Review: Josh Groban - Gems World Tour (The O2)

Review by Daz Gale

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There’s been a recurring theme of my favourite things when it comes to this week’s shows, with visits earlier this week to the London returns of two of my favourite musicals, Waitress and Kinky Boots. I ventured into different territory for the next look at one of my favourite things, heading to the O2 Arena to catch Josh Groban bringing his ‘Gems World Tour’ to London. I first fell in love with his voice the moment he opened his mouth on Ally McBeal in 2001, and have followed his career ever since. So why does he fit into the favourite things theme? Well, quite simply, he has one of my all-time favourite voices, one that never fails to send shivers down my spine or provoke an emotional response, so I jumped at the chance to experience his raw talent once more in his London return. Would this latest concert of his be able to raise me up once again?

The concert featured a setlist spanning his entire catalogue, from his self-titled 2001 debut album to his upcoming tenth studio album, Cinematic. Opening with ‘You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)’, Groban kicked off the evening on a high (as well as bang on time at a pleasingly early 8 pm), setting the impeccable standard he would continue for the next 90 minutes. Highlights from across his catalogue, including ‘February Song’ and ‘Granted’ (a personal favourite of mine), quickly followed, peppered amongst his interpretations of other songs.

A couple of British icons received the Josh Groban treatment, with a rousing cover of Robbie Williams’ classic ‘Angels’ allowing that already brilliant song to reach new heights, thanks to Groban’s glorious and inimitable vocals. The song was prefaced with a speech about how much Groban loves Robbie Williams, gushing about him before hilariously adding “I’m straight… but I would”. It was that kind of humour that endeared Groban to all in the audience, with a mixture of wit and a personality that flitted from a humble, self-deprecating nature to being fully aware of his talents (and how can you not be?) when talking about the perfect arrangements of some of his numbers.

The other British icon was a taste for his upcoming album, Sinematic, with a thrilling rendition of Adele’s ‘Skyfall’, accompanied by the BEK Orchestra to fill the o2 stage with life and sound. The other taster from his upcoming album was ‘Brucia La Terra’ from The Godfather, performed in Sicilian and demonstrating Groban’s talents to sing in multiple languages, with a Celine Dion song translated to Spanish for ‘Aléjate’. I may not have understood the lyrics in these numbers, but the message of the song shone through thanks to not only Groban’s vocals, but his ability to tell a story through song, emoting and connecting.

This website is primarily focused on theatre, and there will be some reading wondering if Groban dived into any of his theatre credits, with Chess, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street among those he is best known for. Sadly, this was not to be on this occasion, but Groban could sing anything and I would have been enraptured. The closest we got was ‘Pure Imagination’ from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in a perfect example of why Groban’s storytelling ability has made him such a natural fit for theatrical roles.

The standout numbers of the evening came from his two signature songs. ‘To Where You Are’ was the song that first made me fall in love with Josh Groban 25 years ago, and has remained a special song to fans all over the world. Hearing it live was an ethereal experience, with a slightly stripped back arrangement highlighting the poignancy of the lyrics. The song Groban is best known for, however, is his interpretation of ‘You Raise Me Up’, perhaps better known in the UK for the Westlife cover, but certainly his biggest hit in the United States. There was a real feeling of community as Groban encouraged the audience to join him in singing the rousing tune, accompanied by a glorious choir. It is always moments like that that make me love concerts - the chance to hear a classic song that has been in rotation for decades with a voice as pure and golden as Groban’s, raising it to new heights.

Early in the evening, Josh commented on how he had to work a lot harder to get such a big audience in the UK, with US audiences responding much faster. Referring to himself as a niche artist, it was sad to see so many empty seats at this particular concert, though it is a testament to the power of Groban’s voice that he still managed to fill every inch of the cavernous O2 arena through his talent. I did wonder if perhaps a venue such as the Royal Albert Hall might have been more suitable, but Groban can play any size venue, big or small (his last London show was at the intimate but sensational Union Chapel), and his fans will come flocking for the chance to see and hear his God-given talent.

Perhaps the venue let him down ever-so-slightly, but there is a reliable quality you expect when you go to any Josh Groban concert, and this was no exception. Groban really is in a league of his own, not just thanks to his incredible vocals, but also his effortless ability to interpret other songs as well as his charm and personality. You may go to a Josh Groban concert for the vocals, but you’ll certainly stay for the laughter. All in all, Groban delivered a masterclass performance, perfectly demonstrating why he has wowed audiences all over the globe since the turn of the millennium, and will surely continue to do so for many years to come.

Setlist:

You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)

The World We Knew (Over and Over)

Pure Imagination

Granted

February Song

Angels

Alla Luce Del Sole

Aléjate

The Book Of Love

To Where You Are

Brucia La Terra

Skyfall

You Raise Me Up

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Be Alright

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Josh Groban played at the O2 Arena on 1st April 2026. He continues his ‘Gems World Tour’ until 8th April. Dates and tickets at https://www.joshgroban.com/#tour 

Photos by Kevin O'Sullivan