James brought their unique brand of anthemic warmth to Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena, with frontman Tim Booth leading a set spanning five decades. The band, formed in Manchester and originally signed to Factory Records, showcased their idiosyncratic style, improvising and changing the setlist nightly. Booth acknowledged the audience's age but noted younger fans in the crowd, as the band celebrated their first UK No 1 album in 2024 with Yummy, 42 years into their career.
The 21-song, two-hour set included new tracks like the eight-minute 'Nantucket', named after a Massachusetts island, with its wordless chorus and electro-violin groove. Unlike many arena bands of their vintage, James avoided simply playing greatest hits, incorporating moody sections, songs from lesser-loved albums, and influences from Brian Eno to Italian house. Lyrical potshots at billionaires and religion were delivered with warmth and humanity.
Opener 'Come Home' subtly acknowledged Booth's hometown of Leeds, while trumpeter Andy Diagram wore a 'No more war' T-shirt. Booth clasped hands with audience members, and later emerged on the balcony for 'Born of Frustration' and a sublime 'Say Something', creating a magical communal moment. 'Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)' and 'Sit Down' triggered arena-wide sing-songs.
Driven by powerhouse drummer David Baynton-Power and with new members Chloe Alper and Debbie Knox-Hewson adding different textures, the 66-year-old Booth proved a talismanic pied piper. Despite earlier joking about not diving into the crowd, he eventually did so, carried aloft over a sea of hands. The performance reaffirmed James as a unique, brilliant, and special band.
