James have announced a huge outdoor hometown gig at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl – which will mark 30 years to the day of their iconic Alton Towers show when they played to 30,000 fans.
Fresh from playing the Isle of Wight Festival at the weekend, the band announced the new outdoor Castlefield gig for summer 2022.
The show date on July 2, marks 30 years since 30,000 revelers descended on the Staffordshire theme park for a legendary set by the Mancunian music icons which was all broadcast live with Chris Evans on BBC Radio 1. Tickets for James at the Castlefield Bowl go on general sale at 9.30am on Friday, September 24.
James’ Alton Towers night created many an “I was there” moments for their fans, so to celebrate the band will performing the same set list of songs from that night on the same date in 2022 at Castlefield Bowl.
That 30 year old set list includes many of James’ biggest hits like “Come Home”, “Born of Frustration”, “Say Something”, “Ring The Bells”, “Sound” and “Sit Down” as well as continued live favourites like “Stutter”, “Johnny Yen”, “Hymn From a Village” in addition to rare gems like “Goalie’s Ball”, “Live A Love of Life”, “America” and “Next Lover” which haven’t been performed in decades.
Recalling the Alton Towers show, bassist Jim Glennie told the Manchester Evening News: “It was a crazy day that was nearly defeated by the weather and the gig was all the more celebratory due to the near miss. Come and celebrate 30 years since that iconic day and this time with guaranteed sunshine!”.
Since their breakthrough single “Sit Down”, James have released 16 studio albums including the recent UK top 3 album All The Colours Of You, selling over 25 million copies in the process, and performed countless headline shows and festivals across the world.
They continue to be a huge live draw, having sold 60,000 tickets for a UK arena tour scheduled for this November and December, the band’s fastest selling tour ever.
Listen to the best of James on Apple Music and Spotify.