My Day OffOMENTS BEFORE they go on
stage, Levi Davis and his band
come together in a huddle. It’s
probably the only thing that
happens during the gig that
bears any resemblance to rugby.
Yes, people have come to watch the
Bath winger perform, but in an entirely
different context. The field of grass at
the Rec has been replaced by a raised
platform at Walcot House. Rather than
run out via the tunnel in the middle of
the Thatchers Stand, these performers
emerge from behind the black curtains
that seal off the ‘green room’ to the side
of the stage. Instead of a rugby ball in
his hands, Davis has a microphone. In
lieu of fancy footwork and speed, it is
vocal talents that impress the audience.
And in this instance he is not positioned
out wide on the wing but taking centre
stage, the main attraction.
There are nerves but it is clear he
enjoys the performance element, finding
his groove during the
first song and at one
point overcoming a
faulty mic problem with
ease. He interacts with
members of his band and
the audience during a
set that includes covers
as well as three of his
own songs. Most of the songs are of a
slower pace than he would show on the
rugby pitch but they are just as powerful- and the reaction of those watching
shows that they are impressed.
Despite the differences between sport
and music, whether performing on the
pitch or on stage Davis says: “The buzz
is exactly the same.” Music has long
M
“To emotionally affect a
crowd with your music
is a feeling that can’t
be replicated easily”
Finding his voice
Performing in Bath