James (band)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Manchester, England |
| Headquarters | Manchester , England |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Number of employees | 7 (band members) |
James is a rock group originating from Manchester, England, established in 1982. The band rose to fame during the 1990s, securing four singles within the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart and nine albums reaching the top 10 on the UK Albums Chart. Their most recognized tracks include "Come Home", "Sit Down", "She's a Star", and "Laid".
Following the departure of lead vocalist Tim Booth in 2001, James paused their activities but regrouped in 2007, subsequently releasing seven more albums. Live concerts have consistently played a pivotal role in their commercial approach. By 2010, the band had sold over 25 million albums worldwide.
Origins and initial releases: 1982–1987
James was formed in 1982 in Whalley Range, Manchester, when Paul Gilbertson persuaded Jim Glennie to purchase a bass guitar and start a musical project. The lineup was completed with Gavan Whelan on drums. Initially performing under names such as Venereal and the Diseases and Model Team, their early shows mainly featured improvised pieces born from jam sessions. After encountering Tim Booth at a student disco, he joined initially as a dancer before becoming the lead vocalist.
In August 1982, the group adopted the name James, inspired by Glennie’s first name. On 17 November that year, upon recommendation from Mike Pickering, James performed at Manchester's Haçienda nightclub alongside New Order and others. This event was recorded and released by Factory Records as "A Factory Outing" in 1983. Factory co-founder Tony Wilson offered them an album contract; however, they chose to issue a three-track EP instead. Their debut release, the Jimone EP, was recorded at Strawberry Studios and launched through Factory Records in September 1983. This exposure led to supporting the Smiths during their 1985 Meat is Murder tour.
Despite early promise, obstacles hindered their progress. Gilbertson’s struggles with substance abuse resulted in his exit, replaced by guitar instructor Larry Gott. Additionally, Booth and Glennie’s involvement with the Lifewave sect impacted band cohesion. Their second EP, James II, arrived over a year later to favorable reviews; both EPs were later compiled into Village Fire. Discontent with Factory’s emphasis on image over music led them to sign with Sire Records.
The Sit Down EP was released in February 1986, followed by their debut album Stutter in July, which reached number 68 on the UK Albums Chart. Financial difficulties and minimal promotional support marked their second album, Strip-mine, released in September 1988 after remixing aimed at radio friendliness; it peaked at number 90. The band then invoked a contractual clause to exit Sire.
By this stage, James had cultivated a strong reputation for live performances and built a loyal fanbase. Merchandise sales, particularly T-shirts in Manchester, were robust even prior to chart breakthroughs. They financed the live album One Man Clapping, recorded at Bath’s Moles nightclub, through a loan from RBS and assistance from Rough Trade Records. The album topped indie charts in 1989 and reignited media interest.
Personnel changes and rise: 1988–1992
In November 1988, drummer Whelan was involved in an onstage dispute with Booth and was dismissed from the band. He was swiftly replaced by David Baynton-Power. The following year saw James broaden their lineup and musical style by adding guitarist-violinist-percussionist Saul Davies, keyboardist Mark Hunter, and trumpeter/percussionist Andy Diagram, an established avant-garde artist. This seven-member formation recorded their third studio album.
The singles "Sit Down" and "Come Home" achieved strong positions on independent charts; "Come Home" also appeared on the compilation Happy Daze. Initially slated for release through Rough Trade, the album Gold Mother was reclaimed by James after Rough Trade's owner, Geoff Travis, expressed doubts about its commercial viability beyond modest sales figures. A successful winter tour in 1989 secured a deal with Fontana Records, representing a significant breakthrough for the band.
Issued in June 1990 amidst the 'Madchester' scene, Gold Mother brought James into mainstream attention. Singles such as "How Was It for You," the remixed "Come Home," and "Lose Control" all reached the Top 40. Their popularity culminated in two sold-out performances at Manchester's G-Mex. In March 1991, a re-recorded version of "Sit Down" climbed to number two on the UK Singles Chart, prompting a re-release of Gold Mother that exceeded sales expectations tenfold. The single became one of that year's best-selling tracks.
The subsequent album, Seven, arrived in February 1992 and peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart. Its lead single "Sound" entered the top ten charts. This momentum enabled James to embark on their inaugural US tour and culminated in a sold-out concert for 30,000 attendees at Alton Towers in July, broadcast live via BBC Radio 1. Shortly thereafter, Andy Diagram left the group.
Later releases: 1993–2001
In 1993, James supported Neil Young on an acoustic tour across the United States before returning to collaborate with Brian Eno, who contributed to enriching the atmospheric quality of their sound. This partnership resulted in two distinct albums: the more song-oriented Laid and the experimental Wah Wah, which featured improvised sessions mixed by Eno and finalized with Booth’s vocal tracks.
Released in September 1993, Laid garnered favorable critical reception, achieving notable success in the UK and making significant inroads into the US market by shipping over 600,000 copies and reaching number 72 on the Billboard 200 chart. The single "Laid" gained traction on college radio stations. The band embarked on an extensive US tour throughout 1994. The follow-up, Wah Wah, arrived in September 1994 but met with a more muted critical and commercial reaction.
The subsequent album cycle was complicated by the departure of guitarist Larry Gott and manager Martine McDonagh, alongside Booth taking time off to record with Angelo Badalamenti. In 1995, the band faced a substantial tax liability amounting to £250,000.
Despite these difficulties, James established a recording studio at Baynton-Power’s residence and brought in guitarist Adrian Oxaal. Booth contributed vocals intermittently while releasing his collaborative album with Badalamenti in 1996. Their return was marked by the release of Whiplash in February 1997, which secured a place in the UK top 10 charts along with its single "She's a Star". The band toured with new rhythm guitarist Michael Kulas but had to cancel some dates due to Booth’s neck injury before participating in the Lollapalooza festival tour.
In March 1998, The Best Of, a compilation of their hits since signing with Fontana, topped the UK Albums Chart and was supported by sold-out tours.
The 1999 release Millionaires debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart and sold over 150,000 copies, although it did not fully meet commercial expectations.
In pursuit of a fresh direction, James reunited with Brian Eno for their next project, dedicating much of 2000 to writing and performing new material live prior to recording. The resulting album, Pleased To Meet You, released in July 2001 featuring cover art composed of merged images of band members’ faces, peaked at number 11 on the charts—their lowest position since signing with Fontana.
Hiatus and side ventures: 2002–2006
Following their final album under contract, James parted ways with their label as Tim Booth departed to concentrate on solo endeavors. They completed a farewell tour across the UK in 2002, culminating in a closing performance in Manchester that was recorded for the live CD/DVD release Getting Away With It... Live. Former members Larry Gott and Andy Diagram rejoined for this tour, with Brian Eno making a guest appearance at Wembley Arena. In 2003, Mercury Records reissued Gold Mother, Laid, and Whiplash featuring additional bonus tracks alongside a B-sides collection titled B-Sides Ultra.
Although a compilation covering their Factory and Sire periods called Strange Dancing was announced, it never saw release. Early albums such as Stutter and Strip-mine were reissued in 2007 without any rare or unreleased material included. Booth released his solo work Bone in 2004, co-written and produced by Lee Muddy Baker. Later that year saw the release of another compilation, The Collection, followed by the live DVD Seven – The Live Concert in 2005.
Reunion: 2007–present
In January 2007, Tim Booth declared his comeback to James for live performances. The ensemble reunited the lineup from the Laid era: Booth, Gott, Glennie, Davies, Hunter, and Baynton-Power. Booth attributed his decision to rejoin to an inspiring jam session with Glennie and Gott. Initial concerts rapidly sold out, prompting an extended UK tour in April 2007, which included appearances at festivals such as T in the Park, V Festival, and Summercase. During this time, Andy Diagram returned as the trumpet player. April also marked the release of the compilation Fresh as a Daisy — The Singles, accompanied by a DVD featuring promotional videos.
The album Hey Ma was launched on 7 April 2008 and peaked at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart. Shortly after, a three-week tour commenced to support the release, followed by the December "We Are Sound" arena tour that introduced new songs. A limited edition live album titled Live in 2008 was made available exclusively during this tour.
James planned to issue two mini-albums by April 2010. The Night Before was released on 19 April, succeeded by The Morning After on 2 August. To promote these records, the band toured both the UK and North America; in the US, the combined set was presented as The Morning After The Night Before.
In 2011, while Booth focused on solo projects, James continued performing at festivals including Lollapalooza Chile and Coachella. Later that year they announced a UK tour featuring orchestral and choral accompaniment—collaborating with Orchestra of the Swan and Manchester Consort Choir—signifying a move towards more sophisticated live shows. They also played Kendal Calling Festival in 2012 and toured again in 2013.
Their first new studio album in six years, La Petite Mort, arrived on 2 June 2014 with the lead single "Moving On". That year they headlined Camp Bestival’s Castle Stage and completed a ten-date UK tour, including a performance at the Rugby League Super League grand final.
In 2015, Larry Gott stepped back from touring; guitarist Adrian Oxaal returned temporarily before becoming a permanent member. Keyboard technician Ron Yeadon also joined as a backing vocalist during this period. The band released Girl at the End of the World in 2016 alongside tours culminating with appearances at Glastonbury Festival and On Blackheath.
May 2018 brought the release of the EP Better Than That, which reached number one on the Vinyl Singles Chart. A sold-out UK tour followed to promote it and preview tracks from their forthcoming album, Living in Extraordinary Times, issued on 3 August 2018. Percussionist Deborah Knox-Hewson joined for this tour but was soon succeeded by Chloe Alper.
Their sixteenth studio album, All the Colours of You, was released on 4 June 2021 through Virgin Music Label & Artists Services. Produced by Jacknife Lee, it contains eleven tracks.
In December 2022, James announced a UK orchestral tour celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2023. On 23 March 2023 they unveiled their seventeenth studio album, Be Opened by the Wonderful, an acoustic orchestral reinterpretation of classic songs plus the new track "Love Make a Fool," scheduled for release on 9 June.
On 29 September 2023 they revealed plans for a June 2024 UK tour supporting their upcoming eighteenth studio album with Razorlight as special guests. On 15 January 2024 they premiered the single "Is This Love" ahead of the album Yummy, which was released on 12 April.
A summer UK tour for 2025 was announced on 8 November featuring acts such as Happy Mondays, Razorlight, Shed Seven among others along with a new live album/DVD entitled James, Live at the Acropolis.
In 2025 James completed their first headlining US tour in fifteen years with eighteen shows plus festival appearances from September through October. The band performed their entire Laid album alongside hits and rare tracks across two sets each night. The nine-member lineup and Tim Booth's stage presence received widespread praise.
On 7 October 2025 James announced Nothing But Love, a three-disc career-spanning box set accompanied by a UK arena tour planned for 2026. The following day they released "Wake Up Superman," a fresh track from the box set.
Members
Current lineup
- Jim Glennie – bass guitar, backing vocals (1982–2001, 2007–present)
- Tim Booth – lead vocalist (1982–2001, 2007–present)
- David Baynton-Power – drums and percussion (1988–2001, 2007–present)
- Saul Davies – rhythm and acoustic guitars, 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)
- Adrian Oxaal – lead guitar, cello (1995–2001, 2015–present)
- Deborah Knox-Hewson – drums, percussion, backing vocals (touring in 2018; full member since 2021)
- Chloe Alper – backing vocals, percussion (2018–present)
Past members
- Gavan Whelan – drums, piano, backing vocals (1982–1988)
- Paul Gilbertson – guitar (1982–1985)
- Larry Gott – lead and acoustic guitars, keyboards, flute, backing vocals (1985–1995, 2001, 2007–2015)
- Michael Kulas – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1997–2001)
Previous touring and session contributors
- Ron Yeadon – backing vocals and percussion (2014–2017)
Timeline
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Recipient | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Silver Clef Award | The band | Best Newcomer | |
| Smash Hits Poll Winners Party | Smash Hits/Radio One Award for Best New Group | |||
| Best Indie Act | ||||
| 1992 | Ivor Novello Awards | "Sit Down" | Best Contemporary Song | |
| Brit Awards | The band | British Group | ||
| 2012 | Lunas del Auditorio | Best Foreign Rock Artist | ||
| 2014 | UK Music Video Awards | "Moving On" | Best Animation | |
| Best Rock/Indie Video – UK | ||||
| AIM Independent Music Awards | Independent Video of the Year | |||
| Ibiza Music Video Festival | Best Visual Effects | |||
| 2015 | Berlin Music Video Awards | "All I'm Saying" | Best Animation | |
| 2017 | "Dear John" | |||
| 2018 | Best Art Vinyl | Living in Extraordinary Times | Best Art Vinyl |
DiscographyStudio albums
ReferencesBibliography
External links |
- Articles with short description
- James (band)
- English alternative rock bands
- Britpop bands
- Alternative rock bands from Manchester
- Factory Records artists
- Rough Trade Records artists
- Sire Records artists
- Mercury Records artists
- Fontana Records artists
- Decca Records artists
- Cooking Vinyl artists
- Madchester bands
- People from Whalley Range
- Musical groups formed in 1982
- Musical groups disbanded in 2001
- Musical groups reunited in 2007
- English indie pop bands
- 1982 establishments in England
- Musical groups disestablished in 2001