James Arthur at Wembley Arena
James Arthur has had his hits over the years, and this show is not just a reminder that those songs have stood the test of time, but that he’s consistently released music that pulls on the heartstrings. Wembley Arena is full to the brim and erupts as the North Yorkshire singer rises from beneath the stage in a pink sparkly suit to the rocky beat of the tour’s namesake song, Bitter Sweet Love. Confetti shoots into the air and fireworks light up the pulsing crowd, opening the night with a bang and surprising any naysayers straight out of the box.
Three songs in and this might be one of the loudest concert experiences as Empty Space shakes the room. It’s immediately topped, though, by Can I Be Him, from his 2016 album. Towards the end of the song Arthur puts his mic away and lets the crowd sing for him, which they do, not missing a single word, as he opens his arms wide and drinks it in. All throughout the show, there’s a tangible connection with the audience when he performs his older tracks. He never wastes a moment to share with the room that feels it too, constantly telling them how incredible they’re being and how thankful he is for this moment. At one point he takes a BeReal (both on his own phone and on a fan’s), to capture it.
Comeback Kid, a newer song, is an anthemic feat, loaded with mighty guitar and gutting vocals. Sermon is a highlight, almost gospel-like in its rhythm and the way it makes Wembley put their hands in the air. Trainwreck is a special part of the show; before Arthur sings, he talks about being in a dark place, and about how it’s paramount to talk about mental health. The emotion behind it is palpable.
There are more than a few covers on the setlist, a decision which can sometimes feel superficial. Not here. James featured on The Greatest Showman’s soundtrack, and delights the crowd with a rendition of Rewrite the Stars alongside his opening act Neve. He also plays Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years, of which a cover of his went viral on TikTok a few years ago. As wonderful as those two covers are, what comes next is much more special. The singer disappears from the stage and the screen lights up with a clip from his 2012 X Factor audition that took place in the very same room. And so he performs the song he auditioned with, followed by the unforgettable Impossible, which won him the show. It’s truly an incredible moment.
Talitha Stowell
Photo: James Kellegher
For further information and future events visit James Arthur’s website here.
Watch the video for Free Falling here:
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