads' shoulders, and many sporting newly-bought TG t-shirts and hoodies - the musician rattled through his endless arsenal of stadium sized pop bangers.
Very quickly, heavily-tattooed Grennan - who wore a hole-y knitted vest, jeans and sunglasses - had everyone clapping along and bouncing together as he wasted no time in showcasing his vocal ability.
And, although they hadn't heard some of the new album's tracks, his fans were just as committed to the unreleased tracks as they were for his biggest commercial singles, like ‘How Does It Feel’ which received a mass singalong.
“I love what I do so much, thank you. It’s so fun,” Grennan beamed at one point – and you could tell he really meant it.
Later on, he told the crowd that his grandma, who is nearly 80-years-old, was in attendance, and also welcomed his "national treasure" dad to the front of the stage - a very wholesome night out for the Grennan family.
It's rare to find an artist who sounds even better in a live setting than on record but, pleasingly, that was the case here, especially as many of his tracks were given a rockier or rave-y sheen.
The energy really kicked up a gear thanks to the live drum and bsss of ‘Not Over Yet’, which momentarily turned the forest into a rave and, as it seamlessly weaves into ‘If It All Goes Wrong’, gave each of his band members a chance to really let loose.
Followed up in quick succession by the Joel Corry-produced 'Lionheart' and Calvin Harris team-up 'By Your Side', bouncing became the default setting for the thousands having the time of their lives in front of the stage.
Contrastingly, he pulled off the more emotive moments just as effectively: phone torhces lit up the gradually-darkening night sky during a poignant rendition of 'Here', while he duetted with impeccably-voiced backing singer Petra during the softer Ella Henderson collaboration ‘Let’s Go Home Together’ which had everyone swaying along.
The biggest surprise of the night came later, though, when Grennan invited three audience members up on to the stage to perform 'Remind Me' with him - an extremely wholesome moment.
“You’ve made my birthday wish come true,” said the oldest of the trio who had a great singing voice, while the two youngsters snapped selfies while in the spotlight.
After a brief exit from the stage, Grennan returned for an encore rendition of ‘Little Bit Of Love’.
“We’re gonna do another song and make so much noise until the neighbours wonder what’s going on in that forest," he instructed. Of course, everyone happily obliged - even the security guards who sang along as everyone walked back to their cars in harmony.
The gig was part of Forestry England’s Forest Live concert series running in Thetford Forest until June 18.
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