Despite the rain pouring down at the Harbourside venue, James Arthur was determined to heat up the crowd at the Skyline Series. Opening acts Nina Nesbitt, with her mellow tunes, and JP Cooper, whose hits like “September Song” had the audience buzzing, setting the perfect stage for the 2012 X-Factor winner.
James took to the stage, battling both the weather and a sore throat. He apologised to the crowd for not belting out his hit “Impossible” as powerfully as usual but still managed to bring the audience to life. His talent shone through, with fans singing along and cheering despite the drizzle.
Although the venue was only half full, the poncho-clad crowd didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits. James kept them moving with a diverse setlist, including a powerful cover of Rudimental’s “Waiting All Night,” showing off his rap skills alongside his vocal talent.
Mellow songs like “Sober” became interactive moments, as James encouraged the women in the crowd to sing along, while everyone clapped and hummed to the rhythm.
Unfortunately, the outdoor setting led to some spectators leaving halfway through, chilled by the damp weather. But James soldiered on, performing unexpected covers like Amy Winehouse’s “Love Is A Losing Game” and Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” the latter of which had the audience belting out the lyrics in full voice, despite the contrast with his smooth vocals.
The set concluded with high-energy performances of Rudimental’s “Sun Comes Up” and the emotional “Say You Won’t Let Go,” sending the crowd home with a lasting impression of passion, enthusiasm, and love.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of James Arthur songs or simply enjoy live music, it’s clear that James Arthur is truly born for the stage. His ability to captivate an audience, even under less-than-ideal conditions, shows why his James Arthur vinyl records and live performances continue to resonate with fans.
