Live Review | James Bay @ O2 Academy, Glasgow

James Bay

O2 Academy, Glasgow

1st February 2025

Photography by Uchechi Adeboye (@byuchechi)

Uchechi Adeboye

My name is Uchechi, and I am a 21 year old law student from the north of Scotland. Outside of my studies, I am a avid concert goer and music enthusiast. Photography has also been my passion for as long as I can remember, so getting to combine my two passions through concert photography has been great. When I’m not with my camera or typing with my keyboard, I am enjoying nature with my friends.

At the start of his tour, James Bay took to Glasgow to treat fans to old classics and newer material

James Bay doesn’t disappoint. He recently began his UK tour and I was able to catch him at night one of two Scottish shows. The packed crowd at Glasgow’s O2 Academy were singing their hearts out to every word, fully locked into his performance from start to finish. If the first night of the tour was anything to go by, the rest of the tour is definitely going to be promising.

His biggest hits, ‘Let It Go‘ and ‘Hold Back the River‘, were well received and it was a reminder of how much his music means to people even a decade later. But it wasn’t just the classics; his new songs from ‘Changes All the Time‘ were also well received and I loved seeing how much his sound has evolved over time.

Beyond the music, it’s his presence that made the show. He’s got a calm confidence and great stage presence and the crowd were so engaged. James Bay isn’t new to this industry and you can tell by the way he’s able to make shows feel intimate, even in such a big room. The tour is just beginning so make sure to still grab tickets to it whilst you can.