Less than a year after seeing James Blunt in concert for the first time, I was back at Manchester Arena to see him again on 15th February 2025.
Has it really been 20 years since James Blunt released his debut album? “Back to Bedlam” is the biggest-selling debut album by a British artist according to the Official Charts Company. Every seat at the Back to Bedlam 20th Anniversary concert in Manchester was sold out in anticipation of a fantastic show.
First up though was the support act, Toploader. It’s been 24 years since I saw them support Robbie Williams at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester where they walked past us as we had escaped the heat of the crowd while another band was on stage. Toploader really got the crowd going and put on an energetic performance, culminating on a high with their hit “Dancing in the Moonlight”.
James Blunt arrived on stage to a 2000s montage of images and video clips and kicked off the show with his debut single “High” before moving on to “You’re Beautiful” and other singles and tracks from the album. The audience was energetic and LOUD! Singing along with James, applauding and laughing at his banter between songs. He might not be a comedian, but he’s got a fantastic sense of humour!
The album finishes with James on piano for “No Bravery”. Moving home videos of his time in Kosovo during the Kosovo War played in the background (for those who don’t know, James rose to the rank of Captain in the British Army and served in Kosovo during the war in 1999).
Of course, it would be a pretty short concert if he just stuck to the debut album, so it’s then on to the hits. He has a huge presence, on stage and off! From kicking his piano stool away, jumping on top of the piano, and orchestrating a Mexican wave during “Stay The Night”, to jumping off the stage and running through the crowd (I had a fangirl moment and touched his arm as he ran past!). Towards the end of the show, he invited the audience to come forward, and they did, hanging on his every word!
What a show! James Blunt never fails to impress. It’s a fantastic start to a year full of concerts for me. Can the others possibly top this?!
48 Comments
Kelly
I’m amazed at how many things you already have booked for this year! It looks like you got a good start to things with this concert and captured some great photos. That crowd is unbelievable!
Nikki
I seemed to have booked quite a lot of things!
tomthebackroadstraveller
…Nikki, since I live in my own little cave, James Bunt has never hit my radar screen. You captures some fabulous photos!!!
somewhereinireland
I have to admit, I’ve never heard of James Blunt but I enjoyed seeing your photos of his concert. I’ll have to look him up and give him a listen.
Liz Westlake
Saw him 20 years ago….start of Back to Bedlam (no, don’t even attempt to guess my age nowadays!. James was stupendous, great musician, singer and his banter with us, the audience, was terrific.I was a fan before the concert and an even bigger one since!
Kris P
It sounds like you had a great time!
A ShutterBug Explores
Your photos are fantastic ~ thanks,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Nikki
Thank you!
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
Very impressive pictures! You must have had a good vantage point.
Nikki
Thanks! I was in the second row.
Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
You obviously had very good seats to be able to get all those clear photos. I could hear him singing “You’re beautiful” in my head as I read this…..
Nikki
I was lucky enough to be in the second row.
Alan Rolfe
Sounds like you had a good time. 🙂
Nikki
I did!
Astrid
Amazing pictures, Nikki. You had “the best seat in the house”. I can imagine how thrilled you are that you saw him in concert again. Quite the experience I think. Again, absolute fabulous pictures.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Nikki
Thank you!
Anca
What a great event. You were very close to the stage, so it seems you’ve had a fantastic time. Lovely post to read.
Nikki
It was. I was lucky enough to be in the second row.
Johanna Bradley
It must be amazing to have the crowd in the palm of your hand, like this. Love your enthusiasm, Nikki.
Nikki
I’m always enthusiastic about concerts!
belleek
Looks a fabulous concert! Luck you!
Nikki
Hello stranger! Thank you!
Jo
It sounds like a great night out. You always get such great photos when you attend concerts.
Nikki
It really was. Thanks!
Ginnie Hart
He should give you a commission not only for this post, Nikki, but for your enthusiasm as well. HAHA! I love it. All of it.
Nikki
Haha, if only!
Carol
Capturing concerts is not an easy task. Great job!
Kelly Smith
I was at that concert in Manchester but I wasn’t as lucky as you n I was sat at the side near the steps. Great photos and an excellent performance from James Blunt I went 20 years ago when his first album was out n I’m a massive fan love your photos your so lucky actually touching his arm
Nikki
Thank you! It was an excellent performance. I was lucky enough to get the second row.
Kelly Smith
I just love James Blunt he’s fantastic
Ann
Sounds like a great concert Nikki. I do remember his first album but haven’t followed him since. xxx
Kim Carberry
Oh gosh! James Blunt’s 20th anniversary tour makes me feel old. lol It sounds like you had a great time! x
Beverley
Looks like you had a great night at the concert. Your photos really capture the atmosphere and fun of the evening.
Nikki
I did! Thank you.
Mike@Bitaboutbritain
Really excellent photos, Nikki – you must have been so close! I’m not a huge fan – some obviously nice tunes and he seems a decent, grounded, chap – but it sounds like it was a great gig!
Nikki
Thanks, I was lucky enough to get a seat in the second row.
Smudge
My dad says he’d love to see James live. He’s a huge fan and can’t believe Back to Bedlam came out so long ago. No Bravery sends chills up his spine, and his all-time fave is Goodbye My Lover.
Nikki
Tell your Dad he’s definitely worth seeing live!
Her Digital Coffee
It looks like such an incredible time! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
hena
Wow.. that looks amazing.
Jordanne || Ofaglasgowgirl
I absolutely love James Blunt! I remember seeing him many years ago in 2006 and it was fantastic. Such a lovely vibe. Your photos are amazing btw!Sounds like you had an awesome night.
Denise Bush
Awesome captures! Have you contacted James to see if he would like to purchase prints or usage rights?
Nikki
Thank you! I haven’t, though I did tag him in social media posts.
Lisa
I saw James Blunt at Leeds on the 13th February and that was amazing.
I was then lucky enough to secure tickets to see him again on the 16th February at the o2 Arena and like you was lucky enough to touch his arm as he ran past me.
The atmosphere at that gig was electric!
Man, what a wild couple of gigs they were!
The only difference between the gigs were that he sent notes around the audience in Leeds prior to going on stage asking the audience to do a Mexican wave everytime we heard the word High in the first song. That set the atmosphere for the rest of the gig, it was great.
I cannot wait for the next tour!
CherryPie
It sounds like you had a fabulous time 🙂
Nikki
I did, thanks!
Peter B.
Looks like an awesome time!
Sharon
Would love to see James Blunt in concert. I watched his documentary film recently about his life and I do recall how much hatred he had to put up with early on in his career. His sense of humour got him through and helped resurrect his career, as well as his fantastic voice. X