James still reigning: a uk no. 1 after 42 years

Aberdeen witnessed a masterclass in enduring musical relevance on Saturday night. James, the Mancunian institution, proved that five decades of evolution haven’t diminished their capacity to ignite a crowd, celebrating their first UK No. 1 album, 2024's Yummy, with a performance that was both familiar and refreshingly unpredictable.

The art of improvisation: a band apart

Tim Booth, the band’s enigmatic frontman, mused about his audience’s apparent maturity, joking about foregoing the usual stage dives. But the energy of the crowd, a vibrant mix of longtime devotees and a surprising number of younger faces, quickly belied that sentiment. James's longevity isn't built on predictable stadium rock tropes. Their ethos, as Booth accurately puts it, is rooted in “this crazy, idiosyncratic band who improvise… and play new songs which don’t have finished lyrics.” The eight-minute Nantucket, with its wordless chorus and electro/violin driven groove, offers a tantalizing glimpse of their ongoing creative exploration. It's a banger in the making, no doubt.

Unlike many arena bands content to trot out their greatest hits, James surprised the audience with a dynamic two-hour, 21-song set that ventured far beyond the expected. Moody interludes, material from lesser-known albums, and unexpected influences – from Brian Eno to Italian house Music – wove together a tapestry of sound as diverse as it was compelling. Lyrical barbs aimed at billionaires and religion punctuated the performance, yet somehow, it all coalesced into an atmosphere of warmth and shared humanity.

The band's current nine-piece lineup, bolstered by the recent additions of Chloe Alper and Debbie Knox-Hewson, provides a richness of texture that elevates their sound. David Baynton-Power’s powerhouse drumming provides a relentless heartbeat, while Booth, now 66, remains the band’s undeniable talisman. A spontaneous appearance on the balcony during Born of Frustration and Say Something created a moment of pure, communal magic – a testament to the band’s enduring ability to forge a connection with their audience.

The crowd erupted during Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) and Sit Down, and when Booth, seemingly reversing his earlier statement, did indeed launch himself into the audience, he was hoisted aloft, a symbol of the band’s enduring power. James isn’t just a band; they’re a cultural phenomenon, defying categorization and constantly reinventing themselves. Their Aberdeen performance was a potent reminder of why, after all these years, they remain uniquely brilliant and special.