James, Editors, Maximo Park, The Pigeon Detectives, The Kairos, Pale Blue Eyes

James have confirmed they will be performing at The Darlington Arena, with special guests Editors and Maximo Park on Saturday 5th August 2023. The Pigeon Detectives, The Kairos, and Pale Blue Eyes will also complete the extravagant line-up.

Having one of Britain’s most enduring success stories, James have released 16 studio albums, selling over 25 million copies with their recent run of Top 5 albums proving to be a golden era for the band.

Released in 2021, ‘All the Colours Of You’ was their most critically acclaimed album in many years, preceded by ‘Living in Extraordinary Times’ and ‘Girl at the End of the World’ which only narrowly missed out on the top spot in 2016 to Adele.

In 2021, the band’s arena tour was their biggest selling and most successful to date and as James approach their fourth decade as a band they are showing no signs of slowing down with the release of a new album of their classic songs reimagined with an orchestra and choir called “be opened by the wonderful” on June 9th, as well as a sold out UK tour.

James will be joined by special guests, Editors. Originating in Moseley, Birmingham, Editors formed in 2002 whilst studying music technology at Staffordshire University. Having recorded millions of sales during their career, Editors debut album ‘The Back Room’ was released in 2005 which contained popular hits "Munich" and "Blood".

Having released two platinum studio albums, September 2022 saw the band release their seventh album called ‘EBM’ seeing them reach the top 10 in the UK Albums Chart. This led to the announcement of Benjamin John Power, who had previously worked with the band on the Violence album, as an official band member.

Having a critical acclaim and strong success in the UK Singles Charts also, they consistently enjoyed sold-out tours and numerous headlining festival slots making Saturday August 5th a day to remember!

Maximo Park will also be joining the line-up as special guests at The Darlington Arena. Forming in Newcastle in 2000, the alternative rock band consists of Paul Smith (vocals), Duncan Lloyd (guitar), and Tom English (drums). With hits like "Apply Some Pressure" and "Our Velocity," their shows are always a crowd-pleaser. Having released seven studio albums with the latest being ‘Nature always Wins’ released in 2021, the band have acclaimed two gold albums and were nominated for the Mercury Prize on their debut.

With three incredible bands already announced, Leeds band The Pigeon Detectives join the line-up having just released their new single ‘Lovers Come and Lovers Go’, their first new music since 2016. Liverpool band, The Kairos have also been added.

Finally opening the day on what is going to be an incredible day of live music, will be young electro-modernist guitar group based in Devon, Pale Blue Eyes.

Liz Doogan-Hobbs MBE, CEO of Grandslam Live Ltd said, “We are delighted James will be coming to The Darlington Arena this summer in what will be Darlington’s biggest show ever! We are thrilled to bring such a strong and credible line-up of musical talent for Darlington to enjoy.

All bands are incredible live, and a show headlined by James will be amazing! We know fans will enjoy what promises to be one of the most memorable shows The Darlington Arena will ever see. It’s great for the region and the development of music in Darlington”.