Live music review: James at Piece Hall in Halifax - Tim Booth’s voice as good as ever
Since its grand reopening some years ago, Halifax’s iconic Piece Hall building has been revitalised in purpose and experience as it was filled with various shops and high-end bars.
Along with this, the Piece Hall has since been repurposed as a venue for concerts, with names like Johnny Marr, Underworld, Weezer and more - a range of styles and artists are available.
As far as a venue goes, the experience offered was fantastic, writes Music News Blitz’s Charlie Gardner, who saw the band strut their stuff on Saturday night.
Unique atmosphere
Standing down in an excited crowd while people watched on from the surrounding balconies provided for a unique atmosphere that only added to the energy of the evening.
Being fortunate enough to have access to the guest lounge, we were provided with complimentary drinks in a classy bar that was full of brilliant people (to the group of men from Preston, it was great to meet you and I thank you for the beer).
This lounge was open for a short while after the gig, with a DJ also there keeping the night alive.
More importantly though, the gig.
Night to remember
James may be considered by some to be a group that are ‘past it.’
However, as the night continued it became evident that they are still as capable as ever when it comes to providing a night to remember.
Early on in the set, the audience were treated to a four-song run of “Moving On”, “Say Something”, “Sometimes” and “Laid” - a brilliant start.
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Energy and intensity
While there may have been concern for the set slowing down at this point with some big hits already covered, this was quite the opposite. The energy only intensified through the night.
Lead vocalist Tim Booth is 65 now in an industry where age typically worsens performances over the years, but with his voice as good as ever, the songs sound just as good now as they ever did.
His crowd play is also excellent - wild dancing during songs, crowd surfing and even entering the crowd to dance at times.
As expected, the crowd mostly consisted of older fans, but there were still plenty of young fans in attendance, with a young boy who was sat on his dad’s shoulders seeming to know every word to every song.
This performance from this band was one that could keep hold of anyone in the venue that night.
Heavy-hitters
The performance concluded with some more heavy hitters in “Born of Frustration” and then finally an encore of “Sit Down” (because it was always going to be played, wasn’t it?) that kept the crowd alive.
Overall, the evening was one that epitomised what it is to go to gigs - drinking, dancing, singing and making memories that will last.
James still have what it takes to get you moving and the Piece Hall is a venue that only amplifies the experience.
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