Manchester icons James arrive at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro tomorrow night, April 8, bringing a live show that continues to evolve even after more than four decades.
Known for their ability to turn deeply personal songs into something communal, the band’s performances remain fluid and unpredictable, something guitarist Saul Davies says is entirely intentional.
“Each night has something different to offer,” he explains. “We sometimes switch up the set list even when we’re on stage.”
Where and When
For Davies, the creative process hasn’t lost any of its edge. When asked what about making music and touring still holds surprises, his answer is simple: “Everything.”
That sense of openness carries into life on the road, which he describes as far removed from old tour stereotypes. “I drive to the next destination, on my own, I find it incredibly relaxing, just in my car with the music on,” he says. “We’ve definetly evolved past that party lifestyle”
Despite decades of experience, Davies insists pre-show nerves have never been part of the equation. “No, never, I’d be incredibly concerned if I did.”
Tour life, however, still has its unexpected moments. This time, he notes, the band will have a baby travelling with them, a detail few fans might anticipate.
When it comes to standout crowds, Glasgow is firmly at the top of the list. Davies recalls the intensity of Scottish audiences, describing “It’s crazy, 20,000 Scots chanting at you before you go on stage,” adding that “it’s the kind of energy that makes you wonder can we tame that?”
Ultimately, the goal of the show goes beyond the setlist itself. With Doves opening and James delivering a full headline performance, Davies says the aim is simple: “To give people a chance to step outside everyday life. The hope is that fans leave feeling like they’ve just listened to some great music and escaped everything for a few hours.”
Trying to define the tour in a single word proves difficult, instead, Davies settles on a feeling, describing it simply as “thick.”
With a reputation for emotionally charged and ever-changing performances, tomorrow night at the Hydro promises to be anything but routine.
