There wasn’t an inch of space at the O2 Academy as the crowd packed in, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the trademark trilby. Even staff were excited about James Bay’s arrival and it was soon clear why.

At just 24, he already has such a presence and his authentically rusty voice is enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

Captivating the 1,000-strong audience, he reminded them he had played in Oxford two years ago, as support for Kodaline. Coming to the end of his first solo – and sold out – tour, Bay is set for big things.

His look is almost as distinctive as his voice. With his rock ’n’ roll hair, black skinny jeans and suede shoes, not forgetting that hat, his musical vagabond look doesn’t prepare you for such a soothing and crisp voice.

From humble beginnings – open-mic nights in Brighton – Bay’s debut album, Chaos and the Calm, reflects his journey so far.

The singer from Hitchin seemed to come from nowhere to win the Brits Critics’ Choice Award 2015; an honour previously bestowed on Tom Odell, Sam Smith and Adele.

His album, produced in Nashville, contained a number one single and sold more than 64,000 sales. You could hear a pin drop as his outline appeared against the vintage-lit backdrop at the O2; that was until screams of “Marry me” came from some of his fans; men and women.

The mood seemed to change as often as Bay swapped guitars. Couples embraced and swayed to Let It Go and Move Together ,while the room erupted to When We Were On Fire, Collide and Craving.

There were goosebump moments too, especially with Scars, a track about a break-up and reunion.

As he says in Collide, Bay wears his heart on his sleeve; emotion on his face and in his voice clear. On acoustic pieces, the raspy voice and resounding guitar chords captivated.

The encore was only ever about one song – Hold Back The River – and there was no holding back the fans, who sang along very loudly.

Next time we see him, I think he’ll be selling out a much bigger venue.

Keeley Rodgers