LIVE: James Bay Returns to Chicago's Metro With a Revamped Show
Following an insane show from Wolf Alice on Friday night, The Metro outdid itself with another sold out, stunning show from James Bay on Saturday night.
Way back in 2015, singer-songwriter James Bay played a sold out show at The Metro in Chicago during the height of success of his debut album, Chaos and the Calm. Now, after nearly three years, Bay returned to the same stage with new material and a new approach towards his older material. Although he'd taken a hiatus after he finished the touring cycle for Chaos and the Calm to finish his new album, when Bay and his band hit the stage on Saturday night, the jam packed venue full of loyal fans proved that their devotion to the singer had never wavered. Not only did the show sell out in a matter of minutes when it was announced earlier this year, but some fans lined up outside the venue as early as 9:30AM Saturday morning to get a coveted front row spot.
The fans' patience all paid off when the set began around 9PM with unreleased song "Wasted On Each Other," which sits second on the track list of Bay's sophomore album Electric Light, out May 18th. Next up, the band brought the new album's second single "Pink Lemonade" to life; backup singers adding another layer to the full band's already rich sound. Following that quick taste of refreshing new material, the set dipped back into older material, the entire audience echoing the chorus of songs "Craving," and "When We Were on Fire" back to the stage.
As the night went on, the room lit up with a sense of recognition whenever Bay dropped in old favorites in between the few new tracks, but the show possessed a vibrant sense of revitalization. Songs like "Let It Go" and "Best Fake Smile" received new life when the band performed both with fleshed out and extended introductions, rearranging the familiar tunes into new molds. When the night began to come to a close, Bay introduced a refreshed version of his hit "Hold Back The River," beginning the track by repeatedly riffing the lyrics "lonely water" over a moody, chilled out introduction. The crowd cheered wildly when Bay and his band transitioned into the full song, their cheers blending into the song's first verse.
The entire band left the stage for a short break following "Hold Back The River", and Bay returned for a stripped back encore performance of his ballad "Need The Sun To Break," giving the magical evening the perfect send off.
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind performance and to hear James Bay's music revamped like you've never heard it before, do not miss the chance to see him in concert this year! Find more details on his upcoming tour dates below, and check out our photo gallery of his show at The Metro to get you pumped for the next concert.
Chicago, James will be back for Lollapalooza and for another headling show in October. Don't miss your chance to see his show!
