ROBERT CRAY
DE LA WARR PAVILION
BEXHILL-ON-SEA
16th JUNE 2025
When it comes to high class Blues, Soul and RnB, Robert Cray sits at the top of the table… a very big table, a table carved from the finest woods, a table that is encrusted with jewels and is trimmed with gold.
Yeah… that table.
Held in the highest esteem by the hoi polloi of the music establishment, Cray might not have the household name gravitas of a Clapton or a Knopfler, but tonight he yet again proved why he is held in such high regard.
Cray’s almost whispered introduction to self penned classics such as Strong Persuader, Shiver and Time Makes Two, adds to the intimacy of his oh-so-lyrical story-telling, the audience hanging on his every word.
At 70, Cray carries himself supremely well. He looks 40.
His passion for performing is obviously undiminished, as every song tells a heartbreaking story you’ve lived through yourself.
His unique, percussive, pure guitar playing cuts like a knife, while his superlative band soothe the pain.
Cray’s often under appreciated vocal has a Sam Cooke quality to it, that completes this rather special package.
It was such an honour to witness this great musician play the relatively humble and intimate surrounds of the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-On-Sea.
Cray’s thoroughly deserved standing ovation, cementing his position at the table’s head.
(Photos by Melanie Lemahieu)
Welcome to a new talented UKAS writer in Stuart Bligh who provides an excellent review of Robert Cray.