UK band James are set to headline the opening night of Heritage Live’s series of summer concerts with the first post-lockdown show in London on Thursday June 24 at Kenwood on London’s Hampstead Heath.
Taking place just three days after the end of lockdown restrictions, other acts in the line up include Feeder, Maximo Park, The Snuts, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Yorkshire alternative rock group The Sherocks, and the grunge punk outfit, Cruel Hearts Club.
“Right now James are in a fully tested Covid bubble rehearsing for this concert,” said James’ lead singer, Tim Booth.
“You never really value some things until you’ve lost them - so now, to be playing together in a room, to be coming to play to an audience, to be working with all the people who put on these amazing events, things we used to take for granted – we are re-appreciating in a deep way. As one of the first concerts out of lockdown, this will be a massive celebration. Let's have a party!”
“After 15 months of lockdown and restrictions, this event really will be a resounding statement that live music is back in our lives at last!” added Heritage Live organiser Giles Cooper.
“Audiences, artists, staff and crew have been itching to get back to what they love and I’ve no doubt this will be a fantastic celebration of what’s great about live music! It certainly will be a concert that’s remembered for many years to come and we really can’t wait!”
Paul Smith from Maximo Park commented:
“We were asked a few weeks ago if we wanted to be James' special guests at the first big London gig after this awful year, so we obviously said yes! Our new album went to number 2 and we couldn't celebrate by playing live, so this will be an opportunity to give those songs their first airing to a big outdoor audience.”
“We’ve been without live music for a while and as things are looking up we took this opportunity to get back to performing ASAP after restrictions are lifted - it’ll be great,” said Jack Cochrane of The Snuts.
Sam of Get Cape Wear Cape Fly added:
"They say you never miss it ‘til it’s gone. Live music has been my favourite thing to do since forever. Playing shows and going to shows is such a huge part of many of our lives. It makes us tick. I can’t wait to be back with you all, doing what we love."
James’s last tour saw them play 86 shows in 14 countries, including a sell-out concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
The Mancunians’ soon to be released 16th studio album, All The Colours Of You is a widescreen LP that takes the band into new sonic territory, and fans of James can expect to hear new material from the new album at Heritage Live alongside their catalogue of festival-friendly hits which includes Sit Down, Laid, She's a Star and Say Something.
Tickets will be in very high demand and all ticket applicants must pre-register for tickets.