Faith in Humankind: Loyle Carner Live in Birmingham

On a very chilly night in an unassuming city, Loyle Carner cultivated an evening rooted in honesty and authentic storytelling. As the second date of his Hopefully! tour landed in Birmingham, the O2 Academy was transformed into an intimate space built on vulnerable lyricism and connection.

The night was set in motion by a short but punchy opening set from Rejjie Snow, whose sharp delivery and effortless confidence quickly warmed the crowd. His performance struck a perfect balance between energy and introspection, leaving the room noticeably primed for what was to follow. By the time Carner emerged, anticipation had settled thick in the air.

Against a simple but sleek stage set-up, centred around Loyle himself, scarf emblazoned with ‘you give me hope in humankind’ and surrounded by his bandmates, the night opened with All I Need, immediately drawing everyone into his rich lyrical world. From there, he traversed highlights from across his extensive catalogue, including In My Mind and the heartfelt Yesterday, before dropping into the jazzy, upbeat rhythms of Damselfly and the contemplative horcrux.

A particularly touching moment came when Carner introduced a song dedicated to his son. Having become a father earlier this year, he paused to speak candidly about parenthood before delivering about time with a quiet reverence that held the room completely still. Universally praised for his authenticity and ability to connect with audiences far and wide, Carner embodied this reputation throughout the night. Every interaction felt considered, every lyric carrying a distinct lived-in quality.

In recent interviews, he’s spoken openly about managing his mental health while spending long periods on the road. He raised some eyebrows recently after sharing an image of himself sweeping the venue after the crowd had gone, an unconventional way of honouring the space so his only interaction with it isn’t just when it’s flooded by people and noise. A humble act he described as a tribute to the fans who fill these rooms night after night. That same humility pulsed through his Birmingham performance, grounding even the biggest moments in gratitude.

The show closed with a brief encore, wrapping up on a high emotional note with A Lasting Place, leaving fans buzzing as they spilled back out onto Birmingham’s cold streets. It was a reminder that Loyle Carner doesn’t just perform songs, he creates a shared space where people feel seen, held, and understood.