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James and Happy Mondays joined forces again, 33 years after the Factory label mates toured together in the late eighties – a reunion of two of Madchesters most iconic bands. One a chaotic, rambunctious party band and the other an ever evolving, creative force that seems, like a good wine, to get better and better with age.
Their homecoming show at Manchester’s AO Arena was packed full of highlights and made for a very Mancunian shindig.
There were of course a bagful of hits from the high point of the scene including Kinky Afro, Loose Fit and Step On from the openers, and Born of Frustration, Come Home (which included a dance off between Bez and Tim) and Sit Down – which isn’t always a guaranteed choice on a James setlist.
But a James show though is more of a collection of spiritual moments picked from their vast back catalogue and designed to create a connection between the band and the audience. So being open to hearing anything and not just the hits is paramount to enjoying a James gig.
They are an ever-evolving, developing and creative band that show after show get better and better.
