Concert Review- Ben Ellis’ ‘sold out’ show in Birmingham.
On Wednesday 29th October 2025, Ben Ellis took to Birmingham’s O2 institute3, lighting up the stage, bringing energy and raw emotion.
From the moment he walked onto the stage, he captivated the audiences attention through his mesmerising stage presence. You could see he was right where he wanted to be- sharing his music with his fans and making deep connections.
His poignant lyrics and powerful vocals brought all in the room closer together, as we all felt what he was feeling. By wearing his heart on his sleeve, the audience became enchanted.
‘When it ends’ followed by ‘Sofia’ truly was the best way to open his show. He was able to showcase his impressive vocals along with his artistic lyricism, hooking the audience immediately. Throughout the show he also played hits such as ‘Deep’ and ‘Eds house’, along with powerfully emotional ballads, ‘Where she goes’ and ‘Never getting out’. Ending with one of his most popular tracks, ‘Does it get cold in California’, the audience left the show with a euphoric high. Ben really does know how to finish with a bang.
His setlist, one which was chosen so carefully, was an intentional emotional rollercoaster. You could feel it in the audience that he wanted to connect whole heartedly. The added band, for his headline tour, furthered the audiences experience as it enhanced the power of his lyrics. Ellis Blake on Guitar and Tom Walters on Drums were “amazing, just the best choice he could have made”. (Abigail Rich, a fan of Ben at the show).
In the middle of his set, Ellis also teased an unreleased single ‘Animal’, saying: “It is my favourite song I’ve written so far.” Based of the audiences’ reaction once it had ended, I’d say they loved it too.
Sticking to tradition, Ben also did a cover. His emotional rendition of Jeff Buckley’s ‘I want someone badly’ was a beautiful addition to his set. His vocals were put in the spotlight, shining throughout, bringing the audience to appreciate his talent and love for music.
However, during a few of his songs at the beginning of the show, you could see that Ben was little bit overwhelmed. The sold out show, the lights, the noise, and it looked like in a couple of songs he could not hear himself in his ear piece. Yet he played it off rather professionally. He made up call backs during the chorus, looked at Ellis (his guitarist) for timings. If you were not looking closely, you would not have even known.
MY LOVE STAYS WITH BEN ELLIS- a fan project
Throughout Ben’s tours, whether he’s been a support act or headlining, his fans have always found a way to show their love and gratitude towards him. There have been multiple projects known which have taken place over the last year: such as coloured lights being held up during his ballads, and fan made chants in between lyrics. Birmingham was not exception.
During the show, two projects took place. The first was a Welsh flag passed down the line and signed as fans queued given to him during pre-show VIP meet and greet. The second was the heart project set up by a fan, @busy_izzyy on TikTok.
The Heart Project
During the encore, Ben plays his emotional love ballad ‘Where she goes’, written about the feelings you get post-break up. After was released, on 1st August 2025, it soon became a fan favourite and the centre of fan projects. Even the tours name was inspired by the lyrics, ‘And I know, My love stays where she goes’, created ‘My love stays on tour’.
As the support acts played, Dolder followed by Marti Perramon, fans passed handmade paper hearts around the crowd. These had messages on such as ‘thank you’, ‘we love you’ and ‘diolch’ (thank you in welsh, a homage to Bens nationality). On the back where instructions to ‘hold this up when ben plays- Where she goes’.
This was a beautiful moment in the concert, one which brought the crowd together, as they shared their love for Ben. Many also began hugging their friends, taking in the atmosphere and emotion which spread across the room.
When Ben saw this he said: “I love you guys. Thank you so much.”
Overall…
This concert was truly one of Bens strongest performances. His vocals and lyricism were beautifully displayed to the audience, and his stage presence with his band was really strong. His setlist had clearly been meticulously thought out and the atmosphere created was enchanting.
He was right where he belonged- on stage performing for his fans, sharing his emotions and making connections.