Liverpool’s Jamie Webster took to the stage in Manchester this weekend, playing two sold-out nights at the O2 Victoria Warehouse, with support from Wrexham four-piece The Royston Club and 16-year-old up-and-comer Alex Spencer.
Both support acts set up the evening perfectly, creating a vibrant and eager atmosphere in Manchester ahead of Webster’s performance. Alex Spencer opened the night with a performance certain to put his name on the map ahead of his hometown show at Manchester’s Deaf Institute at the end of the month. Playing tracks from his most recent EP such as One Step Forward and One Way Ticket. The 16-year-old songwriter looked at home on stage despite his age and no doubt has a promising future ahead.
Just off the back of their massive sold-out UK tour, The Royston Club were up next, returning to Manchester for the first time since their sold-out gig at New Century Hall. Despite a shorter set than they’re used to, the band were as energetic and enthusiastic as ever, particularly during I’m A Liar, with frontman Tom Faithfull working the crowd like a man possessed. The standout tracks of the night go to Believe It Or Not and 52 which certainly had the audience warmed up for the headliner. It is safe to say that everything The Royston Club are touching right now is turning to gold and that will only continue into 2024!
The venue was practically overflowing when Webster and his backing band entered the stage, greeted by cheers and chants of “F*ck the Tories” in typical fashion for a Jamie Webster crowd. It was a set which wasted no time getting started, opening with Voice of the Voiceless and Days Unknown, tracks which both possess catchy hooks and beats to get the crowd bouncing. Despite the feel-good vibe of Webster’s tracks, he made time throughout the gig to voice his opinion on matters important to him, such as the state of the UK justice system, the main topic of his track Davy Kane, taking a focus on his thoughts on rehabilitation and punishment. Webster also gave an insight into his own story, using his career as an example to encourage fans to follow their dreams and the importance of hard work and surrounding yourself with the right people, a message which can only be commended.
Highlights of the night came from an electric encore with fan favourite tracks A Weekend In Paradise and This Place igniting the best reaction of the night, having the crowd in full voice, intensifying the party atmosphere in Manchester which lasted even after the music had finished with the crowd staying to show their appreciation for the performance, with a full house singing along to Manchester icons The Stone Roses, ringing throughout the venue.
It was a memorable gig from Jamie Webster, who no doubt will be playing even bigger venues when he returns next year. With new album ‘10 For The People’ releasing in February, partnered with some intimate record store shows, we highly recommend you get down and see him do what he does best.
Written by Tom Smith