David Gray releases UK single mix of 'Babylon' ahead of Irish tour dates

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter David Gray has announced rescheduled dates for his UK & Ireland tour this summer.

After being postponed by COVID, Gray's tour will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his landmark 1998 White Ladder album. On the 14-date UK and Ireland tour, the album will be recreated by Gray along with all the original band members and recording equipment.

White Ladder: The 20th Anniversary Tour will have three stops in Ireland - SSE Arena in Belfast on May 17, a three night run at Dublin's 3Arena May 19-21, and an outdoor performance at Musgrave Park in Cork on June 18.

In addition to the tour, the UK Single Mix of 'Babylon' - a track off of the famed album - is available on streaming services today (January 21).

The mix was a No. 1 UK radio airplay hit and much loved by fans of Gray. The re-released version was thought to have been lost several years ago in the singer's archives.

A special remastered edition of White Ladder is available on CD and, for the first time ever, on vinyl. A deluxe two CD and four LP version of the album will feature B-sides and rarities from Gray's discography.

"It’s the 20th anniversary of White Ladder, a unique record with its own remarkable history," Gray said in a statement. "It’s an album that came from nowhere to steal the hearts of millions all over the world, completely transforming my life in the process. 20 years on and it feels like White Ladder is just as alive for people now as it was back then."

"So to celebrate this milestone, I will be re-releasing a fully remastered version of the album and assembling all the original band members with all the original equipment, in order to take White Ladder out on the road and recreate the record in its entirety."

The original record comes from humble beginnings. Recorded on minimal budget by Gray in a tiny house in Stoke Newington, he experimented with electronic music creating a unique blend called 'folktronica.' Gray was aided by drummer Craig McClune and engineer Iestyn Polson.

The album took a year to creep into the lower reaches of the British charts, eventually working its way up to number one. White Latter eventually spent three years in the UK top 100, spawning hit singles including 'Babylon,' 'Please Forgive Me,' and 'Sail Away.' It remains the best-selling British album ever in Ireland.

"What happened with White Ladder involved more than music. It was a sort of heart and soul moment of total surrender for everybody involved, for me and the audience. That was it. It doesn't get any better than that," Gray said.

Listen to the UK Single Mix of 'Babylon' below.