Paolo Nutini's headline performance at the 02 Arena this October is conclusive evidence of the singer-songwriter's transformation from teen heart-throb into bonafide soul superstar. You don't play the 02 unless you're big. Really big.

Where once the Paisley-born musician was known for melancholic piano-led ballads like Last Request and adored by housewives everywhere; since 2009 he has been remaking himself as the genuine article.

2014's Caustic Love, which went straight in at number 1 and swiftly went platinum, marks new ground. His voice was always powerful, but on this album, the tousled Scot has grown-up. Lead single, Scream (Funk my life up) is the sound of a man who knows he's arrived. The soulful melody, Nutini's crooning, lightly croaking voice, and braggadocio lyrics ('Hell I don't even know her name but yet she sticks to me/And in the climax she would scream with me' ) sound more authentic than you might ever have believed possible for Paolo Nutini.

Believe it: he's the real deal now.

What	Paolo Nutini, The 02
Where	O2 Arena, Peninsula Square , SE10 0DX \| MAP
Nearest tube	North Greenwich (underground)
When	On 30 Oct 14, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price	£TBC
Website	Click here to book via axs.com

What the critics say

THE INDEPENDENT

“There’s the pure, strong voice with a crack in just the right place, drawing hugely on Otis Redding’s Southern soul tradition.”

THE GUARDIAN

“As previously doubting punters rush back in from the foyer with their camera phones out and help bawl the song [Last Request] at the Usher Hall's high ceiling, Nutini's practically an accessory to his own sing-along.”

his bowling alley, restaurant and gig venue opened in 2013. The vibe is stylish and the food American as it comes: fries, milkshakes, Cajun catfish, fried chicken, egg shooters. Kid-friendly.

THE O2

The capital’s 20,000 capacity mega-venue hosts only the biggest acts. Beware: getting to the strange sci-fi dome is always slightly stressful – the crowds, the noise, the jostling, But once you’re in, there are almost too many restaurants to choose from. We say it’s hard to go wrong with the delicious steaks of the Gaucho Grill

Paolo Nutini, The 02

Paolo Nutini's headline performance at the 02 Arena is conclusive evidence of the singer-songwriter's transformation from teen hearththrob into bonafide soul superstar.