Absolute Radio rocks St Paul’s Cathedral

Absolute Radio has given St Paul’s Cathedral its first rock gig as Mercury Prize winners Elbow were given special permission to play in the building’s crypt.

The full gig will be broadcast on Absolute Radio this Sunday 5th June from 7pm, and online in high-definition on-demand.

The Crypt itself is the resting place for Admiral Nelson, The Duke of Wellington, Florence Nightingale, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Henry Moore which didn’t go unnoticed by the band – Guy Garvey name checked them all at the beginning of his set saying, “I hope you’re all enjoying yourself!”

He also said; “This is a bit unusual, isn’t it? Apart from being a lovely room, it’s steeped in history. Whatever you believe, you can’t help but feel something where people really believe. This is a big thing for us.”

The audience, made up of Absolute Radio winners and station VIPs were treated to a full hour long stripped back set which the band had rehearsed especially for the gig.

“The atmosphere was nothing short of magical as Guy Garvey and the gang quickly warmed the crowd with a swell of strings, keys, guitar, base, keys and signature vocals that resounded throughout St Paul’s rising up through the Crypt into the Cathedral,” the station said.