News

In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we are very proud to announce our upcoming 16-date UK tour ‘James Lasted’, and a double album release, both featuring Orca 22 (a 22-piece orchestra) and a Gospel Choir.

The album will feature new versions of our greatest hits, fan favourites and will also include a brand-new track. Recorded at Blueprint Studios, Manchester with a 22-piece orchestra and gospel choir, the album is arranged and conducted by Joe Duddell. Full details including release date, track-listing and formats are to be announced soon.

The run of live dates in 2023 includes Brighton Dome, Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and The Royal Albert Hall, London.

Tim says, “There are a number of great bands who have been around for 40. But to get here and to be having the best time of our lives. To be part of a supportive loving family that still has something to say and new ways to say it. To be turned on by every gig and song. To fall in love over and over again, Groundhog Day, with our bandmates and audience. Damn. That’s time well spent.

We should have recorded the orchestra tour first time round, as many of you have reminded us. Well, we’ve done it now. And here comes the tour. The Orchestra and Gospel singers expand our palette, heighten the tenderness, heighten the celebration and, despite their numbers, somehow leave us feeling more naked and raw. It will be different, probably each night, because we are James and Joe knows how to dance with us. And because you are different, each night. Please leave your phones behind, come and play in the moment.”

Jim says, “Has it really been 40 years?

In some ways it feels like yesterday and in others, many lifetimes.

I’ve lived a blessed existence, being in a band I’m supremely proud of with musicians that would grace any stage. A family of brothers and sisters, willing to support each other musically and emotionally. We are bloody minded and independent to the core.

Uniquely challenging, always pushing ourselves into the new and taking risks collectively and individually, looking for transcendence.

With love, trust, and acceptance we grow.

Somewhere in a parallel universe, James are the biggest band on the planet. Here’s to another 40 years.”

We look forward to seeing many new and old faces across the dates!

Nothing but love x

Our stage time at Visor will be earlier than previously announced—we’ll now be on stage 11pm-12:30am.

“Come early as this lineup will prove to be a full evening’s entertainment. Surma is a joy, Troy Hawke’s a troublemaker and catch The Snuts before they go global. All mavericks in their own right.

Pray for rain, to make it an authentic experience.” – Tim

Approximate running times for Saturday at Castlefield Bowl:

5pm gates open
5.45-6.15pm Surma
6.45-7pm Troy Hawke
7.00-7.45pm The Snuts
8.15pm James

“We are happy to announce a benefit gig for War Child, at Warrington Parr Hall on June 29, for their continued work with those affected by the war in Ukraine.” — Tim

Tickets including soundcheck packages will be on sale from Friday 10th June at 9.30am. Visit the gig page for links.

And an update regarding  fan project for Castlefield next month:

We’re working on making this ‘one-night-only’ celebration of the infamous Alton Towers show at Castlefield Bowl really special, and would love to involve you.

If you’ve memories of the 1992 event you’d like to contribute to potentially be part of the show, please film yourself in LANDSCAPE format, with a steady camera/phone and low level of background noise, answering one or all of the questions below:

1. What’s your strongest memory from the original Alton Towers gig?
2. What does the James live experience give you?
3. Would you share a personal story connected to the music?
4. What more would you like from the band?
Send your video files via dropbox / wetransfer or attach to: jamesisnotaperson[at]gmail[dot]com by Sunday 26th June please, including your contributor name in the header.

Tune in to WeAreJamesTV at 6pm GMT today and join our Jim online for the youtube video premiere of our special conservatory version of Beautiful Beaches, as part of the EarthPercent x Earth Day campaign.

You can also still support this critical charity in their fight against the climate crisis by purchasing our track on EarthPercent’s Bandcamp.

(Note tomorrow 6th May is the last day for the ‘Bandcamp Friday‘ initiative: Bandcamp waive their revenue share of purchases for the day, so the ideal time to treat yourself to the track!)

Really sorry and disappointed for those of you who bought tickets for the Leazes Live Festival in Newcastle which unfortunately the promoter has had to cancel, unable to stage our show for 1 May this year. Ticket holders can contact ticket agents for a refund.

“The James circus is coming to the Edinburgh Big Top – let’s have a party” – Tim

We’re thrilled to announce a massive outdoor show at Edinburgh’s Big Top next June 11, 2022, where as part of our 40th anniversary year, we will be performing all the songs from one of our most famed Scottish shows, Barrowlands in 1998.

Tickets go on sale Thursday 9th December at 9am, preceded by a special James pre-sale from tomorrow, Wednesday 8th December at 9am, which you will be able to access here:

https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/36005B86EB8637DC?did=artist

“I’m afraid we have some bad news to follow the good… We are gutted to be unable to come to play to you in Portugal with our new ecstatic band. But one of us has tested covid positive and so… We will return in the spring. Miss you, love you, stay safe.” – Tim

The new Portugal dates will be April 21, 2022 at Super Bock Arena in Porto and April 22, 2022 at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. All tickets remain valid or can be refunded at point of purchase, including the VIP soundcheck packages.

We’re sorry to hear about those fans who can’t attend the final tour shows in Manchester and London due to testing positive for Covid-19. You can request a refund by emailing customer service your positive lateral flow test before 4pm on the day of the show.

You can contact Gigsandtours here: gigsandtours.com/customerservice

Contact Ticketmaster via their Help Desk: help.ticketmaster.co.uk