This was a special intimate concert at which local hero James Arthur, from just down the road in Middlesbrough, was presenting his new album which was due to be released two days later. The tickets sold out very quickly and the venue was absolutely crammed. The most full I have ever seen it. The wheelchair ramp was completely full as well and my carer Jackie was relegated to standing in the crowd, in front of me so she could still help me drink my bank of Guinness. I am secretly quite a fan of James Arthur since I first saw him win The X Factor quite a few years ago.
I took my younger daughter to see James at Newcastle City Hall several years ago and was very impressed by him then. However, I can’t say I know a lot of his material but I do remember his big hit “Impossible”. The guy has an interesting soulful voice and is massively popular, having sold out his arena tour and now headlining outdoor shows around the country, including one at the Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium, the massive football ground, for which I have tickets; the concert taking place in June.
The venue was full of young girls who were clearly ecstatic about seeing their hero in such a small setting. It was a short concert starting at 8:30 PM and finishing shortly after 9:30 PM. James was accompanied by two guitarists, a keyboard player and a two singers. Everyone on acoustic guitars including James himself. He came onstage to a massive cheer and screams from the crowd. This made me feel very old. In fact, I was probably the oldest person in the room. But, who cares, it was exciting to be at such an event.
The short set consisted of a mix of new songs from the soon to be released album and old favourites including my own particular favourite “Impossible”. Everyone seemed to know the words to all of the songs including the new ones, yet to be released; but presumably streamed through James Arthur’s site. It was a great party atmosphere and James had plenty of banter with the crowd. “Who’s here from Middlesbrough?” A massive cheer. “Who’s coming to see me at Newcastle Arena?” Another massive cheer. “Who’s coming to Manchester Arena?” Another big cheer. I was clearly surrounded by a group of real fans.
The banter continued “are you going to buy my new album and help it make number 1?” A massive cheer. “Please come along to the Riverside to see me, there are still tickets left” (the venue holds 35,000 people). Another cheer. The songs were catchy, soulful and James was in a great playful mood. And then it was over after what seemed like a few minutes. Roll on the Riverside concert in June. We all trundled out in orderly fashion into the cold Newcastle evening. My taxi was waiting to take me back home. Yes I remain a not so secret James Arthur fan.
Many thanks to Jackie for taking the pictures.
Set List: Bitter Sweet Love; Blindside; Rewrite the Stars; A Year Ago; From the Jump; Certain Things; Safe Inside; Quite Miss Home; Emily; Comeback Kid; Train Wreck; Naked; Impossible; Car’s Outside; Say You Won’t Let Go.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by ciarant1step on January 29, 2024 at 5:54 pm
Hi Peter,
I don’t know James Arthur’s music, but if you like him then he must be worth checking out. Glad you had such a good night.
Ciaran
Posted by vintagerock on January 30, 2024 at 12:45 pm
Hi Ciaran yes he certainly is worth checking out best wishes Peter