'Emotional' homecoming for Harrogate musician who was managed by Take That man and has spent 12 years touring abroad
One of Harrogate’s popular singers says he is “incredibly grateful” to fans after tickets for a forthcoming homecoming show at Harrogate Theatre sold out after years of performing across the world.
Liam Gray, who was lead singer in indie-rock band IV Play in the early 2000s when they were taken under the wing of Mark Owen of Take That, said getting ready for his first show in Harrogate since Covid was an emotional moment.
"I’m really looking forward to headlining Harrogate Theatre,” said Liam who is known internationally for his Robbie Williams tribute.
"It’s been a long time on the road on my own.
"It’s going to be lovely to be back on stage in Harrogate for the first time in years.
"We’re going to play a great set of classic rock songs that everyone’s going to love.
"I’d like to thank everyone for buying tickets so quickly.”
When Liam Gray performs at Harrogate Theatre on Saturday, February 21, 2026 he will be backed by a full six-piece band of musicians he knows well and respects hugely, including Andy Cairns, Graham Cairns, Andy Whelan and more.
"I’m very privileged to play with guys who are so experienced by working in the Spirit of Smokie band and The Jerseys tribute.
"You can tell at the rehearsals already that there’s something special happening.”
Liam, whose expertise at playing Robbie has taken him to Dubai, Belgium and Spain and all over the UK, hopes the Harrogate Theatre show will serve as a stepping stone to repeating his historic sold out show 20 years ago at the even bigger venue of the Royal Hall.
As successful and busy as he has ever been; the gig will see the launch of new solo album The Monochrome Chronicles, Liam Gray says he misses the buzz of his days in IV Play playing their own self-written songs.
"I never envisaged doing the Robbie thing for as long as 12 years,” said Liam.
"IV Play came so close to real national success.
"You get to miss being in a great band playing your own material.”