Griff set foot on the stage of London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, a historic venue with a legacy of legendary performances that seem to linger in its walls. Known for its breathtaking views over London and Victorian architectural grandeur, "Ally Pally" was an inspired choice for Griff, who has quickly grown from a promising pop newcomer into a genre-bending artist with a remarkable talent for creating evocative, emotive soundscapes.
The evening felt like a culmination of Griff's ascent, drawing fans from all walks of life into a night of euphoric pop melancholy.
From the moment you approached the venue, the atmosphere was magical. Spiral projections could be seen in the building’s outer walls, that hinted at the visual elegance awaiting inside. As the crowd gathered, the diversity of Griff's audience stood out — a testament to the broad, cross-generational appeal of her music.
Stepping into the hall, the stage’s setup was equally enchanting: long, ethereal white curtains draped from the towering ceiling down to the floor, giving the space a sense of grandeur and stillness, as if suspended in a dream. In the center, an elevated platform caught the eye, with a runway leading to a circular spiral stage, the perfect setting for an evening of introspective yet electrifying pop.
Griff opened the show with "Vertigo," the title track from her most recent album, setting a powerful tone right from the start. With its haunting chorus and atmospheric synths, the song showcased Griff's mix of vulnerability and intensity. Her vocals soared over the dreamy production, drawing the audience in as they swayed along, captivated by her raw honesty. Later in the show, Griff shared the meaning behind "Vertigo," explaining, “Vertigo is like a physical sensation, right? And I feel like all of these songs have come from an emotional place of vertigo. I think highs and lows and pain often feel like that spinning sensation where you can’t find your balance.” The song’s live performance brought this feeling to life, echoing her words and giving fans a deeper sense of the album’s emotional depth.
One of the night’s most anticipated moments came when Griff invited her friend and fellow rising star Holly Humberstone to join her onstage for a duet of “So Fast / Falling Asleep at the Wheel.” Seated together at the center of the spiral stage, Griff played guitar as they delivered a heartfelt performance, harmonizing with a chemistry that felt intimate and profound. Humberstone’s raw, earthy voice perfectly complemented Griff’s delicate yet powerful tone, and the two singers shared a poignant energy that resonated with everyone in the room. It was a special treat—a unique collaboration between two artists who are both reshaping modern pop through their deeply personal songwriting.
As the set neared its end, Griff’s new single "last night’s mascara" offered a fresh, introspective moment. Inviting her opener, Aziya, back onstage to play guitar, Griff gave a passionate performance that captured the song’s essence of nostalgia and heartbreak. Aziya’s guitar work added a layer of rawness, grounding Griff’s airy vocals with a grounded, soulful undertone.
Closing the night with "Astronaut" during the encore, Griff delivered a finale that felt transcendent. The song, with its delicate synths and introspective lyrics, created a feeling of floating weightlessly, perfectly capturing the theme of solitude and self-discovery. It was a fitting end to an evening that felt like an emotional journey, inviting the audience to reflect on their own experiences through Griff’s cathartic storytelling.
From beginning to end, Griff’s performance at Alexandra Palace was a testament to her unique place in contemporary music. Every detail, from the stage design to her interactions with the crowd, contributed to an atmosphere that was angelic, clean, and magical. By blending vulnerability with pop sophistication, Griff has carved a space in the music world that is entirely her own, and this concert proved she’s only just beginning. For those who don’t know about Griff’s music, I encourage you to still go and see a show, and you will find yourself claiming to be a fan by the end of it. She will enchant your ears and steal your heart.
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Article and Photos by Ines B.
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