Live At Leeds in the city - 16th nov 24
Various venues, Leeds
Review and photos - Lewis Wolstenholme
Last year I was lucky enough to attend Live at Leeds: In the City, where I got to see acts that have since achieved great success, such as The Last Dinner Party who played Glastonbury after their set in Leeds and Wunderhorse who are about to set off on a tour supporting Sam Fender. And now, in what feels like no time at all, it’s that time of the year again! Across 14 venues and with over 100 different artists, the festival showcased a huge variety of music spanning nearly every genre you could think of.
This year’s headliners were Everything Everything, Leeds’s very own Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and The K’s, who all delivered incredible performances.
I started my day at Headrow House, watching upcoming artist Ben Ellis, an indie pop musician performing an intimate acoustic set of original songs, plus a brilliant cover of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" from Grease. Next, I headed to Leeds Beckett Student Union for Marika Hackman, whose perfect harmonies and alt-indie set were mesmerizing. A strong highlight of the day was English Teacher’s set. Leeds Beckett was packed to capacity, and it was clearly a warm homecoming for the band. They played a great mix of songs, including my personal favourite, "Nearly Daffodils."
I usually find navigating festivals a bit chaotic, but Live at Leeds once again provided a brilliant setup. The venues were close to each other, and the lineup cleverly grouped artists of similar genres, making it possible for me to see 8 of the 9 acts I had initially planned to catch.
One final set that surprised me, and turned out to be my favourite of the day, was Esme Emerson. A brother-sister duo about to set off on a headline tour across the UK. They played a set of original acoustic songs at the BBC Introducing stage at Oporto. With great on-stage energy, great atmosphere, a brilliant sound tech and an outstanding performance, those 30 minutes were flawless. For an idea of their sound, check out their song "Fade Out."
One thing this festival offers again and again is a space for music lovers to discover their new favourite artists. The Live at Leeds organisers have once again smashed it, curating an incredible lineup that has had me diving into new music all week while editing and writing this review.
I highly recommend attending this festival next year, but be aware: the venues, especially in the evening, can reach capacity quickly and I wouldn’t want anyone missing out on music queuing outside! From a brilliant showcase of Leeds and its venues to the great artists this year presented, Live at Leeds In the City was a perfect showcase of everything there was to offer!
Here's to next year!
king creosote/emily barker
Brudenell, Leeds - 24th Nov 24
Review & Photos - Neil Milner
This was a plum assignment for me. Being asked to review King Creosote (aka Kenny Anderson) performing 2023’s outstanding record ‘I Des’, shortly after finding out the awful news that the gig was sold out, (for me that is, obviously not for him), was a welcome, delightful chore on a Sunday night.
But I should be balanced and objective. So, the encore song ‘Follow me’, after his 7-piece band pretended to leave the stage was a lame Amanda Lear cover. But he instigated a conga with some of the audience to divert our, or maybe my attention. (As a brief aside, he performed the same song for 6-music’s Marc Riley the following night where it sounded wonderful!).
He made a 47-minute record last over an hour because of his between song banter, which ranged from highly amusing and witty, to questionable. But that’s the extent of my criticism. The rest of it was a total joy.
It is unusual to play a full album only a year after its release, especially as his canon is so extensive. But I remember him telling Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie in an interview on their 6-music show last year, that touring for an artist at his level, especially as he lives in a remote part of Scotland, was a logistical and practical challenge. So, it is a genuine privilege to see him perform on this tour.
Following album opener ‘It’s Sin That’s Got It’s Hold Upon Us’, he played what he called his death trilogy ‘Burial Bleak’, ‘Dust’, starting with the poignant ‘Blue Marbled Elm Trees’, containing the beautifully plaintive words ‘I had the best time, laughing with my girls, I had the best life offered up by this blue marble, or any alien world’, all whilst imaging his fantasy funeral. Those words strongly resonate with me.
‘Walter de la Nightmare’, ‘Love is a Curse’, ‘Ides’ and ‘Please Come Back I Will Listen, I Will Behave, I Will Toe the Line’ are ballads, sung and played superbly here, continuing the enthusiastically melancholic streak of most songs, with just ‘Susie Mullen’ providing a spiky pop counterbalance.
Despite 7 people in his band, there was no bass guitarist or drummer. Instead, we had a couple of keyboard players, a percussionist, someone providing samples, an accordionist, and two acoustic guitarists; one being Anderson, the other his support act Emily Barker.
Emily is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician and composer or many records, the latest being her 2024 album ‘Fragile as Humans’, songs from which made up most of her set.
She was mostly solo, and beautifully performed her songs. She was a great storyteller, incorporating stages of her life into both the music and conversations with the audience.
It was clear she is having a blast on this tour and has a great on-stage rapport with Anderson, contributing towards a wonderful evening.
Links:
midge ure
Sheffield City Hall - 30th Nov 24
Review & Photos - Phil Wright
What do these bands all have in common? Silk, The Rich Kids, Visage, Band Aid? Yes, you’ve guessed it, the awesome Midge Ure!
From the get go, Midge was in really fine voice, (despite a bit of the man flu). He started with the Rich Kids’ song Marching Men, before heading into a set list that covering the years, the bands and perfectly showcased the writing, playing and singing talents of this often-overlooked man.
Midge sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar as needed, occasionally moving over to his keyboards. As a result of both natural talent and years on the road, this man displayed outstanding stage presence and the ability to hold the attention of any audience.
This is not called ‘THE CATALOGUE OF HITS TOUR’ for nothing. I had forgotten some of these great song’s but one no one will ever forget ‘VIENNA’.
Midge, even with a cold, gave a stunning performance showing his powerful vocal range and the crowd loved it. As the opening chords to ‘Fade to Gray’ were played, the audience jumped out of their seats dancing.
If I was to be corny, I could say it was like ‘ Loves Great Adventure’ watching the audience, of all ages, up on their feet.
Midge even gave a nod to the one band he said should have played LIVE AID… ‘Thin Lizzy’ with his perfect cover of ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’. This was one of the best feel-good nights out I’ve had in a long time. Seeing the audience dancing the night away but no one was ‘Dancing With Tears in Their Eyes’. (Sorry it had to be done).
spear of destiny & the skids
Leeds Beckett - 22nd Nov 24
Review & photos - Liam McEvoy
It was a cold and windy night that welcomed legendary punk rockers Spear of Destiny and Skids to Leeds Becket on their joint Tour. The atmosphere was Electric and both bands performed storming sets that had the crowds rocking all night.
Up First were Spear of Destiny. Formed in London in 1982 by frontman Kirk Brandon the band have been going strong for over thirty years and based on this performance they are showing no sign of slowing down.
The band stormed the stage opening with their 1987 track Land of Shame which brought the energy from the off. It was clear that the band have a wealth of experience as they worked the crowd expertly.
The electricity was palpable in the room and Spear of Destiny continued to perform at an astounding pace playing some of their biggest tunes such as Rainmaker and Young Men which had the crowd rocking throughout.
The energy continued to build in the venue Mosh pits breaking out as the band stormed through the punk infused Soldier Soldier. Spear of Destiny closed their brilliant set with the incredible ballad that is Mickey before storming to a close with Liberator which had the packed audience rock to the end.
Next up on the bill were Skids and whilst Spear of Destiny were a tough act to follow Skids were able to match the energy and keep the crowd rocking and energised. Front man Richard Jobson exploded onto the stage bouncing around like a bundle of pent up energy. Skids opened with Animation followed by the thundering track Thanatos.
Touring to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their 1979 album Days in Europa the band kicked of their set with a number of tracks from the album including Animation, Charade and Working for the Yankee Dollar.
Jobson and crew showed no sign of slowing down and began to delve into their back catalogue starting with The Saints Are Coming followed by fan favourite Into The Valley which had the crowd rocking out.
The band continued with their biggest tracks playing TV Stars and Hurry on Boys before closing their epic set with the anthemic A Women in Winter.
On a cold night in Leeds both Spear of Destiny and Skids brought the heat with two brilliant sets that had the crowd rocking from start to finish.
Set List Spear of Destiny
1. The Sweeney Theme - Intro
2. Land of Shame
3. Rocket Ship
4. Rainmaker
5. Young Men
6. Spirits
7. Waster
8. Playground of the Rich
9. Never Take Me Alive
10. Judas
11. Soldier Soldier
12. World Service
13. Mickey
14. Liberator
Set List Skids
1. Animation
2. Thanatos
3. Charade
4. Pros and Cons
5. Working for the Yankee Dollar
6. The Olympian
7. Masquerade
8. A Day in Europa
9. The Saints Are Coming
10. Into the Valley
11. TV Stars
12. Circus Games
13. Hurry On Boys
14. Charles
15. A Woman in Winter
del amitri
Leeds O2 - 4th Dec 24
Review & photos - Huw Williams
A wave of pure nostalgia washed over the crowd as Scottish alt rock stalwarts Del Amitri brought their catalogue of 90s hits to the O2 Academy in Leeds.
Judging by the demographic, many were there to relive their youth, recalling the decade that will have seen many through the formative years of high school and university. Some are hardcore fans. Others are familiar with the 1998 best of compilation Hatful Of Rain, which someone at the rear of the venue was declaring as his favourite Del Amitri record!
A sharply-suited Justin Currie led the band to the stage and they took their positions to a warm reception.
It’s been more than 20 years since the band troubled the charts, but that hasn’t dulled the memories that their hits conjure up. Nor has it dulled the memory of the songs themselves. From the off, the songs are sung back at the band, seemingly fresh in the memories of the majority of the crowd.
Despite his trademark floppy hair now greying, Currie’s voice has stood the test of time and delivers the hits with great quality. There’s a bittersweet tenderness to the lyrics of their biggest hits, and these are certainly the centrepiece of the evening. Starting with the (relatively) new Nation of Caners from the 2021 album Fatal Mistakes, they then move straight back to the early days - Opposite View, followed by Not Where It’s At.
The melancholic lyrics that defined some of their songs - Driving With The Brakes On, Be My Downfall, Never Too Late To Be Alone - are delivered with tenderness and earnest that is reflected back at the band. There’s a warmth and connection that perfectly illustrates how relatable fans find the songs, and how much they’re relishing the time in the presence of a band that sadly, may not be on the road for too much longer.
That’s not to say there’s no fun in this evening. Far from it, there is still some humour as Ian Harvie cuts a joyful figure at stage right, jumping, posing, rocking out before sharing some lovely moments with Currie as they jokingly disagree on how to end one of the songs.
The band’s sound is reliably high quality and fills this iconic venue with its warmth and richness. From the barrier, to the back of the balcony, Currie’s delivery of the lyrics is still clear and encourages singalongs at every turn. That’s where the real joy comes from. Mass participation, celebrating the days when we were all a lot younger, still finding our way in the world.
Time may no longer be on the side of Del Amitri but in stark contradiction to one of their lyrics, they still very much have that crucial piece of geography. Tonight, they were absolutely where it’s at.
Set list:
Nation of Caners
Opposite View
Not Where It’s At
Kiss This Thing Goodbye
Always The Last to Know
It’s Never Too Late To Be Alone
Missing Person
Driving With The Brakes On
Buttons on my Clothes
Don’t Cry, Don’t Cry
Just Like A Man
The Ones That You Love Lead You Nowhere
Lonely
All Hail Blind Love
Move Away Jimmy Blue
Here & Now
Stone Cold Sober
------------
This City Loves You Back
Nothing Ever Happens
Whiskey Remorse (excerpt - in response to crowd request!)
Be My Downfall
blue violet & echobelly
Brudenell, Leeds - 3rd Dec 24
Review & photos - Levi Tubman
A cold grey Yorkshire Tuesday, a perfect evening for staying in, but tonight even before the doors open there’s a strong gathering, always a sign of a good lineup!
First up are Blue Violet and taking to the stage it's clear a lot of people have come tonight to see them play their own brand of alternative electronic tinged rock. From listening to them I was expecting something more sedate and quiet, but instead we get a structured and catchy wall of sound. The drums are pounding in your chest, the drummer is going hard but the kick drum is loud, along with the low end keys rumbling the room.
On the other side of this are the guitars and vocals, from husband-and-wife Sam and Sarah, which could be from another band. A lot of the songs have lighter guitar work instead of heavy chords, against the contrasting drums it creates a fantastic sound with the guitar easily cutting through. Taking the lead vocal spot, Sarah is a fantastic front woman, with boundless energy she’s hardly ever still.
Set against this motion her vocals are almost other worldly and ethereal, like they’re coming from somewhere else, creating a unique sound, seamlessly merging frantic loud energy with catchy fragility.
As the first band on it’s a short set, s the band themselves say, but they’re gearing up to tour their new material and I have to second the band by saying keep an eye out for them touring with a longer set you won’t be disappointed.
It’s a quick turn around and before we know it Echo Belly are taking the stage, there’s no messing around as they launch into a trio of songs before addressing the audience. Sonya’s voice hasn’t changed at all, it still retains all its tone and warmth, but I feel she was let down a little with the sound. Any worries that there were some vocal struggles where quickly put to bed on quieter sections, for some reason the vocal level was just a little too low, while this can help with the bands style they were just a tad too low at times.
At one point that ever present smile drops, and Sonya makes a cutting action with her hands and mouths enough stop it, and steps back from the edge of the stage. Whoever was causing the discomfort either takes the hint or is stopped after a few times, the night is so happy and positive it would be a shame for one idiot to spoil it, but the professionalism shines through and they’re not put off.
Were asked to sing along, which gets a cheer, but this is followed up by “you can sing along in your Yorkshire accents” that’s it, it’s for Yorkshire now a roaring cheer goes up and you can hardly hear the band over the singing. Throughout the night jokes are made to the audience about the greatest hits are coming, and who wants to hear something they actually know now?
It’s just the right amount of audience interaction, while quite minimal, its quite personal at times, calling out individuals who requested the last song of the night saying its next! And after calling out older more obscure songs someone’s accused of “just showing off” its light full of laughter and wasn’t used to fill dead space of a light set.
As with all bands there are always going to be songs you know they’re going to play, but I didn’t expect and acoustic version of Worms And Angels from their second album On, and for it to be a stand out song of the night . Its delicate and beautiful, with its lightness letting Sonya’s voice shine through, and it’s not changed one bit. 30 years on from their first album it sounds just as it did on that first record, it’s not a particularly powerful voice, but instead beautiful and precise, with quite a unique tone it really shapes their songs and style.
Announcing it’s the last song of the night, their met with loud booing, before silencing the crowd joking it’s an encore, you know we walk off pretend to be done, then come back on stage and you all pretend to be surprised! I like a little sass between my songs.
Echo Belly are one of those bands that will keep surprising you, as you forget just how many songs of theirs you know. It’s not just the classics, despite joking about playing songs you might not know, their newer post 90’s material holds up and sounds fantastic, I’ve listened to newer albums I’ve not tried before after seeing them played live. If you’ve a melancholy alternative indie itch that needs scratching this is the band for you, I’ve not listened to them in a few years trust me put that cd on or get online and give them a listen.
Set Lists
Blue Violet
Undercover
Imagine Me
Sweet Success
Hard Rain
Human After All
Asylum
Echo Belly
I Can't Imagine the World Without Me
We Know Better
I'm Not a Saint
Car Fiction
Iris Art
Father, Ruler, King, Computer
Fear of Flying
Worms and Angels (Acoustic)
If the Dogs Don't Get You, My Sisters Will
Down to Earth
Something Hot in a Cold Country
tom meighan
O2 Leeds - 18th Dec 24
Review & photos - Liam McEvoy
With 2024 coming to a close what better way to end the year than with a barnstorming gig. Tom Meighan erstwhile front man of Kasabian called into the O2 in Leeds on his solo tour and delivered a phenomenal set that had the place bouncing.
With all the swagger of a true frontman Meighan strutted on to the stage and opened his set in explosive style with anthemic Underdog. Meighan followed this up with his latest solo single Headcase which is another incredibly electric track that had the crowd bouncing.
A few months on from the original tour date which was rearranged due to Meighan being unwell he was clearly back fighting fit. The energy he brought to the stage was contagious and filled the venue.
Throughout his set Meighan made it abundantly clear that he still has a lot of love for his former band playing a number of Kasabian’s biggest tracks including Empire, Shoot the Runner and Club foot. With these stadium worthy tracks like this it felt at times like the 2,300 capacity O2 could not contain the electrifying set.
Meighan however did not have to rely solely on his former band as his throughout his solo catalogue there are some exceptional tracks like Don’t Give In, White Lies and Would You mind which brought carried the same incredible energy.
It was to a storm of cheers and applause that Meigh ended his set. Though in true rock and roll form Mehgan returned to the stage and with the same incredible swagger performed the brilliant Movin’ On before closing the set with Fire.
The gig and indeed the year could not have been closed with a bigger track and Meighan brought the energy to Leeds from start to finish and is an artist that is flourishing with his solo work.
Set Liast:
Star Wars Intro
1. Underdog (Kasabian song)
2. Head case
3. Don’t Give In
4. III Ray (The King) (Kasabian song)
5. Better Life
6. Where Did All The Love Go (Kasabian song)
7. High on You
8. White Lies
9. Empire (Kasabian song)
10. Would you Mind
11. We Can Do It
12. Shoot The Runner (Kasabian sing)
13. Exorcist
14. Shout it out
15. L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever) (Kasabian song)
16. Club Foot (Kasabian song)
17. Movin’On
Fire (Kasabian song)
magnum
O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London - 21st Jan 25
Review - Andi Bridges
When Tony Clarkin passed away a year ago, Bob Catley proclaimed that he couldn’t imagine being on stage without his fellow band mate and creative partner and Magnum would retire. So, it was a bit of a shock when this short tour was announced. Billed as “A Passage In Time – A Tribute To Tony Clarkin”, it’s a great way to celebrate Tony’s remarkable songwriting output, having written all 23 of Magnum’s albums, going back to 1972, when he and Bob founded the band.
The stage has a spartan look to it, Drum riser on the right with a double bass drum kit on it and to the right of that a simple guitar amp and cab. On the left-hand side, a riser with keyboards and on the left of that a bass rig. A white backdrop with just the band’s logo hangs at the back.
At 8pm precisely the auditorium lights go down as a Darth Vaderesque figure appears between the two risers and asks “How Far Jerusalem?”. The band take to the stage and launch into said song. Before song three, Wild Swan, the question that we are all thinking - who has stepped into Tony’s shoes - is answered. The young man is Brendon Riley, and he was Tony’s guitar tech for a number of years. If he is nervous it doesn’t show.
With Lee Morris, once of Paradise Lost, on drums and Dennis Ward, a top American session bassist, laying down a solid backbeat it leaves Rick Benton’s Keyboards to provide the melodic icing. The songs really rock. And what songs. We get – When We Were Younger, an acoustic and seated rendition of Tall Ships, a song not played live since 2002.
The Flood (Red Cloud’s War), Les morts dansant, which provides the first lighter in the air moment of the evening and Don’t Wake The Lion (Too Old To Die Young). Bob’s voice isn’t the mighty instrument it once was, however not one person in the venue gives a monkey’s, we are in celebratory mood and it just fantastic to hear these songs one more time. After nine songs and an hour’s worth of playing time, the band depart.
Twenty minutes later and they are back with Soldier Of The Line and what’s immediately obvious is the guitar is much higher in the mix. Just Like An Arrow follows with its 1980’s double entendre lyrics, “it goes deep my love, only for you, just like an arrow”. A child’s voice starts speaking culminating with her asking “Can you tell me a story, please?” and the band play On A Storyteller’s Night and it the beginning of the end. All England’s Eyes, with its meaty riff is up next. Vigilante is the penultimate song with Bob acting as Ringmaster and leading us all in singing and clapping along. Kingdom Of Madness ends the second set.
After a brief interlude, they return to the stage for the encore. Bob dedicates The Spirit to Tony and the lyrics take on a more poignant meaning, “The dust lies thick on the casket rich or quite poor, Distinction disappears the worm both deplore, The candle burns out once more, But the spirit inside won’t be ignored”. They finish with When The World Comes Down. Bob says, “God bless you, good night, we’ll see you somewhere down the line” and then they are gone.
Who knows if Bob, now aged 77, or indeed Magnum will ever take the stage again, if they don’t, they have left on a massive high.
emily barker
Brudenell Club, Leeds - 26th Jan 25
Review & photos - Levi Tubman
It’s a calm Australian folk invasion at the Brudenell tonight, with Australian born Emily Barker back for her second visit in as many months.
Opening the night is Melbourne born Liz Stringer, who’s simple setup of acoustic guitar and vocals quickly takes hold of the audience, with songs about her travels and life she’s a true storyteller. This telling expands beyond the music and into her stage banter, with tales of Ugly babies, old alcoholics and about how the north is friendlier than the south, giving a back story to her lyrics, and if you're lucky you might even find out what a metrologist does!
Taking quietly to the stage, Emily is joined by a small band of bass and drums, a trio that can pack a real punch. As the set gets underway were treated to a healthy amount of crowd interaction, with snippets about her life and songs.
We’re told how Life Is An Hour was written in mind Emily Dickinson and how the poet would scribble snippets on old envelopes quoting “Live your purpose detached from the outcome” as were given a glimpse into barkers inspiration.
Liz Stringer returns to the stage to play keys on a personal highlight of the night for me with Where Have The Sparrows Gone. The two singers’ voices perfectly compliment each other with beautiful harmonies. Juxtaposed against the often-delicate beautiful vocals the lyrics sing of plundered resources of the world while the far from delicate drums and bass thunder the music along.
The duo backing Barker are accomplished musicians in their own right, both providing backing vocals while drummer Rob Pemberton takes on synth and keys with Bassist Alex Heane swapping between 4 string electric and upright double bass, both plucked and bowed.
A rare occurrence at the Brudenell tonight as the sound is a little off, at times the drums are so loud you can feel the kick drum in your chest taking over the sound, but for the majority of the night the over loud drums add a different edge to the gentler music giving it a raw bite.
Giving the band a break, to hopefully not eat all the cheese they put on their rider, Emily performs a few solo numbers. Bob Dylan must be up there as the most covered artists, especial where the covers are more famous than the originals, Buckets Of Rain lends itself perfectly to her voice, giving it an even more sombre edge than the original.
The final solo song of the night was put out as a request from the audience laughing at all the requests of songs Barker has forgotten how to play, we get the best song of the night, Pause. It’s perfect fragility leaves the room watching in silence, and as the last note fades away it feels somehow crude to follow it with the blunt overloud round of applause despite deserving it.
Bringing the band back on stage were told this is only their second gig together, yet they still play with fluidity and tightness you’d expect from a much more experienced trio. Showing just how flexible they are to working on something new, all three walk to the very front of the stage, with Emily on guitar the other two joining on vocals reading from printed out sheets after hearing her play the song earlier in the day, with no microphones its raw and stripped back and receives one of the loudest cheers of the night.
Along with 6 albums under her belt, Emily Barker’s music has also found its way onto TV, including the themes to the BBC’s Wallander and The Shadow Line, bringing her music to a new wider audience, but unfortunately tonight its not sold out but they play with all their heart and soul, most of the time eyes closed while singing loosing themselves into the music.
It’s a great night from start to finish, more laid back than a lot of gigs there but all the better for it and the perfect way to wind up your weekend.
Set list:
1. With small we start
2. Call it a day
3. Wild to be sharing this moment
4. Loneliness
5. The quiet ways
6. Life is for an hour
7. Woman who planted trees
8. Where have the sparrows gone?
9. Fragile as humans
10. Emily solo song
11. Sad songs
12. Feathered thing
13. Acisoma
14. Machine
Encore:
15. Emily Solo
16. Dear River
craig david & lemar
Leeds Arena - 2nd Feb 25
Review & photos - Liam McEvoy
On a cold February night in Leeds the sound of Ibiza landed in the form of Craig David. Playing a mammoth 2 hour set split into two parts David showed off his impressive versatility pleasing all those in attendance.
Before the main event began the London based singer songwriter Lemar took to the stage and delivered a brilliant opening set playing some of his biggest tracks including 50/50 and If There’s Any Justice, which warmed the crowd up magnificently for the main event.
It was then time for the headliner and Craig David swaggered onto the stage with supreme confidence and kicked things off with his latest single SOS before powering into the track that back in 1999 launched him into the spotlight Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say BoSelecta).
David showcased his versatility throughout the first half of his extensive show playing massive dance hits like 7 Days (DJ Premier Remix) and What's Your Flava? As well as slower ballads which showed of his impressive vocal range like Walking Away and Rise and Fall.
Where you may expect other artists to bring a show to a close for Craig David it was merely time for act two. Craig David performed a full TS5 DJ set playing some massive dance tracks including Flowers (Sweet Female Attitude), Jump Around (house of Pain) and the classic Show Me Love (Robin S).
Following the DJ set there was just time for David to play three of the biggest tracks from his 2000 debut album Born to do It, Rendezvous, Fill Me in (Remix)/16 and then the only track that could close a Craig David show 7 Days.
After a whopping 2 hours 15 minutes the phenomenal show finally came to an end and with the show in two such distinctive parts it showed just how versatile and talented Craig David is.
It is a show that if you get the opportunity is well worth seeing.
Set List:
1. SOS
2. Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta)
3. Aint Giving Up
4. Fill Me In
5. What's Your Flava
6. In Your Hands
7. I know You
8. GOT IT GOOD (KAYTRANDA Cover)
9. Warm It Up / Shy Guy
10. Walking Away
11. Can’t Be Messing ‘Round / Last Night / You Know What / Follow Me / Rendezvous
12. 7 Days (DJ Premier Remix)
13. Once in a Lifetime
14. Booty Man
15. Time to Party
16. Rise and Fall
17. Don’t Love You No More (I’m Sorry)
18. Unbelievable
19. The Rain
TS5 DJ Set:
20. Woman Trouble
21. Flowers
22. Its Not Right but Its Okay
23. Sorry
24. When the Bassline Drops
25. Abracadabra
26. Bills, Bills, Bills
27. Jump Around
28. You Won't Break My Soul
29. Heartline
30. Wild Thoughts / Music Sounds Better With You
31. Rap*
32. Show Me Love
33. Nothing Like This
Encore:
34. Rendezvous
35. Fill Me In (Remix) / 16
36. 7 Days
james bay
O2 Leeds - 5th Feb 25
Review & photos - Mo Longfellow
James Bay played at the O2 Academy in Leeds on Wednesday the 5th February, and I was lucky enough to go and shoot the gig for Wall of Sound.
First up was Leif Vollebekk, a Canadian indie-folk singer song writer. Shortlisted for the 2018 Juno Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year, from the moment he stepped on stage it was clear why Bay invited him to open up his shows. His minimalist approach and beautiful vocal had the crowd engaged from the get-go. Just when you think things couldn’t get any better he starts singing Purple Rain (Prince). The crowd, singing along and in fine fettle, are now well and truly ‘warmed up’!
Bay enters the stage with a huge smile on his face, you can tell he’s up for it and is gonna enjoy the gig as much as the crowd are. I know it sounds really cheesy, but there is a feeling of joy in the academy, you can just feel that everyone is out to have a good night and forget about the humdrum of the day-to-day, to connect with others over a love of music and, to just let go and enjoy. Bay gave the crowd exactly what they want, I mean he property delivered. he opened with ‘Up All Night’ and from the moment he strummed his guitar and started singing you knew he was on fine form.
He sang his latest single ‘Sunshine In The Room’ just a few numbers in. Released at the end of January you can already tell it’s gonna be a firm favourite amongst the fans. Bay plays it with an infectious energy and it’s great to hear it played live so soon after it’s released.
He plays songs both old and new and whilst they are from different eras, they all hold their own and he plays them with the same, unwavering energy. Credit where it’s due, there is never a lull in the set, old or new, the crowd are fully immersed in the night.
As brilliant as Bay is, the band really elevate the whole evening. They carry the numbers into a stomping crescendo when needed and then bring us back down to a, well, decrescendo (?!) when required. In any event, they’re ace, and they really know their instruments and help to make the night what it was; a really superb evening of great tunes, performed wonderfully to a great crowd.