On Saturday, 18 April 2026, James will headline a highly anticipated performance at Co-op Live in Manchester as part of their Love Is The Answer Tour.
This hometown show is set to be a culmination of their 2026 UK arena tour, which includes major dates in cities like London, Leeds, and Nottingham. Joining them on stage will be very special guests Doves, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening. The concert will feature a comprehensive setlist spanning James’ extensive catalog, including classics such as Sit Down, Laid, and Come Home, alongside new tracks from their forthcoming greatest hits album, Nothing But Love – The Definitive Best Of, scheduled for release on 21 November 2025.
History of James
Formed in Manchester in 1982, James emerged as one of the defining bands of the British alternative rock scene. Known for their eclectic sound and poetic lyricism, the group first gained attention in the mid-1980s with support from The Smiths before achieving mainstream success in the 1990s with hits like Sit Down, Laid, and Come Home. Their music blends indie rock, folk, and experimental pop, often characterised by uplifting choruses and introspective themes. Fronted by Tim Booth, James built a reputation for their dynamic live performances and ability to reinvent their sound across decades. Despite lineup changes and a brief hiatus in the early 2000s, the band reunited in 2007 and has continued to release acclaimed albums, cementing their legacy as one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved live acts.
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Co-op Live Arena, Manchester: A Premier Entertainment Venue
Co-op Live is a state-of-the-art indoor arena located on the Etihad Campus in Manchester, England. Officially opened on May 14, 2024, it is now the largest indoor arena in the UK, boasting a capacity of up to 23,500 for a variety of events. A defining feature of the venue is its “music-first” design, with a unique “smart bowl” shape, a lower ceiling, and tiered seating that brings fans significantly closer to the stage than at comparable venues. This design, combined with cutting-edge acoustics and technology, aims to create a more intimate and immersive experience for both artists and attendees. The arena also emphasises sustainability, being the UK’s first all-electric arena and featuring rainwater harvesting systems and zero waste to landfill.
