James fans know to expect the unexpected when it comes to the live performances of the evergreen indie troubadours. Back in Manchester for an extraordinary homecoming celebrating 40 years in music, it's with the spine-tingling addition of a live orchestra and gospel choir for this completely sold out James Lasted tour.
On the first of two nights at the 02 Apollo, the set list takes a glorious sweep of that 40 year career, from the anthemic Sit Down through to beautiful newie Love Make A Fool, with plenty of surprises in between.
Perhaps not to be expected, given the rampant revelery of a "normal" James gig, is the strict instruction before the band arrive on stage that fans put their phones away throughout this performance.
