James (band)
This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2014) |
James | |
---|---|
Past members | Paul Gilbertson Gavan Whelan Larry Gott Michael Kulas |
Website | wearejames |
James are an English
History
Formation and early releases: 1982–1987
James were formed in 1982 in Whalley Range, Manchester, when Paul Gilbertson persuaded his friend Jim Glennie to buy a bass guitar and form a band with him. Their line-up solidified when Gavan Whelan joined on drums. They played a string of gigs under the names Venereal and the Diseases and Volume Distortion before settling on the name of Model Team International, then shortened to Model Team.[11] They performed mostly improvised material derived from jam sessions, supporting The Fall at an early gig at Manchester Polytechnic. Vocalists and other musicians drifted rapidly in and out of their line-up until the band encountered Tim Booth at a student disco. Gilbertson invited him to the band's scout hut in Withington to join the band as a dancer; he was soon promoted to lead singer. In August 1982, after a brief period under the name Tribal Outlook, the band renamed themselves James, after Glennie. As Glennie later said: "No one ever calls me James, so I don't associate it with my name in that respect. We couldn't use Tim because he's the singer and that would be weird. Our drummer was called Gavan, and we thought it sounded too 'heavy metal,' and the other one was Paul, so it was either James or Paul, so we went with James. It didn't seem like a big deal at the time we just thought, "Cool let’s call the band 'James.'""[12]
A gig at
Although they were now being touted as the "next big thing", several complex issues slowed their progress. Gilbertson's drug problems presented the band with no choice but to ask him to leave. Booth and Glennie had joined a sect named Lifewave that imposed many restrictions on their lifestyle and threatened the band's stability.
Their third release, the
James had by this point earned themselves a reputation as a live act and had built a solid fanbase. Sales of James T-shirts were particularly successful in Manchester even before they reached the
The album went to number 1 in the indie charts, reinvigorating media interest in the band.Line-up changes and success: 1988–1992
In November 1988, drummer Whelan became involved in an on-stage fight with Booth
New singles "
The band members spent the rest of the year recording their next album,
Subsequent releases: 1993–2001
In 1993, James were invited on an
Booth's vocals were then added to the results.Laid was released in September 1993 to positive reviews. As well as being a success in the UK, the album also broke the band in the US, shipping over 600,000 copies and charting at number 72 in the Billboard 200,[8] propelled by the popularity of its risqué title track on US college radio. The band spent most of 1994 touring the States. Wah Wah was eventually released in September 1994 to a lukewarm reception.
The recording of the follow-up album faced difficulties from the start. Two key members of the James organisation resigned: guitarist and key composer Larry Gott (who left the group in order to spend more time with his family) and manager Martine McDonagh (who had had a sometimes fraught romantic relationship with Booth, resulting in a son, Ben). Booth announced that he also wished to take a break in order to record an album with Angelo Badalamenti. In 1995 the band discovered they owed a £250,000 tax bill.[17]
Determined to continue despite the setbacks, the band set up studio in Baynton-Power's house. Former Sharkboy guitarist Adrian Oxaal was drafted in to replace Gott on guitar,[8] while Booth returned periodically from the States to add his vocals. 1996 saw the release of Booth's album with Badalamenti (Booth and the Bad Angel). The new James album, Whiplash, followed in February 1997. The album proved a successful comeback, reaching the UK top 10, as did the single "She's a Star".[8]
The band toured to promote the album, recruiting Michael Kulas as rhythm guitarist while in the States. Booth suffered a neck injury while dancing on stage in the US, resulting in a series of tour dates being cancelled as he underwent emergency surgery, and the band being offered a place instead on the Lollapalooza tour. In March 1998, a greatest hits album, The Best Of, was released, compiling all the band's hits since their signing to Fontana. The album reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart,[8] and sold-out tours throughout the year followed.
The band then returned to the studio to begin work on their next album, Millionaires, which was released in October 1999. The album did not reach the phenomenal sales level predicted, but still entered the UK Albums Chart at number 2,[8] and sold over 150,000 copies.
After the disappointing performance of Millionaires the band chose to start anew in their approach to their next album, working with Eno once again. They spent most of 2000 recording the album; writing the songs, then performing them live before actually recording them. They embarked on a small-scale tour in the autumn of that year on which their set lists consisted almost entirely of new material. The album, Pleased To Meet You, was released in July 2001. The album's artwork featured a composite image of the faces of all the band members to create a new person. The album reached only number 11, the lowest position for a James studio album since their signing to Fontana.
Break-up and other projects: 2002–2006
Shortly after their last album release, James reached the end of their contract, and Tim Booth announced he was leaving the band to concentrate on other projects of his own. They played a farewell tour of the UK at the end of the year. Their final hometown gig, at the Manchester Evening News arena on 7 December, was recorded for a live CD and DVD,
A planned compilation of material from the band's Factory and Sire years was announced in 2001, but the album, Strange Dancing, was never released. The first two James albums, Stutter and Strip-mine, were re-pressed in June 2007, but without any additional rarities.
Booth continued as a solo artist in 2004 with the release of his solo album Bone, co-written and produced by Lee Muddy Baker.
A new
Reunion: 2007–present
In January 2007 singer Tim Booth's personal website announced that "Tim will be rejoining James in early 2007 for a series of live shows to be announced very soon".[18] At the same time, James's old website was replaced by a new domain holder at wearejames.com. The site confirmed the line-up as that which recorded the album Laid: Booth, Gott, Glennie, Davies, Hunter and Baynton-Power. Booth confirmed in interviews that he became convinced to rejoin the band after meeting up with Glennie and Gott the previous November for a jamming session, out of which new songs were born.
The initial five dates of the tour were expanded to seven on the day tickets went on sale (26 January) due to high demand; the whole tour had sold out by close of business. The tour took place during late April 2007, and was followed later in the year by more live shows, including festival appearances at T in the Park and V Festival. The band also appeared at Summercase, Barcelona's top music concert in Spain during July 2007. Andy Diagram also rejoined the band as trumpet player during the festival tour. April saw the release of a new compilation album, Fresh as a Daisy — The Singles, accompanied by a DVD compilation of all the band's promo videos.
The new album
The band announced plans to release two mini-albums by April 2010. The Night Before was released on 19 April, although its follow-up, The Morning After, was released later than expected, on 2 August 2010. Following the release of The Night Before, the band embarked on a UK tour, the Mirrorball Tour, premièring songs from the album. Another UK tour took place in December. Both this tour and the US release of both mini-albums together as a 2-CD set called The Morning After The Night Before. A 19-date North American tour began in September to promote the combined album as well as showcase the songs before the UK tour.
At the beginning of 2011, Tim Booth announced that he was working on some new solo material, although James remained active, participating in the
They played at Kendal Calling Festival 2012[21] and toured again in 2013.
James's first new album in six years, La Petite Mort, was released on 2 June 2014[22] along with a promo single "Moving On". In July 2014, the band headlined on the Castle Stage for Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle in Dorset and announced a ten date UK tour starting on 10 November, preceded by an 11 October headlining of the entertainment at the Rugby league Super League grand final at Old Trafford, performing a set before the game and in the half time show.
They toured again in 2015, playing some shows without Larry Gott, who was taking a break from touring: Adrian Oxaal re-joined the band for the duration of the tour (with former Oceansize guitarist Mike Vennart covering for him for one show at Bingley Live),[23] and would subsequently replace Gott in the active lineup. Keyboard technician Ron Yeadon, formerly of Unkle Bob, also appeared on stage, singing backing vocals; he later joined the band as a backing vocalist. In 2016, the album Girl at the End of the World was released, with an accompanying tour – building up to the band's planned appearance opening 2016's Glastonbury Festival (the Other Stage) and later taking a top spot at the On Blackheath festival in September.
In May 2018, James released a four-song EP, Better Than That, that reached number 1 of the Vinyl Singles Chart,[24] and embarked on a sold-out UK tour to promote it. During this tour, they also previewed a few songs from their following album, Living in Extraordinary Times, released on 3 August 2018. Percussionist and backing vocalist Deborah Knox-Hewson joined the band during the tour, replacing Ron Yeadon. She left the band shortly after the album's release and was replaced by Chloe Alper.
The band's 16th studio album, All the Colours of You, was released on 4 June 2021 on new label Virgin Music Label & Artists Services. The album has eleven tracks and was produced by Jacknife Lee.[25][26][27]
In December 2022 the band announced a UK tour with a live orchestra for 2023 to coincide with their 40th anniversary. On 23 March 2023 the band announced the release of their 17th studio album, Be Opened by the Wonderful, for 9 June 2023. The album is an all acoustic, orchestral re-working of hit singles plus the track "Love Make a Fool".[28]
On 29 September 2023, the band announced a UK tour in June 2024 in support of their 18th studio album with Razorlight supporting. On 15 January 2024 ,the band debuted their new single "Is This Love" from their 18th studio album, Yummy, released on 12: April 2024.[29]
Members
Current members
- Jim Glennie – bass guitar, backing vocals (1982–2001, 2007–present)
- Tim Booth – lead vocals (1982–2001, 2007–present)
- Adrian Oxaal – lead guitar, cello (1995–2001, 2015–present)
- David Baynton-Power – drums, percussion (1988–2001, 2007–present)
- Saul Davies – rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, violin, percussion, backing vocals (1989–2001, 2007–present)
- Mark Hunter – keyboards, piano, programming (1989–2001, 2007–present)
- Andy Diagram – trumpet, percussion, backing vocals (1989–1992, 2001, 2007–present)
- Deborah Knox-Hewson – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2018, 2021–present)
- Chloe Alper – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2018–present)
Former members
- Paul Gilbertson – lead guitar (1982–1985)
- Gavan Whelan – drums (1982–1988)
- Michael Kulas – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1997–2001)
- Larry Gott – lead guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, flute, backing vocals (1985–1995, 2001, 2007–2015)
- Rachel Burns - tambourine [citation needed]
Former touring and session members
- Ron Yeadon – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2014–2017)
Timeline
Awards and nominations
Year | Awards | Work | Category | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1991 | Silver Clef Award | Themselves | Best Newcomer | Won |
Smash Hits Poll Winners Party | Smash Hits/Radio One Award for Best New Group | Nominated | ||
Best Indie Act | Nominated | |||
1992 | Ivor Novello Awards | " Sit Down "
|
Best Contemporary Song | Nominated |
Brit Awards
|
Themselves | British Group[30] | Nominated | |
2012 | Lunas del Auditorio | Best Foreign Rock Artist | Nominated | |
2014 | UK Music Video Awards | "Moving On" | Best Animation | Won |
Best Rock/Indie Video – UK | Nominated | |||
AIM Independent Music Awards | Independent Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
Ibiza Music Video Festival | Best Visual Effects | Nominated | ||
2015 | Berlin Music Video Awards | "All I'm Saying" | Best Animation | Nominated |
2017 | "Dear John" | Nominated | ||
2018 | Best Art Vinyl | Living in Extraordinary Times | Best Art Vinyl[31] | Nominated |
Discography
Studio albums
- Stutter (1986)
- Strip-mine (1988)
- Gold Mother (1990)
- Seven (1992)
- Laid (1993)
- Wah Wah (1994)
- Whiplash (1997)
- Millionaires (1999)
- Pleased to Meet You (2001)
- Hey Ma (2008)
- The Night Before (2010)
- The Morning After (2010)
- La Petite Mort (2014)
- Girl at the End of the World (2016)
- Living in Extraordinary Times (2018)
- All the Colours of You (2021)
- Be Opened by the Wonderful (2023)
- Yummy (2024)
References
- ISBN 1-904994-00-8.
- ^ Lavelle, Emma (15 February 2017). "The Rise and Fall of Madchester". Culture Trip.
- ^ Sexton, Paul (14 August 2004). "Back Bone". Billboard. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
- ^ Shafer, Cody Ray. "Watch: James - "Moving On" Video, Plus Band Announces New Album". Under the Radar.
- ^ Networks, Hornet (10 August 2018). "The Legendary Britpop Band James Just Released Its Best Album in 25 Years". Hornet.
- ^ ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
- ^ a b "James: UK chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
- ^ ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
- ^ "Indie band James reform for tour". BBC News. 24 January 2007.
- ^ Alex Rendon (16 September 2010). "Manchester Rock Great James Returns to South Florida After 13 Years Away". New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Archived from the original on 8 December 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ "Larry Gott of James". Qromag.com.
- ^ "INTERVIEW: James' Bassist JIM GLENNIE Discusses New Album 'Living In Extraordinary Times.' | XS Noize | Online Music Magazine". Xsnoize.com. 29 November 2018.
- ^ "James History". Oneofthethree.co.uk. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ^ "THE SMITHS ON TOUR 1982 -1986". Recordcollectormag.com. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "James: Stutter". Music Arcades. 10 April 2006. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ^ "Gavan Whelan Music Videos". Ovguide.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ^ Hulse, Tim (22 March 1998). "Britpop's big brother". The Independent. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ "Tim Booth personal webpage – archived". Archived from the original on 13 January 2008. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "James announce UK tour with choir and orchestra – ticket details". Nme. 30 June 2011. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ^ "Orchestra of the Swan". Orchestra of the Swan. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ^ "James: Sit Down live". Kendalcalling.co.uk. Archived from the original on 22 December 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
- ^ "James Official Online Store : Merch, Music, Downloads & Clothing". James.tmstor.es. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ "Bingley Live – 4th September 2015". Oneofthethree.com. 4 September 2015.
- ^ "Official Vinyl Singles Chart Top 40 | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
- ^ Turman, Katherine (1 March 2021). "James Share Title Track from Upcoming LP, All the Colours of You". Spin.com. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
- ^ Reilly, Nick (2 March 2021). "James announce new album 'All The Colours Of You' and share title track". NME.
- ^ "James announce new album 'All The Colours Of You'". Music-News.com.
- ^ "News » James". Wearejames.com.
- ^ "News". Wearejames.com. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "History". Brits.co.uk. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
- ^ "Best Art Vinyl Awards 2018 | ArtVinyl". 22 July 2019. Archived from the original on 22 July 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
Works cited
- ISBN 0-7535-0494-4).