Life on Tour: Red Bulls, Road Trips & Real Talk By Jay Mac

2025 has been the craziest, wildest, most meaningful year I’ve ever had on the road. From screaming crowds to quiet morning sets, weird gigs to magical ones — it’s all part of the journey. So here’s a behind-the-scenes look at life on tour, straight from the passenger seat (because I’m definitely not driving).

Highlights From the Road

Biggest Crowd? No doubt — Shipston Proms. The energy was insane, and seeing that sea of people gave me chills. Wildest Vibes? Thame Pride. Everyone was up, dancing, singing — even joined in the iconic dancing. Favorite Crowd? Macclesfield Pride. The people were beautiful, kind, and gassed to meet me. Photos, dancing, vibes for days.

Weirdest Gig? Gotta be Colwyn Bay. I was on stage at 11am. Who even performs at 11am?! People just sat watching like it was a library. Mad.

Colwyn Bay

Tour Life is Not Glamorous

People think being on tour is all flashing lights and champagne. Let me tell you: Ryan Embra dragging me out of bed is how most days start. I eat, have a smoke, and make strange noises to warm up my voice (don’t ask).

We all cram into a car — me, Ryan, Max (my bro), Kate Flake, my partner Darian (also my bodyguard) — and argue about directions like every family holiday ever. It's chaos. But it works.

My fuel? Red Bull. My wavey drink? Magnum mixed with Bigga Grape. Trust me. 🔥

Jay Mac Live @ The Lab

My Ride-Or-Dies

I couldn’t do this without:

• Ryan Embra, my right hand. He’s been at every show — none of this happens without him.

• Kate Flake the liability

• Darian, who keeps me grounded.

From Pain to Purpose

At the start of 2024, I was in a dark place. I’d stepped back from music. Got caught up in things I shouldn't have. Then I lost someone I loved — Lee Diamond, one of my best people — in a car crash I was in. The guilt, the grief... it crushed me.

I took time. I had to. But I made a promise:Every show, every song, every smile — is for Lee.

This tour has healed me in ways I didn’t expect.Performing again, hearing people sing my words, feeling that love — it’s brought me back to life.

I live in a place where people love to hate, but I’m finally starting to love myself again. That’s because of you lot — fans, friends, the strangers who became supporters.

What’s Next?

The tour’s nearly done — just Basingstoke, HMV, Great

Yarmouth, and Northampton to go. But the bookings are flying in.

Next year, we’re leveling up.Mad tour. More music. More moments.

Oh, and I finally got to see Dexter Daps at ReggaeLand this year. Bucket list ✔️.

Thanks for riding with me. Whether you’ve come to a show, streamed a song, or just clapped in the crowd — you’ve given me a reason to keep going.

See you at the next one.

Love,

Jay Mac