AFTER more than a year away from live music, life is finally starting to ease back to normal and in the words of James Blunt’s new Ibiza-style dance track, “it’s gonna be OK”. 

 Following what seemed like endless months in and out of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the crowd at the BIC on Thursday night were raring to go and there was a real buzz in the atmosphere.  

 The support act on the night was a young lad called Alfie Sheard who stepped in at the last minute after Ward Thomas had to cancel.  

Sheard’s busking days prepared him well as he quickly captivated the audience with his impressive guitar skills, silky voice and British charm.  

Bournemouth Echo:

Alfie Sheard. Picture: www.rockstarimages.co.uk

A mix of trepidation and excitement filled the air in the foyer before the main gig as people chatted over the previous performance and grabbed drinks from the bar - how quickly life can return to ‘normal’.  

 Escapism is one of the biggest pleasures of live music and that’s exactly what James Blunt and his band sought to give Bournemouth as they rocked out on stage. 

 Mixing tracks from his five studio albums to date – Back to Bedlam, The Afterlove, All the Lost Souls, Once Upon a Mind, Some Kind of Trouble and Moon Landing – showed the extent of his talents and craft of the act on stage. 

Bournemouth Echo:

James Blunt at the BIC. Picture: www.rockstarimages.co.uk

James brought his signature wit and charm to the event, though he revealed he was struggling with long Covid after testing positive on July 6. 

 Slightly breathless when he was talking, James’ shortness of air was nowhere to be seen when he was belting out ballads and running across the stage.  

 From the timeless ‘You’re Beautiful’ and ‘So Long, Jimmy’ to the newer songs including ‘Postcards’ and ‘OK’ - the visual effects and stage performances of the band were second to none. 

 Closing the event with a double encore, James said how good it was to be back and we couldn’t agree more.