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James, 1983: ‘Not a gang of Jesses’. Tim Booth, Paul Gilbertson, Jim Glennie, Gavan Whelan photographed by Paul Slattery for Sounds. #wearejames #jamesisnotaperson #jameslasts #jameshistory #paulgilbertson #jimglennie #timbooth #gavanwhelan #paulslattery #sounds #manchester #manchestershipcanal #manchestermusic #alternativemusic #indiemusic

A post shared by JAMES (@wearejames) on Mar 30, 2018 at 11:58am PDT

Hi everyone. So we’ve had another one of our trademark pre-sale cock ups… Getting away with it (all messed up) indeed.

Sincere apologies to fans affected by the confusion over the VIP Soundcheck upgrades. We know pre-sales are stressful enough for you lot even when everything goes to plan.

As you’ve probably gathered, the soundcheck price came as just as much of a surprise to the band members as the public. We’re delighted to report the price of these will of course be £35 (+ fees) – this will apply retrospectively to those already purchased, as well as to the limited number of remaining upgrades which will go on general sale tomorrow at 10am.

We’re also aware that the ticketing system allowed fans to buy upgrades without purchasing a ticket – which caused even more confusion. So for those who have already purchased the VIP Soundcheck upgrade in the pre-sale, you will be offered the opportunity to purchase a ticket.

For those that purchase the £35 VIP Soundcheck upgrade tomorrow at general sale – please note YOU HAVE TO PURCHASE A TICKET ALONG WITH THE VIP SOUNDCHECK.

The logistics of refunds and/or gig ticket purchase opportunities are still a work in progress tonight, but as soon as the details are ironed out, those affected will receive a communication direct from the ticket agent confirming the plan.

In the meantime if you’ve any questions, try us on twitter @wearejames.

On general sale Friday 23 March at 10am! But sign up for our mailing list by 10am Monday morning, for an exclusive fan pre-sale…

The band are proud to support and help raise awareness for Musicians Against Homelessness with a special and exclusive rendition of Sit Down—featuring renowned composer/conductor Joe Duddell and a string quartet—filmed at Manchester’s Albert Hall last December.

MAH was launched by Alan McGee in 2016 with the twin aims of supporting upcoming talent through sourcing performance opportunities, and to raise the profile of homelessness whilst raising funds.

The campaign supports thousands of people living on the streets and in poverty via Crisis in England, Scotland and Wales and Simon Community in Northern Ireland.

To support their work please text MAH to 70004 to donate £3 to Crisis.*

Tim says, “Sit Down is a song about empathy so we are really honoured and happy that this beautiful version, arranged by Joe Duddell, is being used to raise money for the homeless.

“We seem to be living in times of increasing inequality where all the safety nets that my generation took for granted have been taken away.

“I don’t know how a person can hold their life together if they don’t have a home, a cave, someplace safe they can call their own. It is too easy for us to look the other way. Thank you to the kind souls who are running this charitable organisation for not doing so.”

Watch the video here on our WeAreJamesTV YouTube channel or below. And please consider making a donation to this great and very important cause. Cheers all.

(*Texts cost £3.00 plus your network charge. Crisis receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Helpline 08000 384838. Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094. Text STOP to 70004 to opt out of future contact from Crisis.)

Delighted to announce the band will be returning to Kendal Calling this summer. The final allocation of tickets go on sale tomorrow (Thursday 8 Feb) at 10am. Visit the festival’s website for the line up and ticketing info.

James are off to Bilbao next summer to play at BBK Live festival over the weekend of 12-14 July, alongside Alt-J, Gorillaz, The XX, The Chemical Brothers, David Byrne and Noel Gallagher amongst others.

We’ll confirm the date for you as soon as we can. Stay tuned.

More information available from the Bilbao BBK Live website.

Provisional times for Monday at the Albert Hall:

Doors 6.30pm
Surprise guests 7pm
JAMES + Joe Duddell & String Quartet 7.40pm
James Allan (Glasvegas)
JAMES

N.B. James will be playing two sets — the early set will be a low key, intimate affair with Joe Duddell and a string quartet.

Don’t be late now! You snooze you lose.

“Hi folks,

I’m very pleased to announce that joining us for our ‘We Love Manchester Emergency Fund’ gig, will be James Allan from band favourites the brilliant Glasvegas.

James has kindly offered his services as a solo performer and we are delighted he has.

Plus the wonderful Joe Duddell of ‘James Orchestra Tour’ fame has also kindly volunteered and is joining us for a few songs with a string quartet.

We will also have some surprise special guests appearing on the night, so make sure you’re there for doors opening so you don’t miss anything.

Best Wishes, Jim xx”

N.B. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm (sharp!) start.

“Very happy to announce this benefit gig that we have been trying to make happen since the atrocity took place. Please excuse our tardiness. We intend to make a memorable night of this intimate gig. With love, James.”

On Monday 18 December the band will play a special one-off show at Manchester’s beautiful Albert Hall.

Tickets will be priced at £45 and the band will be donating all net proceeds from ticket sales to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, which was set up by Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross, in aid of bereaved families and victims of the May 2017 attack at Manchester Arena.

On sale at 10am on Tuesday 31st October, visit the Live page for links and phone numbers. Note this is a 14+ show, and there will be a 2 ticket limit per purchase.

A big thank-you to local artist Mancsy for donating his time and poster design to the cause.

Special guests coming soon…!

Delighted to announce our music video for Dear John from Girl At The End Of The World has been nominated for Best Animation at the Berlin Music Video Awards.

Congratulations to director Péter Vácz and his talented team — and good luck! The video will be screened at the BMVA festival on 18th May, with the awards ceremony taking place the same evening.

You can watch the mysterious and quite wonderful video here.