Sam Ryder is a British singer who almost won Eurovision, making him an endangered species. His infectious stage persona is not too dissimilar to that of an overexcited puppy, or at times a surprisingly not annoying children’s television presenter.
The show’s fervent atmosphere is understandable. It’s an exciting time to be a Sam Ryder fan. Until May he was known only by a core fanbase for his TikTok content. However, following an uncharacteristically strong showing, the United Kingdom finished second in Eurovision 2022, making Ryder a household name. This does not make things easy for Ryder. Revered nationwide but known to most for only one song, this summer’s touring sees him traverse a tricky stage of his career, attracting sizeable crowds despite having little material to perform.
Nonetheless, an album is on the way and Ryder’s songs are easy enough for the audience to pick up on the spot. An ABBA cover helps too – Ryder’s voice croons smoothly throughout the slowed down ‘Waterloo’. However, as the set progresses through some Freddie Mercury style call-and-response passages and the umpteenth instruction for everyone to put their hands in the air, there is a growing sense that everyone is waiting for his Eurovision entry ‘SPACE MAN’ and that the rest is filler.
It’s a particularly young crowd and Ryder questions if it’s anyone’s first ever gig. ‘My first gig was Iron Maiden – Dance of Death tour’ he states, a reference lost amongst the majority in attendance. Yet even with these odd details, Ryder is such a likeable showman that the audience remain onside. ‘SPACE MAN’ – oddly preceded by a minute long guitar solo – displays an undeniable vocal power that proves Ryder to be a pop star in the making. This show is the prototype. What Ryder needs is time.