Since releasing his debut album in 2015, James Bay has been Up All Night as he continues releasing new music and amassing success as he goes. The ‘Up All Night Tour’ celebrated the release of his album from 2024, Changes All The Time, and it was brought to the O2 Academy in Glasgow for the first night of the UK leg of the tour after finishing his Europe shows a few days prior.
The brilliant Leif Vollebekk came onto the stage at 8pm, all the way from Canada as he shared his indie folk music to a practically full crowd. His talent was clear from his 30 minute set as he played keys, guitar and harmonica, all of this paired with his unique vocals that created a pensive atmosphere. His whole set felt almost ethereal with the lighting and his genre of music, which pulled small country elements into it. Even doing a cover of Purple Rain which was a great way to get the crowd energised and warmed up for James Bay.
Taking to the stage at 9pm to the song that was the title of the tour, introducing the night to the crowd and setting high standards from the first line he sang. Immediately the song felt like pure joy and the atmosphere throughout the crowd couldn’t have been better. Even turning the house lights up on the crowd as they sang along perfectly to each and every word. Yet, the crowd’s vocals weren’t the only ones on point, Bay’s voice was a powerhouse of passion and emotion as he delivered the songs with all that he had.
From the very beginning, the English singer-songwriter had asked Glasgow to bring the energy that they’re famous for, asking for all their energy to project through the crowd and they gave just that, as the shared love for his music was spread throughout the room
After releasing a new single, Sunshine in the Room, only on the 31st of January, it felt incredible hearing it live. The song is heartfelt and it definitely felt like there was ‘sunshine in the room’. It’s filled with pure love and couldn’t have been more fitting for this setlist. It showcased James Bay’s range of abilities from his well-known ballads to songs like this, that are upbeat and filled with instrumentals that act as a wave of energy as you listen. It honestly is hard not to want to dance or at least nod your head along to the addictive melody of the song.
His incredible band brought another layer to hearing his music live. Bringing all the components of the recordings and making it even better. One thing that stood out particularly was the live backing vocals, it not only highlighted the emotion in a lot of the songs, but also pushed Bay’s voice out further and made the whole experience feel magical and hypnotising to listen to. Another thing that added to the whole magical element of the set was during If You Ever Want To Be In Love when the lights behind the stage lit up like stars that captured the vibe of the song perfectly.
The hit songs that everyone knows like, Hold Back The River and Let It Go had the crowd hanging off his every move, unable to look away as the reason for the song’s popularity was justified and proven in that very moment. Yet, the crowd’s response to every song was amazing, the room filled with a constant echo that was the crowd reciting every word straight back at him.
It’s easy to say that Bay’s voice is powerful and captures everyone who is lucky enough to hear it live, his recorded music is close to perfection; but hearing it live feels transformative as it adds another layer of depth to his honest and often emotional songwriting. Bay’s stage presence has the crowd enamoured as he performs with his guitar, his performance full of meaning and passion. Being able to witness his dedication and love for his craft live is incredible and proves why he’s garnered so much success and how there is no doubt that he’ll continue to do just that.