With billions of streams to his name and having more accolades than we’re able to list, English singer-songwriter James Bay is a certified legend of the music industry, and his long-standing successful career only seems to grow as the years go by. James Bay earned his first ever platinum record with ‘Hold be the river’ in 2014, before even releasing his debut studio album! James has had a monumental year in both his personal life and career, after releasing his highly-awaited third studio album “Leap” in July and the superstar also married his childhood sweetheart shortly after in August. The amazing album was incredibly well-received from fans around the world and critics alike and just shows that this talented musician is still continuing to produce and create magical songs, many of which are thanks to his expertise with guitars and his incredible song-writing ability. James Bay has an unexplainable ability to capture the attention of a room with a single strum of his guitar and instantly owns any stage that he touches. After the release of his “Leap”, James Bay announced a string of special shows across the UK and Europe and we were lucky enough to catch the mega star as he took over the Manchester Academy for a super special night. James Would go on to play a range of songs from his entire discography, spanning back to his previously released albums and his newest record. Support for the night came from James’ friend, and equally amazing artist Kevin Garrett.

Setlist

Best Fake Smile 

Endless Summer Nights 

Give Me the Reason 

If You Ever Want to Be in Love 

Peer Pressure 

Us 

Let It Go Play Life 

Silent Love 

Need the Sun to Break 

Save Your Love (with Kevin Garrett)

Fade Out (with Kevin Garrett) 

When We Were on Fire 

Pink Lemonade 

Craving 

Encore: Hold Back the River

JAMES BAY

Photos + Review by Lewis Roberts | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!