James @ Sheffield City Hall

James Orchestral Tour @ Sheffield City Hall 04/05/23

Words: Laura Mills
Photography: Elly Lucas // Laura Toomer // Lewis Knaggs

As I walk up the steps to the grand City Hall, there appears to be many who’ve got themselves down early to grab a beer and secure their seats.

A long queue at the bar then leads me through door J, and over to my seat in row N.

The crowd appears older compared to shows I normally go to, but hey, it is James’ 40th anniversary tour.

Mutters and natters of conversations surround me, everyone is with their loved ones ready for a night of great music and the atmosphere is booming.

I’ve come to tonight’s show with absolutely no expectations of what’s to come but I’m sure it will be brilliant.

Likewise, I’m also fairly impressed with the city halls set up, and my seat allocation, because at 5 foot 3 – normally I can barely get a glimpse of the stage.

Suddenly, the lights lower.

A voice booms out from the speakers “James would like to ask you to switch your phones off to prevent any distractions during the show.”

I hear a few cheers, and I agree that to immerse in the full experience rather than watching the entire thing through a screen is how a show should be, I just wonder how I’m going to make any notes.

First to grace the stage are the orchestra and they’re given a steel-city welcome with a massive round of applause from the entire audience.

Following them are the eight-piece choir which are welcomed warmly too.

Finally, the band start to enter the stage one by one resulting in lots of cheering and clapping from the crowd.

The moment they’ve been waiting for; Tim Booth graces the stage, and the crowd roar with joy.

He’s wearing his signature hat, which he quickly takes off due to the temperature in the room.

To be fair, it is boiling.

Tonight’s set starts with a slow rendition of one of the bands biggest hits ‘Laid’.

It feels raw, it feels unique, and it feels so special to experience.

Throughout the set, Booth is interacting with the giant City Hall crowd like we’re all a bunch of mates; explaining what the songs are about, sharing details about losing his mother in Sheffield.

Open, honest and genuine.

While I’m watching the show, I feel completely immersed in the experience the band have created.

No distractions, no throwing beer, no screens; just a room full of people watching beautiful musicians perform and giving it their entire heart and soul.

Moving through the setlist, we reach a few clear fan favourites such as ‘Say Something’ and ‘We’re Going to Miss You’.

Booth may be 40 odd years into his career, but his vocals are like fine wine; matured with age and simply divine.

While the orchestra play beautifully and the choir belt out the most pleasant, but equally astonishing vocals, Booth dances along; you can tell from the way he moves his body the music is moving through his soul and he appreciates every single note.

Reaching another track, ‘Hello’, I feel genuinely touched. Booth has no ego, he doesn’t want the attention on him, he’s highlighting the power and creativity of the next generation of musicians as he sings a duet with one of the choir.

As we’re reaching the interval, I honestly don’t think anyone in that room needed a break; I could listen to this forever.

Making my way downstairs, the city bar is rammed, everyone’s grabbing their half time pickups.

A smell of Madri and Pinot fills the air.

Part two begins, everyone is gracing the stage including the choir, orchestra and James.

But wait, where is Tim Booth?

As the lights lower, Booth slowly moves through the audience in his fluffy coat.

He sings at each and every one of us, and the crowd feels completely connected to him.

As we move through the set list, another fan favourite ‘She’s a Star’ is absolutely lapped up by the crowd who belt out each lyric, and I can’t hold it in either.

After a few heckles from the balcony, the band play ‘Sometimes’.

No one can take their eyes off the stage, it’s like we’re at the Church of James’ rejoicing their music and singing lyrics like it’s a testament.

Everyone is up giving the musicians a massive round of applause when they thank the crowd and exit the stage.

I’m not silly, we know you haven’t played ‘Sit Down’ yet.

They quickly return the stage but this time without the orchestra conductor, Joe Duddell.

Booth decides he’ll have a crack at it, and much to our amusement they play ‘Bolero’.

Next up, and the moment many have been waiting for, it’s time to ‘Sit Down’.

A stripped back version, like ‘Laid’, but belted out by the entire audience and a pleasure to see live.

As we reach ‘All the Colours of You’ my heart is full, and I see many around me on the brink of tears.

Singing the final refrain along with the crowd, everyone is on their feet giving themselves up to the musicians who have us completely immersed in the song, in the moment and in the experience.

It feels like it will never end, I hoped it wouldn’t as I’m transported to another world without any negativity.

When I arrived at the show a few hours earlier, I had no expectations whatsoever for the night.

As I’m leaving, I have been completely blown away by the experience. My heart is full and my mind is clear.

Giving it five stars would be an utter disservice; I give them all the stars in the entire world, that’s how amazing tonight was.