LIVE REVIEW
JAMES
UTILITA ARENA NEWCASTLE - 10th April 2026
Photography: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Artist: James- Venue: Utilita Arena
Date: 10th of April 2026
Words: David Weddle
Artist: James- Venue: Utilita Arena
Date: 10th of April 2026
Words: David Weddle
James are in the middle of their largest tour to date, taking in major cities and arenas across the UK in support of Nothing But Love: The Definitive Best Of James. With Very Special Guests doves, James' Love Is The Answer Tour has spent the last week spreading the love in Birmingham, Leeds, Aberdeen, and Glasgow. Newcastle saw the love train pull into town on the 10th of April, and it turns out it was to be a night to remember for all the right reasons.
Having served up hits since 1982, James are no strangers to giving their fans a good time, and with a back catalogue like theirs, it was always going to be an incredible gig. Even before the show started, there was a positive vibe in the arena with fans looking happy and fairly chilled out as they bought merchandise and refreshments before taking their places for the opening act, Doves.
Indie rockers Doves were on top of their game as they got the arena well and truly warmed up nicely for the headliners. With six albums' worth of material to choose from, they played a blinder with their choice, and the crowd certainly seemed to enjoy it.
Having served up hits since 1982, James are no strangers to giving their fans a good time, and with a back catalogue like theirs, it was always going to be an incredible gig. Even before the show started, there was a positive vibe in the arena with fans looking happy and fairly chilled out as they bought merchandise and refreshments before taking their places for the opening act, Doves.
Indie rockers Doves were on top of their game as they got the arena well and truly warmed up nicely for the headliners. With six albums' worth of material to choose from, they played a blinder with their choice, and the crowd certainly seemed to enjoy it.
Doves - Photo: David Weddle
After a short break, it was time for James to take to the stage. As the lights dimmed, a short video played on the backdrop, adding to the atmosphere and suspense, which broke with huge cheers from the floor as the band walked out and took their positions. It was a real visual treat as the backdrop was filled with colourful artwork throughout. The light show was not over the top; it had just the right amount of sparkle to add to the wow factor that the band deserved.
Tim was on top form as he danced around the stage. He is still a bundle of unstoppable energy, and that energy is incredibly infectious. As he made his way off stage to the barrier, he greeted the fans lucky enough to be in the front few rows, grabbing hands, dancing around, and pulling faces for the fans' phone cameras. I bet there are a fair few awesome fan photos out there. Opening the show with fan favourite Come Home, the entire band sounded incredible. It was clear from the outset that the toon was in for a real full-on, in-your-face live show that filled the arena with hit after hit; really great work by the sound guys – they definitely got it just right in Newcastle.
Tim was on top form as he danced around the stage. He is still a bundle of unstoppable energy, and that energy is incredibly infectious. As he made his way off stage to the barrier, he greeted the fans lucky enough to be in the front few rows, grabbing hands, dancing around, and pulling faces for the fans' phone cameras. I bet there are a fair few awesome fan photos out there. Opening the show with fan favourite Come Home, the entire band sounded incredible. It was clear from the outset that the toon was in for a real full-on, in-your-face live show that filled the arena with hit after hit; really great work by the sound guys – they definitely got it just right in Newcastle.
By the time they played I Know What I'm Here For, from the 1999 album Millionaires, and What For from Strip-mine, the crowd was well and truly into it, with hands and arms swaying and the fans' voices in perfect harmony with Tim as he put his heart and soul into giving the best show he could. Every part of the stage had something going on; it felt like it was alive at times. From trumpet, maracas, and tambourine to the keys and two drum kits that adorned the stage, not a single spot had been forgotten about. Great to see that so much effort was put into getting things spot on.
Sadly, for me at least, my time at the sound desk came to an end after the first three songs. As I walked towards the door, I was well chuffed to have caught the mega hit Sit Down as the band serenaded me on my way. I can honestly say that they are a band that knows how to impress, and although the stage production is impeccable, the band could easily have stripped it all back and they would still have been amazing.
James really did spread love to the Newcastle fans, and they continue the tour in Liverpool tonight, then Cardiff, Nottingham, London and finishing in Manchester on the 18th of April. If you have tickets already, then you are in for a great time.
Sadly, for me at least, my time at the sound desk came to an end after the first three songs. As I walked towards the door, I was well chuffed to have caught the mega hit Sit Down as the band serenaded me on my way. I can honestly say that they are a band that knows how to impress, and although the stage production is impeccable, the band could easily have stripped it all back and they would still have been amazing.
James really did spread love to the Newcastle fans, and they continue the tour in Liverpool tonight, then Cardiff, Nottingham, London and finishing in Manchester on the 18th of April. If you have tickets already, then you are in for a great time.
