I feel blessed just writing this that I was able to hear James Arthur sing live twice in the space of a few months.
Live music gigs are my safe place and my haven.
Being in a room full of people who have similar music taste as you, who share the same love and admiration for that one act and coming together to hear that act you admire perform live and being able to sing their songs back to them is something that you don’t experience at any other time in your life I guess.
This gig was supposed to be my first time seeing and hearing James Arthur live. Not only have I waited 10 whole years to see (in my humble opinion) one of the best singers of my generation, it would also be taking place in an iconic venue that I have always wanted to set foot in – the Royal Albert Hall.
However, just a few days after securing these tickets, I was able to attend a very intimate gig with James Arthur in a nightclub in Kingston where he performed a few tracks from his most recent album.
So that was the best night of my life, and the concert in the Royal Albert Hall was only going to be a longer version of this.
The gig: James Arthur
I was very lucky to get tickets to this concert as they sold out in a matter of seconds. Due to the limited availability, my boyfriend paid a little extra to make sure I was able to go. We had great seats on the floor, right in front of the stage.
It was a small stage setting, using the backdrop from the most recent album cover and strobe lighting for effects. But you don’t need much staging when you have a voice like James Arthur’s.
James Arthur – I don’t want to keep writing his full name but I feel like if I just called him ‘James’ it would appear that he was my friend from school so let’s stick with the full title for the full effect – started off with some upbeat numbers to get the crowd on their feet and pumped up for the gig.
The Set List
Of course, he added in an acoustic set of some songs, including Rewrite the Stars from The Greatest Showman. This was the part that I was mainly here for as I just melt when I hear him sing anything acoustically.
Arthur (is that better or too formal?) also performed his latest hit Lose My Mind. And brought Josh Franceschi from You Me At Six onto the stage to sing with him. Which was fun and unexpected.
Then of course, he ended the show (pre-encore) with Impossible. A firm favourite with the crowd but I would suspect a firm least-favourite for himself.
The show was over quicker than I would have liked. I would have stayed until 3am to listen. But he was incredible and I’m patiently waiting for an opportunity to hear him live once more. Because I will be back again and again.
What’s next for James Arthur?
I suppose for James Arthur, the tour will continue. And then it will be back into the studio to write another album.
Since I had previously bought tickets for his New York show (which was cancelled due to Covid), I’m going to manifest/speak into the future that the next time I see James Arthur perform live will be in New York City.
Of course, if the opportunity comes up before then somewhere local, then I will jump at that too.
On a side note, I really wish James Arthur got the recognition that he deserves. He’s an insanely talented singer, musician, rapper, songwriter and so much more. I feel like he gets bypassed a lot at events, for awards, festivals and appearances.
I know there was that rough patch a few years ago when he said something he shouldn’t and got into an argument with a few people online. But he’s incredible. And he deserves every bit of recognition for it.
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ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT TRUTHFUL REVIEW ??????
One of the best write ups I’ve read about James, it echoes my feeling for James his voice is incredible and he certainly doesn’t get the recognition he deserves in the Uk. He is playing in New York this year, go for it. Later this year he will be doing smaller venues which are amazing and more interment. He is truly unique and a fantastic singer/songwriter