September 25 2024 los Angeles, CA Words by Lawrence Mann and Photos by A Rood Photography
September 25, 2024, marked an unforgettable night at The Orpheum Theatre, as Johnny Marr and The Healers took the stage alongside the legendary band James. With a vibrant atmosphere and a setlist that echoed across decades, this was a concert that celebrated musical evolution and camaraderie.
James kicked off the night with a remarkable presence, featuring nine members who blended casually cool attire with a worldly flair. Their expansive sound was immediately captivating, enhanced by a backdrop that shifted from a colorful 3D sphere to striking native imagery and thunderstorm visuals, perfectly mirroring the global influences that define their music.
The highlight of their performance came early when trumpet player Andy Diagram made a dramatic exit from the stage, only to resurface in a balcony booth, bringing the music right to the audience. It was a playful touch that showcased the band’s commitment to creating an immersive experience.
Tim Booth’s vocals were nothing short of phenomenal. After 18 albums, he still possesses the vocal prowess that fans first fell in love with in the ’80s. His voice soared effortlessly through the mix, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to artistry. With so many musicians on stage, each contributing various instruments and textures, the sound was rich and full, wrapping the audience in a warm embrace of nostalgia and innovation.
Check out the full gallery of photos of this night here.
As Marr stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in a cacophony of applause and playful cat-calls, setting the tone for an evening steeped in nostalgia and celebration.
Despite facing some early guitar issues, Marr handled it like a true pro, introducing his guitar tech to the audience with good humor. In many circles, he’s still lovingly referred to as “The Smiths guitarist,” but witnessing him live reveals that Marr is a formidable performer in his own right. Tonight was especially significant, marking the ten-year anniversary of Johnny Marr and The Healers.
In a playful twist, Marr opened the floor to requests—a special treat he reserves for Los Angeles, where he revels in the peculiarities of fan suggestions. “What’s a Nickelback?” he quipped, before humorously ruling out “Fly Like An Eagle,” admitting he was starting to enjoy it. His charm and wit created an instant connection with the audience, setting the stage for a vibrant show.
The concept of “healing” is aptly embodied by the band, whose music blends original compositions with beloved tracks from Marr’s illustrious career, including gems from The Smiths and Electronic. While Marr’s vocals echo a tone reminiscent of Morrissey and Neil Tennant, he firmly establishes his own identity, steering clear of imitation.
The setlist was a well-rounded journey, transitioning seamlessly from infectious originals to nostalgic classics, captivating everyone in attendance. The night reached its zenith during the encore, as they delivered an epic rendition of Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger” followed by The Smiths’ “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.” It was a moment that left the audience breathless, a reminder of the timeless power of great music.
In the end, the concert was not just a celebration of Marr’s past, but a reaffirmation of his present as a vital force in the music world. With the Healers by his side, Johnny Marr proved once again that he is more than a guitarist: he is a healer of the soul through song. If this performance is any indication, we can expect more captivating music from him for years to come.
James Setlist:
Sound
Life’s A Fucking Miracle
Five-O
Born Of Frustration
All The Colours Of You
Beautiful Beaches
Shadow Of A Giant
Way Over Your Head
Zero
Laid
Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)
Johnny Marr & The Healers Setlist:
Sensory Street
Panic (The Smiths)
Generate! Generate!
Spirit Power And Soul
New Town Velocity
This Charming Man (The Smiths)
Somewhere
Walk Into The Sea
Please, Please, Please let me Get What I Want (The Smiths)
The Headmaster Ritual (The Smiths)
Get The Message (Electronic)
How Soon Is Now? (The Smiths)
Easy Money
Getting Away With It (Electronic)
Encore:
The Passenger (Iggy Pop)
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (The Smiths)
Check out the full gallery of photos of this night here.
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