James Kicks Off 'Love Is The Answer' Tour in Birmingham with Electrifying Show

James Launches 'Love Is The Answer' Tour with Electrifying Birmingham Performance

James kicked off their highly anticipated 'Love Is The Answer' tour at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on Friday night, delivering a rousing show that left the audience spellbound. The band, led by the ever-energetic Tim Booth, proved why they remain a beloved force in the music scene after decades in the industry.

A Masterclass in Stage Presence

Tim Booth, with his trademark fidgeting and dynamic movements, completely commanded the flow of the concert. Despite the vastness of the Utilita Arena, James managed to create an intimate atmosphere, honed over years of experience. Booth's distinctive voice and showman strut captivated the crowd from start to finish, with his bald head and beard replacing the 90s curls but losing none of the charisma.

The evening was warmed up perfectly by support act Doves, who treated the audience to melodic tunes like Black and White Town and There Goes the Fear. However, it was James's opener Come Home that truly ignited the jam-packed venue, setting the tone for a night of non-stop energy.

—

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Bridging Generations with Timeless Music

One of the standout aspects of the concert was the diverse age range in attendance. From forty-something fans reminiscing about indie discos to younger attendees like the reviewer's 18-year-old son, James demonstrated their ability to straddle generations. This shared experience of old and new music highlighted the band's enduring appeal and the joys of parenthood through musical legacy.

Booth made the entire arena his stage, strolling among the audience at various points. When the first chords of Sit Down played and Booth ventured into the crowd, it transported many back to 1991, evoking memories of floppy-haired teenagers losing themselves in the music.

Seamless Blend of Classics and New Material

James skillfully balanced their extensive back catalogue with fresh tracks. Booth humorously apologized for following Sit Down with the new song Nantucket, even needing an A4 paper to recall the lyrics. Yet, this and other newbies like Yeah Yeah Yeah and songs from their 2024 album Yummy fit seamlessly into the set, keeping the entire room smiling, singing, and moving.

For songs like Born of Frustration, Say Something, and She's a Star, Booth embarked on a proper wander, appearing in a spotlight at the far end of the arena before dancing back through delighted fans. Special mention goes to singer Chloe Alper, who took the lead on Skindiving and provided stunning backing vocals, while the other seven band members maintained a relentless vibe throughout.

A Climactic Finale and Encore

By the time James performed Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) and Sound, no one wanted the night to end. The encore brought a surprise when Booth cheekily asked, "Any questions?" after the initial ovation. Although Laid wasn't on the setlist, James more than made up for it with Sometimes, which served as an ideal showstopper.

Audience participation reached a new climax as this brilliant nine-piece band concluded the night with 10,000 grateful backing singers. If love is the answer, then loving James—a band for all times—is certainly part of it.

Tour Details and Setlist

The 'Love Is The Answer' tour continues in Leeds tonight (April 4) before heading across the UK and into Europe, with dates scheduled through the end of August. The full Birmingham setlist in order was: