Factory 251 was the host to legendary singer/songwriter James Walsh yesterday evening. The Starsailor frontman was going it alone, treating fans to a beautiful setlist of his solo material and of course some Starsailor tracks too. Fans were also able to meet Walsh in person as he came down to watch the support, something you do not always see but a gesture that certainly delighted many hardcore fans who had secured their spot early at the barrier!
Support came from another acoustic act Walter Kocays who warmed up the crowd with his impressive vocals and Northern charm won over this audience very quickly. We were also privy to an exclusive newsflash that Walter will be playing this years Glastonbury Festival. A genuine singer with soul and a mighty fine voice, and I must mention the Johnny Cash cover of ‘Jackson’ which suited his vocals perfectly, check him out if you’re hitting Worthy Farm later this summer!
James Walsh is in the midst of a solo tour which has seen him travel the length and breadth of the UK, playing smaller venues which is certainly a treat when previously I have only seen him with the band in much larger premises.
Walsh has a soulful voice and being able to hear him play with just a guitar and no backing band was a delight as it allowed him to shine and showcase a raw vulnerability that is perhaps lost when he is surrounded by the full band.
The highlights this evening were a gorgeous version of Starsailors ‘Way to Fall’ and of course the encore which saw Walsh cause a mass sing-a-long with ‘Silence is Easy’. The new tracks also went down a treat and James has just released a brand new track ‘A Lucky Strike’ which is out now! You can also catch up with our official RGM podcast when our editor Carl met James for a chat about going solo – head HERE to check that out!
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The post JAMES WALSH LIVE IN MANCHESTER – WHAT HAPPENED? first appeared on RGM : REYT GOOD MAGAZINE.