Dave Transcends Rapper Status at O2
UK star Dave delivered a triumphant, sold-out show at London's O2 Arena on Friday night — his first headline tour appearance at the venue in four years. The performance was hailed for its emotional depth, musicality, and social commentary, reinforcing his reputation as one of the UK's most important contemporary artists.
The high demand for Dave's return to the O2 Arena prompted the addition of three extra dates, bringing the total to four sold-out London shows for "The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour". This tour supports his third studio album, "The Boy Who Played the Harp," which was released in late 2025. His last headline appearance at the venue was in February 2022 as part of his "We're All Alone In This Together" tour. That previous tour was known for its star-studded guest appearances, including AJ Tracey, Fredo, Ghetts, Giggs, and Stormzy. The 90-minute set on Friday night featured a dynamic production with a diamond-shaped stage extending into the audience, complete with a runway, moving video screens, fire, and lasers. The show opened with an appearance from electronic artist James Blake for their collaboration "History." Dave's setlist blended high-energy tracks like "Clash" and "Thiago Silva" with more introspective moments, including a stripped-back version of "Selfish" where he performed a guitar solo. The performance also included his record-breaking collaboration with Central Cee, "Sprinter," which held the No. 1 spot on the UK charts for 10 weeks. The current tour, his first since 2022, began in Europe in February and will continue with dates in Birmingham and Manchester. The support act for the O2 shows is the American rap group Lost Boys.
