James Arthur lit up Liverpool’s Mountford Hall on Saturday 26th March, on his UK & Ireland tour for the release of his new album “It’ll All Make Sense in the End”.

James Arthur is an English singer/songwriter who I have been a big fan of ever since his debut on the X factor back in 2012, therefore having the opportunity to shoot and review his concert was absolutely incredible.

On the lineup for the evening, was obviously the very talented headliner James Arthur, who I was beyond excited to see, with support from the lovely Sonia Stein whose name was new to me, however, I was equally as excited to see her, and discover another exceptional artist.

Sonia Stein_Credit: Elodie Hadfield

Being a photographer, I often also get asked to review gigs and I was beyond excited when I got asked to come along to James’ show. Prior to the concert, I had already researched the setlist and I had made a Spotify playlist of the songs so I could be prepared to sing along. I told you I was a big fan!

Before the show even started, I knew the crowd was going to be incredible, and wow was I right. The way they belted out “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys before Sonia took the stage was amazing and put the biggest smile across my face while in the photo pit. I couldn’t help but join in!

The excited Liverpool crowd was warmed up by the talented Sonia Stein. The first thing that struck me about Sonia as she took the stage was how stunning she was and the fact I loved her outfit and fashion sense. She was wearing an all white outfit, a mesh white top, and white trousers which contrasted the stage lights perfectly. I would say Sonia’s music is alternative and indie, with a hint of pop. Sonia’s voice has this soft, almost angelic tone to it: I was blown away by her vocals throughout the whole of her set. The crowd was enjoying her performance swaying along to her songs. I’m definitely going to check out more of Sonia’s music and keep up to date with new releases and tours.

James Arthur_Credit: Elodie Hadfield

Once the stage went dark after Sonia’s emotive set, the crowd was excited and eager, all moving forward, closer to the barrier to get the best view of the main act. Chants of “We want James” ricocheted around the Guild of Students, everyone desperate for James to join them. Then, the lights went down over the crowd, and the screams and cheers of 2300 people erupted as James ran onto the stage. James kicked off this set with “4000 miles” a track from his new album. The crowd was jumping in excitement, singing, and dancing, and it was evident to me amazing crowds like Liverpool’s fuels James’ absolute love and passion for performing. James’ stage presence is unmatched, the way he interacts with the crowd, getting everyone clapping and dancing along, as well as picking out people in the audience and singing just to them, putting the biggest smiles across their faces, just made his show such a pleasure to be at. Talking about stage presence and interacting with the crowd, James made two girls’ days during his gig, singing Happy Birthday to both Lauren and Poppy. James called out “Is it anyone’s birthday?” and typically the whole of Liverpool claimed it was their birthday, with screams and cheers, however, James spotted both Lauren and Poppy in the crowd and gave them their own little special moment, performing happy birthday to the pair of them.

As James’ set progressed, he performed one of my favourite songs “Can I be Him”, from his 2016 “Back From the Edge” album. This song was simply sung beautifully, James has such a rich voice, and his vocal abilities are insane. Also, the way James can make a crowd of 2300 people, solely listen to him to awe, just amplifies his talent. The views in Mountford Hall during “Can I be Him”, were so heartwarming, phone lights illuminating the room and everyone swaying and singing during the chorus’ was very moving. I can imagine it was especially important to James as this was the first tour since Covid, and the album James is currently on tour for was written during the lockdown, therefore having people singing your lyrics back after such a hard two years must have been incredibly emotional.

James Arthur_Credit: Elodie Hadfield

After Can I be Him, James continued to hit us with amazing songs one after the other: Rewrite the Stars, a cover from The Greatest Showman setlist was up next. I was so excited when this song was announced I had a little cheer of giddiness, alongside the rest of the crowd. This song upped the volume of the audience, they were singing even louder than earlier in the evening.

As the set was drawing to a close, James sang “Impossible”, the song he won the X factor with back in 2012. The performance of this song is especially important this year, as it marks 10 years since he was crowned champion. I have never been more blown away by a crowd than when James got to the chorus of “Impossible”, they were absolutely belting out the words, with hands up in the air. I was also in and amongst the crowd doing the exact same thing! James’s final song was “Say you won’t let go” another emotional song, that the crowd sang exceptionally.

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about James Arthur’s gig at Liverpool Mountford Hall, I had high expectations going in, and it completely exceed them. James’s performance was simply amazing, his love for his fans and music is so evident when he’s on stage. I’ll 100% be going to see James Arthur again whether I’m a photographer and reviewing the show, or simply as a fan!

By Elodie Hadfield

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