I’m a big fan of end-of-year lists – honestly, I’d happily make one for just about anything if someone asked.
While 2025 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for live music, it’s not quite time to say goodbye to 2024. And what a year it’s been! The live music scene has been buzzing.
This year, I had the privilege of experiencing the trip of a lifetime, traveling to North America to see my two favourite artists perform together. It was tempting to focus solely on that unforgettable experience, but I’ve taken this task seriously and put together my top ten shows of the year.
Johnny Marr / James – The Orpheum Theatre, Boston (10/10/2024)
I decided to pick just one of the James and Johnny Marr shows in North America that I was lucky enough to see, and there were countless reasons why Boston stood out as the winner. For any fellow cinephiles, the venue was featured in The Holdovers, and it was stunning inside – a beautifully preserved, old-fashioned theatre with a balcony that everyone’s favourite trumpeter, Andy Diagram, made a memorable appearance on.
Aside from during their orchestral tour, I’m not used to sitting at James shows, so I wasn’t sure how the vibe would play out in an all-seated venue. But I needn’t have worried – by the second song, most of the crowd were already on their feet. When it comes to setlists, you never quite know what to expect at a James show, and that unpredictability only adds to the excitement. For instance, instead of kicking off with a hit, they surprised the crowd by opening with ‘Way Over Your Head; from their latest album, Yummy. A slower, more reflective track, it gradually builds to a breathtaking choral moment from the entire band that was nothing short of transcendent in a live setting. I hit the jackpot in Boston as they played ‘PS’ and ‘Better With You’ – two of my favourites, making for a profoundly emotional experience.
Tim Booth is unpredictable even at the best of times, so in a seated venue, there’s a unique thrill in wondering where he’ll end up. He had the entire crowd gasping when he threw caution to the wind and took a walk along the balcony during ‘Sit Down’, completely defying health and safety rules. As a huge James fan, one of Tim’s walkabouts was incredibly special to me, as I got to dance with him in the aisle – something I’ve always dreamed of doing but never thought I’d have the confidence (or even the chance) to do. There’s something magical about Tim’s energy that makes you feel like anything is possible and in that moment, he gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone. It will always have a special place in my heart. An unforgettable part of my James journey.
Johnny’s set was a thrilling display of his musical evolution, packed with electrifying moments and crowd-pleasing hits. He kicked off with the high-energy ‘Armatopia,’ followed by a blast of nostalgia with the Smiths’ anthem, ‘Panic’. As the set unfolded, Johnny effortlessly wove together solo material like ‘Spirit Power & Soul ‘and ‘Somewhere‘ with Smiths classics and standout tracks from his time in Electronic, including ‘Get the Message‘ and ‘Getting Away With It‘. This masterful blend highlighted his remarkable versatility, both as a guitarist and as a dynamic frontman. A standout moment came during the encore, when Johnny was joined by Tim for an unforgettable cover of Iggy Pop’s ‘The Passenger’. The James frontman brought boundless energy to the stage, effortlessly harmonising with Johnny on the choruses, and the two shared an emotional hug at the end, marking a truly special collaboration on an extraordinary tour.
Blondie / The K’s – Piece Hall, Halifax (09/06/2024)
Each summer, the breathtaking courtyard of The Piece Hall becomes a spectacular setting for a diverse range of live events, from music concerts to circus performances. This year’s season launched with the legendary Blondie, who brought their global music mastery to Halifax for two unforgettable shows. I had the pleasure of attending the second performance, which took place on a rainy Sunday evening.
Support came from The K’s, who got the crowd pumped up with their lively performance. Fresh off the success of their debut album I Wonder If The World Knows, they opened with the upbeat ‘Chancer‘ and kept the momentum going with catchy tracks like ‘Light Go Down‘ and the anthemic ‘Hometown‘. The band kept things exciting by creatively weaving in covers of beloved classics, such as transitioning from ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun‘ into ‘Hoping May‘, and from ‘Dirty Old Town‘ into their spirited debut single ‘Sarajevo‘.
Blondie delivered an unforgettable performance, showcasing their immense musical legacy and energy. Kicking off with ‘One Way or Another’, they seamlessly moved through hits like ‘Call Me’ and ‘Atomic’, sparking massive sing-alongs. The band delighted fans with rarities, including the punk-infused ‘Living in the Real World’, and ‘Dog Star Girl’ from Debbie Harry’s 1993 solo album, Debravation. Newer tracks like ‘Long Time’ blended effortlessly with their classics like ‘Rapture’, and their powerful rendition highlighted the enduring strength of Debbie’s vocals, while ‘The Tide Is High’ showcased their unique musical diversity. Despite the rain, the crowd’s energy remained electric, right up until the final track, ‘Dreaming’. Blondie proved once again why they remain one of the most iconic bands in music, leaving an indelible mark on a spectacular evening.
You can read my review of the show here.
Jack Jones / Jack Valero – YES, Manchester (07/11/2024)
Best known as the charismatic frontman of Welsh indie rock band Trampolene and a key guitarist for Pete Doherty, Jack Jones is already a familiar face in the music world. In support of his debut solo album, November saw him embark on a tour of independent venues in the UK, including the basement of Manchester’s YES. Support came from Jack Valero, who set the stage alight with a captivating performance that covered a vibrant blend of genres, with Jack Jones making his first appearance of the night by joining the singer songwriter for his penultimate track – a cover of Trampolene’s unrequited love anthem,‘The One Who Loves You’.
Jack’s debut album stands as a cohesive masterpiece, and his live set captured that brilliance, perfectly balancing high-energy anthems like ‘Who Let The Bass Pump Through The Floor‘ and ‘Dumb Phone’ with the emotional depth of ‘Love & Tears’ and ‘Breathe’. Jack’s free spirit, lovable personality, and sharp sense of humour lit up the stage and there were some really special moments – he held strangers’ hands while singing to them, invited one lucky fan on stage to dance, and even performed a track from the front of the stage, armed with just an unplugged acoustic guitar and no microphone. Moments that could only unfold in a grassroots venue as intimate as YES.
You can read my review of the show here.
James / The Zutons – Collins Barracks, Dublin (26/08/2024)
Each Summer, Singular Artists put on Wider Than Pictures – a series of outdoor shows that take place in the picturesque surroundings of Collins Barracks in Dublin. I caught James there in August for their first Dublin show in three years, with support from The Zutons. One of the finest indie bands to emerge from Liverpool in the mid-2000s, The Zutons boast a remarkable back catalogue that never fails to entertain, with they’re impressive array of anthems made them the ideal choice for an outdoor festival setting.
By the time James hit the stage, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. On a rainy Monday night, crafting the perfect setlist couldn’t have been an easy task, but the band pulled it off flawlessly. So much so that it didn’t matter which era of their storied career they were revisiting – newer tracks like ‘Rogue’ and ‘Life’s a Fucking Miracle’ drew just as massive a reaction as timeless classics like ‘Ring the Bells‘ and ‘Waltzing Along’. Renowned as one of the most charismatic frontmen in the business, Tim effortlessly held the crowd in the palm of his hand, and it was this mutual respect that allowed the band to slow the tempo for three songs without losing an ounce of the audience’s attention – resulting in spine tingling renditions of ‘Five-O’, ‘Shadow of a Giant’, and ‘Out to Get You’. Sometimes, there’s a certain magic in the air at a show, and that night in Dublin was undeniably one of those moments.
Johnny Marr / Gaz Coombes – O2 City Hall, Newcastle (02/04/2024)
Marking a decade since the launch of his acclaimed solo career, Johnny Marr’s 2024 UK tour began in spectacular fashion at Newcastle’s O2 City Hall, with the talented Gaz Coombes providing support – with four albums to his name, it’s safe to say that the Supergrass frontman has successfully transitioned to a solo career. Accompanied by his talented band, he launched into a dynamic set that mixed fan favourites like ‘20/20′ and ‘The Girl Who Fell To Earth’ with new tracks from his latest album, Turn The Car Around. Defying the usual fate of opening acts, Gaz enjoyed strong, enthusiastic support throughout his 45-minute set, during which he impressed with swaggering riffs and a confident presence – particularly during his stirring finale, ‘Walk The Walk‘.
The first night of a tour is usually about ironing out the kinks, but Johnny’s performance was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment he took the stage, the excitement in the air was palpable. After ending 2023 with two stunning orchestral performances in Manchester, fans were eager to see what surprises Johnny had in store, and the unpredictability of the setlist kept everyone on edge. The show kicked off with the synth-driven ‘Sensory Street‘, which recalled his time in Electronic, followed by a raucous rendition of ‘Panic’, which sent the crowd into a frenzy. From there, the pace never slowed, with Johnny diving into everything from Smiths anthems like ‘This Charming Man‘, to fresh solo material like ‘Somewhere’, where the orchestral arrangements from December’s shows were revived to great effect. The seamless transitions between his solo work and Smiths classics added to the excitement, and the crowd were treated to unexpected gems like ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want’ – which saw Johnny behind an acoustic guitar. It was evident that Johnny was having as much fun as the audience, with his infectious energy lighting up the room, and his genuine connection with the crowd, combined with the electric atmosphere, made for an unforgettable start to the tour – one that set the bar high for the shows to come.
Lucy Spraggan – Academy 1, Manchester (16/05/2024)
Last year was a whirlwind for Lucy Spraggan. The singer-songwriter not only released her highly anticipated seventh studio album, but also published her must-read memoir, Process: Finding My Way Through. After supporting James Blunt on tour earlier in the year, she headlined her own UK tour in May, which included an unforgettable performance at Manchester Academy 1. A natural storyteller, Lucy curated her setlist to mirror the highs and lows of her journey, weaving in the songs she wrote during those pivotal moments. Between performances, she shared a wealth of personal anecdotes, offering an intimate glimpse into the inspiration behind the songs everyone in the room knew so well. From crowd favourites like ‘Lighthouse‘ and ‘Unsinkable’, to more introspective tracks such as ‘Sober’ and ‘Bodies’, each song took on new depth as Lucy revealed the stories behind them. Known for delivering high-energy performances, Lucy is an artist who fully embraces every moment on stage. Her Manchester shows have always been standout moments in her career, radiating a unique energy that speaks to her deep passion and connection with the audience – and this one was no exception.
You can read my review of the show here.
James / Johnny Marr / Inspiral Carpets / Magic Numbers / Tom A Smith – Bedford Summer Sessions (06/07/2024)
One of the musical highlights of 2023 was James reuniting with Joe Duddell for an orchestral tour with Orca22 and Manchester Inspiration Voices Choir. Fortunately, the band took the show on the road again this year with two festival shows – one of which was Bedford Summer Sessions, where they were supported by Tom A Smith, The Magic Numbers, Inspiral Carpets, and Johnny Marr.
Tom A Smith has built quite the reputation for himself through his relentless touring and although his set in Bedford was short and sweet, it was a real pleasure to have him on the bill. Unfortunately, the crowd was still sparse when Tom’s set kicked off shortly after the gates opened, but those who were there – a dedicated group of hardcore fans – were fully engaged from the start. Opening with ‘Fading Away,’ Tom’s crisp vocals immediately captured attention, while fan favourites like ‘Little Bits’ and ‘Never Good Enough’ were met with enthusiasm. Clearly enjoying every moment onstage, Tom and his talented bandmates delivered a performance that highlighted their undeniable chemistry and bright future ahead. They certainly deserve all the success that comes their way.
The Magic Numbers provided the perfect soundtrack for a sunny Saturday afternoon in Bedford with their dreamy pop melodies. They opened with the wistful ‘Forever Lost,’ setting a mellow tone for the day, with the standout moment of their set being when they smoothly transitioned from ‘Love’s A Game’ into Curtis Mayfield’s ‘People Get Ready,’ before delivering the emotionally charged ‘I See You, You See Me,’ which truly captivated the crowd. After missing Glastonbury the previous week due to bassist Michele Stodart’s recovery from spinal surgery, the band were clearly overjoyed to be back on stage, their smiles radiating pure happiness.
Next up were Inspiral Carpets, who delivered an electrifying set. Opening with the raucous ‘She Comes In The Fall,’ they charged through crowd favorites like the heartfelt ‘This Is How It Feels’ and ‘Move’. Igniting one of the band’s most energetic moments, they paid tribute to fellow Mancunian, Mark E Smith, with a powerful rendition of ‘I Want You’, which features his unmistakable vocals. The set culminated with the exuberant ‘Saturn 5,’ where Clint Boon’s dynamic keyboard drove the crowd into a dance-filled finale, leaving the band clearly thrilled by the continued love for the track. One of Manchester’s most beloved bands, the Inspirals certainly succeeded in delivering a nostalgic, high energy performance in Bedford Park.
The penultimate support act, Johnny Marr burst onto the stage with the synth-infused ‘Armatopia’. A staple in his festival sets, the upbeat solo track set the stage perfectly for the first Smiths track of the night, ‘Panic’. Johnny’s solo material was regrettably sparse, with standout moments including the electro-gospel influenced ‘Spirit Power and Soul’ and acoustic ‘Somewhere’ – two tracks that couldn’t be more different, they were the ideal selection to highlight both Johnny’s expansive range and ambitious musical vision. As generous as ever with his inclusion of Smiths tracks, it was Johnny’s performance of the Electronic hit ‘Getting Away With It‘ and his high-spirited cover of Iggy Pop’s ‘The Passenger’ that truly stole the show. The rousing ;There Is a Light That Never Goes Out‘ brought his set to a triumphant close, leaving the crowd eager to see if he would join James onstage later that evening.
After experiencing the beauty of James’ orchestral shows last year, I was initially unsure if and how they would translate to an outdoor setting. However, they once again demonstrated their exceptional prowess with a headline set that was nothing short of sublime. From a stripped-back version of the typically synth-laced ‘Magic Bus’ that opened the set, to the anthemic ‘Sit Down’, their versatility was on full display. It was a truly special experience to hear so much of their back catalogue reimagined in such a unique way. As if the band’s sheer talent wasn’t enough, the exceptional production from their recent arena shows was brought to life on the screens throughout their set. A standout moment came during ‘Medieval’, where an animated display transformed the band into a living tapestry in real time, adding a visually stunning layer to the performance. After Saul Davies teased the intro to ‘Laid’ on his acoustic guitar, that familiar drumbeat filled the park, and Johnny stormed onstage, guitar in hand. I’ll try to keep this professional, but watching my two favorite artists together? Let’s just say I lost my mind—it was like time stood still and flew by all at once. My heart has never felt so full. As Tim danced around the stage, Johnny connected with the rest of the band, and the sheer joy of sharing the moment was written all over everyone’s faces – Joe’s, the band’s, the orchestra’s, the choirs’, Johnny’s, and of course, mine.
You can read my review of The Magic Numbers, Inspiral Carpets, Johnny Marr, and James at Lytham Festival the following day here.
THE THE – Collins Barracks, Dublin (25/08/2024)
The night before the James show at Collins Barracks, The The took to the stage – marking their first visit to Dublin since their highly successful The Comeback Special world tour in 2018. Remarkably, it was also my first time seeing them live. Though their first album since 2000 was set for release just weeks later, the band clearly put great thought into their setlist, expertly weaving together songs from every phase of their career. From the raw intensity of ‘Infected’ (1986) to the haunting ‘Icing Up,’ which was originally recorded for Matt Johnson’s solo album, the selection was both a celebration of their past and a nod to the future. Matt is backed by a fantastic band, and their live performance was impressively tight. It was clear they were fully immersed in the music, clearly enjoying every moment on stage, particularly during fan favorites like ‘Slow Emotion Replay‘ and ‘This Is the Day‘. I’ve always seen Matt as something of an enigma, so I was pleasantly surprised by his warm, engaging presence as he chatted with the crowd between songs. All in all, it was the perfect blend of setlist and setting for my first The The show, and I’m grateful to have finally witnessed them live.
You can read my review of the show here.
Sea Fever – St Mary’s, Stockport (26/01/2024)
Led by Iwan Gronow of Haven and Johnny Marr’s band, alongside Beth Cassidy of Section 25, Sea Fever brings together five talented musicians from acclaimed groups – completed by drummer Elliot Barlow and New Order members Tom Chapman and Phil Cunningham. Since they carved out their own distinct sound and direction with their debut album in 2021, the band have delivered a plethora of standout performances, with this year’s show at St Mary’s Church in Stockport ranking as one of the most memorable. Following the success of their debut album, anticipation for what’s to come is at an all-time high, making it thrilling to have heard new tracks like ‘Shouldn’t Have Been This Way‘, ‘Trigger Us’, and ‘Breaking Out’. These, of course, were seamlessly woven in with crowd favorites like ‘Under Duress‘ and ‘Built to Last’. Unquestionably a remarkable show, it was a perfect encapsulation of everything the band has achieved so far – made all the more special by the evident joy they were experiencing on stage. It was clear they were relishing every moment, feeding off the energy of the crowd.
You can read my review of the show here.
Frank Turner – Manchester Academy 2, Manchester (14/07/2024)
With his highly anticipated 3000th show approaching, Frank Turner reaffirmed his reputation as a touring powerhouse this year. Taking to the stage at Manchester Academy 2 in July, he stormed through an impressive 25-song setlist, drawing from a wide range of albums, with a notable focus on tracks from his latest release, Undefeated. Though Undefeated is notably less punk-rock than Frank’s recent albums, it still packs some raucous moments, with tracks like opener ‘No Thank You for the Music‘ and ‘Never Mind the Back Problems‘ sending the crowd into a frenzy. As always, Frank crafted a setlist to please everyone, seamlessly shifting from the brooding ‘I Am Disappeared‘ to the anthemic ‘Photosynthesis‘. Solo performances are a staple for Frank, and his acoustic renditions of crowd favourites like ‘The Way I Tend to Be‘, ‘Be More Kind‘, and T’he Ballad of Me and My Friends‘ provided intimate, relatable moments. Manchester Academy 2, a small and sweaty venue in the middle of summer, was the perfect setting for the high-energy circle pits, crowd surfers, emotional moments, and even some delicate dancing during Four Simple Words. All the hallmarks of a quintessential Frank Turner show.
Kate Nash – New Century Hall, Manchester (26/11/2024)
Following the release of her latest album, 9 Sad Symphonies, the effervescent Kate Nash has just completed a tour of the UK that saw her deliver a joyful, heartfelt performance at Manchester’s New Century Hall. Dancing around the stage and engaging with the crowd as if they were her closest friends, Kate is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant artists on the scene today. Nearly two decades after rising to fame with her hit single ‘Foundations‘, it’s clear she still has so much to offer and she effortlessly blended new material like ‘Millions of Heartbeats’ and ‘Misery’ with fan favourites from her back catalogue, including the beloved ‘Birds’. I couldn’t help but be mesmerised by how seamlessly she transitioned from upbeat anthems to delicate acoustic numbers – such as my favourite, ‘The Nicest Thing’ – during which you could hear a pin drop. It’s rare to walk away from a gig with nothing but positive thoughts about the crowd, but the room was so full of love, energy and respect, that it’s stayed with me ever since.
You can read my review of the show here.
The eagle-eyed among you might notice that, despite this being a “top ten,” I’ve sneaked in an eleventh show. I know, I know—I couldn’t bring myself to cut one out! What can I say? Sometimes rules are meant to be broken.
