James Bay is an all-encompassing rockstar — singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer. His talent and passion for music were palpable during his headlining show on April 24 at Brooklyn Bowl.
Opening the evening was indie-folk artist and Nashville resident, Hunter Metts, who played his hit song “Weathervane” and his newly released single “Abilene.” He spoke about the new single before playing it for the crowd.
“This song represents the love that we inherit from our loved ones,” Metts said.
Through his lyricism in songs like “Open” and “Paper Moon,” Metts offered listeners a vulnerable glimpse into his heart and experiences with love and family.
The show was especially special for Metts, who once dreamed of becoming a full-time singer-songwriter while living with his parents in Kentucky. Now living out that lifelong dream, he invited the audience to meet him at the merch table — a gesture of gratitude for his fans and the opportunities he’s found in Music City.
Keeping with the night’s theme of dreams and the things that keep us “Up All Night,” James Bay took the stage with rhythmic stomps and claps, immediately commanding the sold-out crowd’s attention. While supported by a talented band, Bay quickly proved his ability to carry the show alone, using his raspy vocals and distorted guitar as raw, expressive tools.
In classic British charm, Bay paused to thank the Nashville crowd.
“Singing was good in my other American shows, but here in Nashville, the singing is great,” Bay said.
After performing his recent collaborative track “Sunshine in the Room” with multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste, Bay brought the audience back in time.
“This song feels like 100 years old, but really it’s only 11 years old,” Bay said before singing his chart-topping hit “Let It Go.”
Despite the song’s wide popular reception — it is seven-time RIAA Platinum-certified — Bay created an intimate experience singing it. Mirrorball lights danced across the room, couples pulled closer and much of the crowd softly sang back the heart-wrenching lyrics, creating a scene straight out of a movie.
Bay maintained a playful call-and-response with the crowd throughout the night, encouraging them to scream during songs like “Wild Love” and “Us.”
Mixing in songs like “Peer Pressure” (his collaboration with Julia Michaels), “Craving” and “Lemonade” — tracks fans of One Direction’s “FOUR” and Arctic Monkeys’ “AM” albums would surely enjoy — Bay brought out Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sheryl Crow for a surprise duet of their new collaboration, “You and Me Time.”
“That’s a real heartthrob,” Bay said with a smile after Crowe exited the stage.
Keeping the energy high, Bay wrapped up the night with an acoustic solo performance of “Need The Sun To Break,” followed by his emotional anthem “Hold Back The River.” Just as the night began — with fans screaming the lyrics back to him — it ended with an eruption of dancing and hands swaying in the air.
Bay is memorable not just for his wide-brim fedora and long, dark hair, but for his quick-witted interactions with the live audience, passionate guitar playing, wide-ranging vocals and, of course, British charm — all of which were on full display at Brooklyn Bowl.
