Stormzy goes topless in the rain at All Points East as he tells fans ‘this is one of the greatest nights of my life’
STORMZY brought his signature high knees and vulnerability as he returned to London at All Points East last night.
The Grime star opened the festival with his only UK show of the year – and closed the epic night by dancing topless in the rain.
Stormzy wore khaki for the occasion but as the night progressed his clothes came off.
Towering over the crowds, the 6 foot 5 rapper ripped off his shirt and white vest as it started to tip down, and revealed his bulging muscles while delivering a night to remember for lucky fans.
Stormzy – real name Michael Omari – told the crowd “this is one of the greatest nights of my entire life” as they stomped along to hits from his latest album This Is What I Mean which shot to No1 in November.
He added: “This is my hometown. You lot are my family.
“As long as I’m here, and as long as I have a career, I will not stop saying ‘thank you’. You lot have changed my life. You’ve changed my family’s life.”
Stormzy was joined by a huge entourage backstage where dozens of friends and family were treated to a McDonald’s truck which handed out burgers, chips and drinks.
Stars descended on East London to watch his homecoming show, with BBC Radio One’s Melvin Odoom, Big Brother host Will Best, singer Tallia Storm and Bash The Entertainer spotted dancing in the crowds.
Some of the biggest names in rap and R&B were there to support him on the night, including Mobo award winner and fellow London rapper Nucks, Sampha, US star Kehlani, and Ms Banks.
It was his only U.K. show this year and ahead of his performance he told Channel 4 it would be “the most complete Stormzy set that I’m ever going to perform.”
The star added: “Every facet of myself, whether it’s my vulnerability, whether it’s my energy, whether it’s my everything to be on display. We’re bringing out the whole catalogue. And thirdly, expect high knees because I think that’s part and parcel of a Stormzy show.
“When that music hits it’s electric, and this time I’ve got three albums and some change. We got riddims (sic) and I’ve grown as well, I’ve grown a lot.”
Stormzy, who turned 30 last month, has worked with everyone from Ed Sheeran to Louis Theroux and Alison Hammond, who featured in his latest music video for Toxic trait.
Fans can watch his performance and and interview backstage on Stormzy Live in London: This is What We Mean on Channel 4 on Sunday 20 August at 10pm.