James Bay relished every moment with the audience during his inaugural sold-out show at Wembley, allowing a genuine connection to resonate between him and the crowd, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Photography by Jake Haseldine
“Sunshine in the Room” – James Bay ft. Jon Batiste
James Bay has consistently been an artist who skillfully creates timeless emotional experiences. With his unmistakable vocals and classic instrumentals that perfectly complement one another, he discovered his unique sound early in his career. His sold-out performance at OVO Wembley Arena in London exemplified this.
Reviving the enduring dynamic of a man with his guitar and a band, the show showcased a seasoned musician who intimately understands his craft, effortlessly conveying his sound to engage the audience.
James Bay at OVO Arena Wembley © Jake Haseldine, February 2025
James Bay at OVO Arena Wembley © Jake Haseldine, February 2025
Bay’s breakthrough album, Chaos and the Calm, released in 2015, established him as a global sensation and a talented musician to watch. I didn’t realize how significant that record was to my musical journey until I witnessed him live this week.
Now, ten years later, Bay has released four impressive studio albums, with his latest serving as a grounding reminder of his talent. Changes All The Time, filled with iconic collaborations including ones with The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, was released in October 2024, and this tour highlighted his best work to date.
His sold-out show at OVO Wembley Arena reflected this, as the English-born singer/songwriter energized the audience. Bay's raw, gravelly vocals combined with powerful guitar solos created the perfect blend of what makes live music enjoyable.
As the lights dimmed, the excitement from the crowd of around twelve thousand swelled, with Bay’s distinctive voice cutting through the buzzing anticipation. Making his entrance in his signature leather jacket and hat, the energy surged throughout the standing area. He launched the performance with an explosive full band version of “Up All Night,” filling the arena with power, excitement, and release. The track’s hook, “Let’s talk about dreams,” was a fitting opening, emotionally and energetically preparing the crowd for the rest of the show.
James Bay at OVO Arena Wembley © Jake Haseldine, February 2025
I often forget the immense power of arena shows; they allow the audience to experience the music together in a way that feels transcendent and vibrant. The connection felt in the room was truly special, uniting people from various backgrounds for this shared experience of artist and music. The genuine rockstar energy Bay brought to the large stage continued as he performed a mix of old and new songs, getting the crowd on their feet and singing along.
He confidently transitioned into “Give Me the Reason” and “If You Ever Want to Be in Love,” with the latter being my personal favorite and clearly a crowd favorite as well. Showcasing tracks from his new album, he performed “Hope” followed by “Sunshine in The Room,” his latest single featuring Jon Batiste.
Bay and his band seamlessly moved through his musical eras from the last decade.
James Bay at OVO Arena Wembley © Jake Haseldine, February 2025
As the set approached the modern classic “Let It Go,” a single disco ball descended to the stage’s center, filling the room with shimmering light. With little warning, Bay surprised the audience with a guest appearance from Myles Smith, and the chemistry between their vocals created a magical moment that sent chills down my spine.
A medley of “Peer Pressure,” “Craving,” and “Pink Lemonade” energized the crowd. Bay then launched into an instrumental break, giving his bandmates a moment to shine. “Best Fake Smile” concluded the set powerfully before he exited briefly, only to return for the encore.
“Dogfight” was a transcendent moment, allowing Bay’s vocals to resonate with the crowd at a deliberate pace. He closed the set with “Hold Back the River,” bringing us back to that significant moment in time where we all reflected on his beginnings.
James Bay at OVO Arena Wembley © Jake Haseldine, February 2025
James Bay at OVO Arena Wembley © Jake Haseldine, February 2025
Given London’s rich cultural and musical history, shows here tend to evoke strong emotions for the performing artists. I feel incredibly fortunate to experience this through the artists during their performances, and sometimes, I forget to truly savor it. James Bay’s debut at OVO Arena Wembley reminded me of this, as his heartfelt set for the London audience felt particularly special. Strumming his guitar, he cherished each moment just as we did.
The connection between artist and audience felt genuinely electric, and I know I won’t forget that feeling anytime soon.
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:: stream/purchase Changes All the Time here ::
:: stream/purchase Sunshine in the Room
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James Bay immersed himself in every moment with the audience at his inaugural sold-out Wembley concert, creating a palpable sense of connection that resonated between him and the crowd, generating an unforgettable energy.