Velvet-voiced singer John Grant had his audience in church-like reverence at Latitude Festival.The American – formerly of alt rock band The Czars – brought silence to the circus-like tent of the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage yesterday.
Tackling stark and personal subjects in his songs – including homophobia in his home country and drug addiction – he bared his soul.
And to rapturous applause from the audience, he revealed a grateful smile after his opening number.
Songs from debut solo album Queen of Denmark – including I Wanna Go To Marz – were beautiful in their honest minimalism.
And the harsh electro beats of tracks from 2013's Pale Green Ghosts had the audience nodding along.
Black Belt – 'a song about being a sore loser' – was infectious to the point that people were dancing.
He dedicated a track to 'gays living in Russia right now', in solidarity with them. Warmly accepted by Henham Park festival-goers for being himself, the tender relationship between John Grant and his fans showed its strength again.
Sam Russell
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here