It was a glorious day in the charming seaside town of Ayr, marking the opening of the Pavilion Festival in the picturesque lower Green area. The sun beamed brightly as festival-goers strolled toward the event, a vibrant mix of families and friends gathering in anticipation. People of all ages mingled outside, exchanging cheerful greetings and laughter before stepping onto the festival grounds. This was our inaugural visit to the festival, and we were delighted by its inviting ambiance. The friendly, welcoming atmosphere enveloped us as we entered, and the palpable excitement set the tone for a memorable day ahead.
We arrived just in time to catch Starsailor’s captivating set before James took the stage. Fronted by the charismatic James Walsh, the band faced delays due to earlier technical issues, forcing them to deliver a condensed performance. Despite the shortened set, they thrilled the local crowd with beloved tracks like “Four to the Floor” and “Good Souls.” It had been several years since I last saw them, but they still know how to deliver an electrifying show, getting the festival audience to sing along enthusiastically. As the band wrapped up their performance, they received an enthusiastic reception from the crowd. While it was disappointing to have less time with them than anticipated, the joy of witnessing their live performance made it well worth it.
As the lights gradually illuminated the venue, the PA system filled the air with iconic anthems from the 90s, setting the perfect backdrop for James’ much-anticipated arrival. The atmosphere within the spacious tent was electric, with enthusiastic fans singing along and dancing in place, swept up in the nostalgia of the music. The energy surged throughout the crowd, creating an exhilarating buzz as everyone eagerly awaited the final preparations for James’ grand entrance.
As the lights dimmed, the band’s intro reverberated through the tent, instantly shifting the atmosphere and electrifying the audience in eager anticipation of the band’s arrival. As the members made their way to their respective positions—featuring Jim Glennie, David Baynton-Power, Saul Davies, Mark Hunter, Adrian Oxaal, Deborah Know-Hewson, Chloe Alper, and Andy Diagram—the excitement intensified. Then, the crowd erupted at the first sight of Tim Booth, who sauntered onto the stage clad in a kilt, complemented by a cozy woollen jacket and a traditional woollen hat.
As the intro drew to a close, the band kicked off with “Johnny Yen,” sending vibrations through the tent as it bounced with energy. Tim then stepped off stage to connect with the audience more intimately, standing on the barrier to engage with fans just a few rows back. The start of the set was nothing short of spectacular, seamlessly transitioning into the captivating “Waltzing Along” and the infectious “Honest Joe.” What an electrifying beginning to the show! With a megaphone in hand, Tim commanded the stage during “Honest Joe,” moving energetically as he let the music engulf him, captivating everyone in the crowd.
The band was in exceptional form, delivering a remarkable performance during the opening segment of the show. Highlights included fan favourites like “Better With You,” “Leviathan,” and “She’s a Star,” captivating audiences of all ages. Tim shared his excitement, noting that after over 40 years of touring the UK, this was their first visit to Ayr, and he remarked, “Wow, what a voice you have!
Tim appeared to be savouring every moment of the show as he soaked in the audience’s harmonized voices blending with the music. The band delivered an electrifying mix, pulling from a rich catalogue spanning eight albums over the decades and featuring 10 of these tonight in the show. They thrilled the Ayr crowd with the powerful anthem “Come Home,” a performance that nearly lifted the roof off the tent.
As the set drew to a close, the band thrilled the crowd with a sensational rendition of “Shadow of A Giant,” seamlessly transitioning into “Way Over Your Head,” which had the audience singing and dancing with infectious energy. A particularly unforgettable moment unfolded during the captivating “Sit Down,” when Tim removed his earpiece to fully absorb the powerful sound of the crowd singing along, their voices resonating beautifully through the venue. The sight of pure emotion on his face, mirrored by his fellow band members, was a testament to the connection they shared with their fans. The Pavilion Festival audience truly took ownership of the song, transforming it into a communal anthem. As Tim wrapped up the performance, he couldn’t help but express his awe at the Ayr crowd, exclaiming, “Wow!
Tim announced that the band would forgo the traditional encore, citing the dwindling time as they continued their set with the mesmerizing “Beautiful Beaches” and the uplifting “Tomorrow.” James was absolutely electric tonight, delivering a performance that the Ayr Pavilion festival audience would not soon forget. Tim embraced the energy of the crowd, diving into a thrilling crowd surf that allowed him to connect with fans along the front barrier. There was no better way to culminate the show than with the iconic “Getting Away With It,” a powerful anthem that sent the tent into a frenzy, as the audience united their voices for one final chorus. As the band wrapped up their set, they were met with thunderous applause from an appreciative crowd. Taking their bows, they waved heartfelt goodbyes to the spirited Ayr audience, leaving behind a night filled with unforgettable memories.
Tonight was truly special; from the first note to the final encore, this was a celebration of the band’s music that resonated with both the crowd and the performers, who relished every moment of the show. If you’ve never experienced this band live, prepare to be uplifted and rediscover that joyous feeling within. With a vast back catalogue, attending a show will likely reveal more of their songs in your memory than you expect. Don’t miss your chance to catch them across the UK as they kick off their tour at the end of May!
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
