Words: Dan Smith
In what can only be described as a dramatic turn of events, after last year’s disastrous betting streak, this year… WE GOT A WINNER. Yes, it was 1/8 on the winners and 2/8 for the places, but a win is a WIN in my eyes. Golfe Clair, you legend.
Anyway, I know you’re not bothered about my betting habits and want to hear (read) about my thoughts on Ella Henderson and James Arthur, so let’s get into it.
Now, let’s not get it twisted, I’m not a fan of pop music. In fact, when Radio 1 is playing is the office I often find myself squeezing my mouse with rage at the state of modern music. Anyway, as the races was in town and we were offered the chance to go, huge thank you to The Jockey Club for sorting us out, I went into this with an open mind.
First up was Ella Henderson. Surprisingly, I knew nearly every single song she played which is obviously testament to the likes of Roman Kemp and Jordan North for instilling her music into my mind. This was a homecoming show for Ella, and it’s fair to say the crowd were well up for it. I actually think, James should have supported and Ella should have headlined with this being a homecoming show, but nevertheless, this wasn’t the case.
So firstly, when she just stood and sung, Ella had a terrific voice. However, sometimes when she was moving around or dancing she sounded slightly out of breath at times, often missing several words or lines at a time. This is where my main issue with her performance arose. I’m not sure if it’s a pop act thing but performing to a backing track without a live band for me is just a copout and incredibly dull in my opinion. I understand pop music has gone this way, but as someone who goes to live gigs to appreciate every element of a performance, just to be greeted by Ella singing with a backing track which has her vocals included also, fell flat.
I can’t say I’d be jumping at the opportunity to see Ella Henderson again.
Now let’s move on to James Arthur.
So firstly, James did play with a proper band. Thats a tick in the bare minimum box for what I’d expect at a live concert, but hey ho I guess the bar is on the floor these days.
James’s voice live is incredible, when he chose to sing. Much like Ella, at times he would miss words or even lines at a time which is just so infuriating. I could understand doing it and letting the crowd sing along if it was your own personal sell out show, but when it’s at an event like the races I think you should be guiding the crowd through, not the other way round.
So I’m going to mention some positives as I feel like this review is purely negative at the moment. ‘Can I Be Him’ and ‘Impossible’ where very very good, and ‘Empty Space’ was great also. Now, let’s move on to the negatives now.
So there was a weird break halfway through for him to sing happy birthday to a couple of people. Fine, that’s sound. However, when he started complaining about how many shows he had performed over the last year and that he’s tired, feeling “sh*t” and needs help from the crowd to sing along, I was instantly switched off from the show.
You can hear more about my opinion on this on TikTok below.
Anyway, that’s it from me today. The races was excellent and Market Rasen Racecourse put on a great show, it’s just a shame the artists this year didn’t back up last year’s act in Tom Grennan. Anyway, we’ll see what 2025 has to offer. Cheers.
Rockstars HQ 
Leave a comment