LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: NICK MULVEY AT THE UNION CHAPEL, LONDON 19/06/25
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Last night at the magnificent Union Chapel in London, Nick Mulvey transformed what could have been a simple acoustic, intimate set into an immersive experience, effortlessly drawing the audience into his soulful world. More than just a performance, it felt like a musical communion of emotion, vulnerability, and hope.
This intimate show arrives at a pivotal point in Mulvey’s career. It's the Mercury Prize-shortlisted musician, composer, and producer's first tour since the announcement of his fourth studio album, Dark Harvest, Pt.1 - a body of work shaped by the most difficult three years of his life, defined by loss, challenge, and grief. Now independent, having founded Supernatural Records, Mulvey stands in a place of renewed creative power.
Armed with just his acoustic guitar and evocative vocals, JERUB took the stage first, delivering a performance featuring soulful finger‑picked guitar and intimate storytelling, building an atmosphere ripe for a compelling opener. The singer-songwriter mixed both sharing personal stories behind the creation of his work (‘Deeper’, ‘You and I’) and eliciting emotional singalongs from the crowd (‘Finding My Feet’), alongside some light, fun banter (‘‘Are you guys having fun? You can say no.’’) helping foster a warm rapport with the audience. The sincerity in JERUB’s voice and lyrical introspection reflected the artistry of Mulvey’s headline performance, offering an ideal thematic complement.
With a modest nod, a wave and a grateful smile, Nick Mulvey stepped into the light moments later and opened up the show with ‘River To The Real’. By himself with his acoustic guitar, no fanfare or theatrics - just a quiet confidence, an unspoken understanding that the moment was going to be all about the music tonight.
The second track ‘Radical Tenderness’ ended with deafening applause, offering Mulvey the opportunity to connect with the audience. ‘‘Hi everybody, this is very special. It’s taken a lot for all of us to be here tonight. I’m very happy to see all of your faces.’’ said the singer, before introducing the fan favourite ‘Cucurucu’.
Mulvey's gentle charisma and open-hearted storytelling created an atmosphere of warmth and mutual trust. The artist also invited the audience to join in, leading a heartfelt singalong during the chorus of‘Holy Days’. It didn’t feel like a show - it felt like a circle of friends gathered to listen, reflect, and connect together.
His guitar work throughout the night was nothing short of mesmerising, with intricate fingerpicking patterns that floated like chants. His vocal delivery was raw, at times trembling with emotion, grounding the songs in real, lived experience. You could feel the weight of what Mulvey has lived through, and the courage it took to bring those experiences to light. Yet the evening was far from heavy - it was uplifting, cathartic, and beautifully human.
Mulvey took a moment to share the stories behind several of his songs, including a lighthearted anecdote about the creation of ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’, the last song from his latest record. He recalled a touching encounter with a carpenter who happened to visit while he was working on the track, in complete tears.
Throughout the set, Mulvey bowed after every song - a small but powerful gesture that reflected his deep humility and gratitude.
The singer also stepped outside his own catalogue for a moment, delivering a tender acoustic cover of Annie Lennox’s ‘No More I Love You’s.’ Stripped back to just his voice and acoustic guitar, the rendition felt intimate - a heartfelt homage that fit seamlessly into the emotional landscape of the set.
‘Find Me’, an unreleased track offered the audience a little taste of Dark Harvest, Pt.II, his next record yet to be announced.
Mulvey closed the set with ‘Unconditional,’ a soaring anthem that brought the entire audience to their feet and prompted a beautiful singalong. It was the perfect finale to a magical evening - uplifting, communal, and deeply felt, leaving the night on a note of togetherness and gratitude.
Nick Mulvey’s intimate performance was not only a showcase of exceptional musicianship but a deeply moving testament to resilience, transformation, and the enduring power of music. With his new chapter unfolding and some of his most personal work to date on the horizon, Mulvey’s light shines brighter than ever.
Words: Florelle Servageon
Photos: Eva Grant
