James thrill Birmingham's O2 Academy
After 30 years, James frontman Tim Booth could easily have "become his fears".
James, Birmingham O2 Academy
After 30 years, James frontman Tim Booth could easily have "become his fears".
Not on this form though, as the Manchester veterans treated fans to a stunning two-hour set, cherry-picked from 54 songs which they rotate each night of this tour, depending on the mood.
A greatest hits could have filled the time easily, but the band were obviously keen to show off their newer material, with stand-out track Tell Her I said So having the potential to endure as long as earlier hits.
After a low-key start, it was third song Born of Frustration that lit the blue touchpaper as the packed venue turned into one giant chorus line. Other highlights were Just Like Fred Astaire, Sound (complete with trumpeter appearing on the balcony) and an acoustic Sit Down.
Now, once upon a time, the James audience would, err, sit down en masse for that particular anthem, but last night, the knees among the 30 and 40-somethings were way too creaky, thank you very much.
No problem for Booth though, who proved as bendy as ever at the age of 50 with his trademark tadpolean moves almost a entertaining as the music. All in all, a great night.
Review by Keith Harrison.
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