Concert Review: James Bay Is Bae At Beacon Theatre

Entering James Bay’s Sold-Out Beacon Theatre show, I saw what has to be the most relevant shirt in deciphering his fans adoration of him, “Bay is Bae.” Literally, everyone treated James like he was their Bae or, at least, the quintessential voice of “Baedom.” Thus, it was inevitable that his show felt sweet, enlightening, and may have ignited some conscious coupling. 

As each audience member sang along to every verse, even new ones he was just introducing like, “Peer Pressure,” I was floored. It was as if the entire theater had started a lyrical group chat a week before the show to assure every one came with the proper verses and pitches. Yet, I am a sap for such dynamics, especially when you have lyrics that are poetical and embodying of the struggle to be optimistic. From “Best Fake Smile” to “Let It Go,” the audience felt bound by James’ lyrics as if they were scriptures on what it is to really need someone to tell you that you are doing right but only having yourself to do so.

At one point in life, you have to realize that you are searching for guidance amongst those whom also seek it. From your family to your friends, everyone is just trying to figure out their own humanity, and this stood out when a packed theater sang in full voice the lyrics to “Us,” which goes as such:

Tell me how to be in this world

Tell me how to breathe in and feel no hurt

Tell me how could I believe in something

I believe in us

There was such a sincerity in the crowd’s singing  and in James Bay’s voice that it made me teary-eyed. He had become the voice for those feeling lost but looking to be found in love.

Bay’s voice feels like sonic roots; crawling with earthiness providing nourishment to his listeners. His humility only added to his vocal weightiness; approaching the night, in song and speech, with tremendous gratitude. He outwardly said that, “This was a big deal for him,” which ignited church hands and “F**k Yeahs!” in response. For the crowd Bay was like a rocker for hope; singing his songs, beautifully riffing his guitar, and sparking through the stage like an electric plug too powerful for outlets. Overall, it was such a feel good show that it made you want to run out and buy a Bay Is Bae shirt. For More Information On James Bay Click Here.