Unstoppable singer-songwriter RAYE played live to an intimate crowd at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Monday night (23 September), with fans treated to a packed set of hits from ‘Genesis’ to ‘Worth It’.
London’s very own RAYE broke records at this year’s BRIT Awards when she took home six awards – including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year – and then went on to win an Ivor Novello for Songwriter of the Year. Her biggest year yet has also seen her sell-out The O2 arena and play showstopping sets at festivals worldwide – including the UK’s own Reading and Leeds.
Her show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire was RAYE and O2’s way of saying a massive thank you to her fans, with tickets given away for free via a ballot available exclusively to O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers. The show was the seventh in O2’s Priority Gig series, and came hot on the heels of shows by Girls Aloud and D-Block Europe.
Famous faces also turned out for the gig, with Ncuti Gatwa, Clara Amfo, Jessie J, Paloma Faith and Maisie Williams all in attendance to show RAYE their love and support.
A small number of lucky fans also got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with RAYE before the gig, where they got a chance to chat with the star and pose for pictures with RAYE at a meet and greet.
“I used to sit in my room and listen to Destiny’s Child, Black Eyed Peas and Nelly Furtado and imagine that one day my life would be just like this,” said RAYE on her exclusive O2 Priority Gig. “Thank you O2 for having us. I needed this.”
Gareth Griffiths, Director, Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said: “Nobody is doing it like RAYE right now, her live game is in a league of its own – what a special night for fans at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Priority from O2 is all about creating unforgettable live moments for our customers and we couldn’t think of anybody better than RAYE for our latest Priority gig.”
Jim Campling, President of Live Nation UK’s Marketing Partnerships, added: “Last night’s unforgettable Priority gig with RAYE showcased O2’s deep understanding of their audience and unwavering belief in the power of live music to bring people together. These shows aren’t just concerts—they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences, giving fans lifelong memories. Partnering with O2 to create these moments has been an honour. Together, we’ve delivered something fresh, imaginative, and culturally relevant—experiences that today’s fans genuinely want to be part of.”
Priority is O2’s way of saying thanks to its customers and is available exclusively to those with an O2 mobile plan or Virgin Media broadband services. In addition to early ticket access to events at The O2, the O2 Academy network and other popular venues across the UK, Priority members can benefit from free bag drop, queue jump, cloakroom services, phone charging, VIP hospitality and discounts on merchandise.