James Bay – O2 City Hall Newcastle 04.02.2025
Invited| Review by Michael Dunwell
Photo Credit: Adam Kennedy Photography
Across the music industry, there are voices that stand out so distinctly they’re impossible to mistake. Bands like The Lumineers, Foals, and Declan McKenna each possess a musical style that is entirely their own, instantly recognizable as soon as their tunes begin. Amidst a sea of artists with timeless sounds, remarkable vocal talent, and crowd-pleasing anthems, James Bay has firmly claimed his place among the greatest showmen of modern music history.
This was clear during his recent performance at Newcastle’s City Hall, a 2,000-capacity venue perfectly situated near the university campuses and just off Northumberland Street—the city’s bustling shopping hub, reminiscent of Edinburgh’s Princes Street. The venue itself is an ideal setting for any event. Inside, nearly every spot offers a fantastic view of the stage, but for me, the true standout is its phenomenal acoustics. Known for its accessibility, City Hall offers wheelchair spaces and has a friendly, attentive staff, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. With its unparalleled sound quality, City Hall elevates every performance into something unforgettable.
James Bay, the seasoned English singer-songwriter, has built a career filled with instantly recognisable hits and massive sing-along anthems. This year, he’s been on the road celebrating his latest album, Changes All The Time, a collection brimming with infectious tracks. From the soaring, Oasis-esque choruses of Everburn to the foot-stomping, honky-tonk bangers like Up All Night, which kicked off his City Hall gig on Tuesday, the album delivers on every front. Up All Night proved to be the perfect opener—bursting with energy and instantly getting the crowd headbanging and tapping their feet to its punchy bass drum. As the song layered and built, it was clear I was in for an unforgettable night. Seriously, one of the catchiest choruses I’ve heard in a while—don’t miss it live! With powerhouse vocals featured on the recording by The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, I wondered how James would pull it off solo. But my doubts were quickly erased. Sporting his iconic hat, he tore the room apart with an electrifying performance and a guitar solo that left everyone in awe.
Next up was Give Me The Reason, the opening track from his 2022 album Leap. I can’t believe I missed this gem when it was first released—hearing it live immediately made it my new favorite James Bay song. The track is packed with emotion, evoking the powerful balladry of Lewis Capaldi, and features a guitar solo that soars through the entire room. When James’ voice joined in over the top, it was pure magic. It was the perfect follow-up to Up All Night, and from that point on, I was completely immersed in the performance for the rest of the night.
Naturally, there were plenty of tracks from Chaos and the Calm, James Bay’s iconic debut album, including If You Ever Want To Be In Love. The highest compliment I can give James’ new music is that it holds its own effortlessly alongside his classic hits. At one point, he joked about wanting to play his new material before the familiar songs, but from where I was standing, the crowd embraced the new tracks wholeheartedly. People were dancing, smiling, and enjoying the moment all around me—it was such a great feeling to be in that room.
Another standout from Changes All The Time was Easy Distraction. The song opened with a riff that instantly reminded me of Motorcycle Emptiness by the Manic Street Preachers, and from there, it completely sold me. The chorus was insanely catchy, building with so much power and emotion that I quickly added it to my playlist. Then, James wowed the crowd with the iconic Best Fake Smile from Chaos and the Calm. This gig was truly unforgettable—there were too many highlights to count!
Alongside his incredible music, James Bay is a true showman, effortlessly commanding the crowd’s attention. He knew exactly when to engage with the audience and when to unleash a jaw-dropping guitar solo. I was thoroughly impressed. One of the standout moments of the night came during Hold Back The River. As the band began riffing, James realized his guitar might be in the wrong tuning. Instead of panicking, he calmly turned to his guitarist and said, “You play it.” Without missing a beat, the guitarist locked in and nailed the iconic riff in seconds. It was a masterclass in musicianship, and I turned to my partner immediately, saying, “That was so cool.
Another unforgettable moment came with the new track Hope, which he started the encore with, just him and an acoustic guitar. The raw, intimate atmosphere was magical. After the first chorus, I couldn’t help but sing along, and when James invited us all to sing the chorus at the end, the entire room joined in, with phone flashlights illuminating the venue. It was a truly beautiful moment—one that will stay with me for a long time.
In conclusion, James Bay is a living legend. His songs have become deeply embedded in the music world, and with each new release, he adds more timeless tracks to that ever-growing list. His live performance was flawless, his band exceptional, and his hat iconic. If you get the chance to see him live, don’t miss it—it’s an experience you need to have at least once in your life.
Song Recommendations: Everburn, Hope, Easy Distraction, If You Ever Want To Be In Love