James Bay doesn’t need a band. When you have a voice as pure as his and the guitar skills to match, anything more would only be a distraction. Taking to the stage alone at the legendary 100 Club, a venue steeped in musical history, he delivered a stripped-back masterclass in songwriting and musicianship as part of BRITs Week for War Child.
The 350-capacity basement on Oxford Street has played host to everyone from The Rolling Stones to Oasis, and for one night, it belonged entirely to Bay. This was an evening in aid of a good cause, with all proceeds going to support children affected by conflict. But there was no sense of obligation about Bay’s performance, just a musician at ease, doing what he does best.
He opened with ‘Up All Night,’ the first track from his fourth album Changes All the Time, though not without a hitch. A sudden technical failure saw his guitar input cut out, forcing an early restart. If he was rattled, he didn’t show it. With quiet resolve, he reset and let his vocals take charge, soaring through the small but packed venue.
From there, it was back to where it all started with Chaos and the Calm’s ‘If You Ever Want to Be in Love,’ a song tailor-made for moments like this. The crowd, clearly well-versed in the Bay songbook, instinctively took up the harmonies, transforming the set into a shared experience rather than just a performance.
In just 50 minutes, Bay reaffirmed why he remains one of Britain’s most accomplished solo performers. Without the weight of a full band behind him, his voice, both delicate and commanding, was given space to shine. Few artists move so effortlessly from pin-drop intimacy to full-throated crescendos, but Bay made it look easy.
The setlist was well worked and slewed to his early years with ‘Let It Go,’ ‘Wait In Line,’ and ‘Craving’ all making the cut. But inevitably, it was ‘Hold Back The River’ that brought the night to a close. By now, the crowd needed little encouragement to join in, singing every word back at him in full voice.
This was Bay in his purest form, no frills, no gimmicks, just one man, a guitar, and a collection of songs that have lost none of their power. More than just a fundraiser, it was a reminder of music’s ability to connect, to uplift, and, in the right hands, to leave a lasting impact.
