WORDS AND IMAGES SOFIA ROBERTSON
Many attribute a thrilling concert atmosphere to stadiums and big arenas, but thrilling would be exactly the way to describe the acoustic gig at Boiler Shop on the 24th of January, in Newcastle, performed meticulously by James Arthur, to celebrate the launch of his Bitter Sweet Love album.
He performed with such depth of feeling, leaving the crowd mesmerised and full of anticipation for his tour, which kicked off in Hamburg on the 26th of January.
His down-to-earth, regular lad manner has never changed, leaving his fans feeling an authenticity and closeness that is often lost over time, alongside fame. He feels like a mate to everyone, and his genuine manner keeps his fans close.
This was my first visit to Boiler Shop, but I’ll definitely look forward to going back. A brilliant venue, with really high ceilings, floor-to-roof bricked walls, and large, easy-to-access bar areas, which all added to the whole experience for the James Arthur fans. Without a doubt, the staff at a venue can really make a difference to the overall experience and the staff here were both friendly and professional at all times.
There was an uproar from the crowd as James entered the stage. Sat on a stool with his guitar, he sang his first song – ‘Bittersweet Love’ – which set the tone for the evening. His voice sounded amazing in the venue and kept the crowd wanting more of the same.
What a treat, then, to hear a medley of some favourites: ‘Certain Things’; ‘Safe Inside’; ‘Quite Miss Home’ and ‘Emily’.
His few informal interactions with his fans, such as asking if they were with him from the X factor days, ten years ago and thanking them for all of their support, were always genuine, again giving off that aura of ‘he’s just a regular lad’. His fans love that about him, that was clear to see.
After chatting with everyone, he launched into ‘Impossible’, with the crowd going wild and sending the atmosphere up a notch even further.
Penning new music when he feels low, gives him the results he wants and he’s clearly found success in his writing, when it comes to this new album.
The acoustic gig left me massively looking forward to his upcoming tour. It’s going to be brilliant, for sure but, for me, you just can’t beat a smaller venue with the talent of a musician like James Arthur. I’ll be retuning to the rather special venue that is Boiler Shop, Newcastle, and wait eagerly to listen again to James Arthur’s captivating music in March.
SETLIST
1/ Bitter Sweet Love
2/ Blindside
3/ Rewrite the Stars
4/ A Year Ago
5/ From the Jump
6/ Certain Things / Safe Inside / Quite Miss Home / Emily
7/ Comeback Kid
8/ Train Wreck
9/ Naked
10/ Impossible
11/ Car’s Outside
12/ Say You Won’t Let Go
FOLLOW JAMES ARTHUR
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
