Jamie Webster performed the first of three album launch shows at Jacaranda Baltic on August 21, delivering a stripped-back set that mixed songs from his upcoming fourth studio album with older favourites.
The Liverpool singer-songwriter took to the stage without a band, opening with 'Just Begun,' the first single from his forthcoming album 'Running Round The Sun.' Despite being a newer track, it drew a huge response from the crowd, with one audience member even Facetiming someone else so they could sing along together.
Old songs and crowd requests
Webster then gave "the people what they want" and asked the crowd what they wanted to hear for the second song of the night. The response was 'Going Out,' released as a single in 2021. He later took the audience "back to the old school" with performances of 'We Get By' and 'North End Kid.'
As the crowd chanted "F*** the Tories" between songs, Webster told the audience, "Half of them have gone to Reform, so f*** them as well. Nigel Farage, f*** off," to huge cheers. He then moved on to a "lighter note" and shared the story behind song number four, 'Lovers In The Supermarket,' a tribute to his wife who was in the audience.
Tributes and intimate moments
He told the crowd the song, taken from his third studio album '10 To The People,' is based on the couple seeing elderly couples and hoping to one day be like them. He added that if you've got "family, friends, and memories you'll be the richest person in the world."
Another tribute came for actor James Nelson Joyce, who was in the crowd. "This one's for James Nelson Joyce who's in the corner," Webster shouted before going straight into 'Across the River.' The Liverpool actor appeared in the video.
There was also a mention for Brookside and Royle Family legend Ricky Tomlinson, who Webster had been with earlier that day. He told the crowd: "I was with Ricky Tomlinson today and we were talking about the Royle Family." He then performed a stunning rendition of the show's iconic theme song, Oasis's 'Half The World Away.'
Upcoming shows
Despite feeling worlds away from the huge outdoor shows he's used to fronting, it was a return to his roots with a laid-back, intimate performance of songs old and new. Whether a song from his upcoming album or one from earlier in his career, the crowd loved every minute.
Jamie Webster is set to perform two more shows on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23 at Jacaranda Baltic. Ticket information can be found on the Jacaranda's website.
