Live Review: UK Icons James & Johnny Marr At Orpheum Theatre

There was nothing but nostalgia in the air among the crowd that gathered for Brit icons James and Johnny Marr on September 25. 

On the first night of their Los Angeles mini-residency at the Orpheum Theatre, English rock band, James, took the stage and provided the audience with the perfect amount of excitement and energy. As the doors opened, eager patrons filled the gothic-style theater and waited patiently in their seats. It was not long before flashing strobe lights transformed the venue and everyone was out of their seats dancing along to the catchy tunes. 

Lead vocalist, Tim Booth, put on quite a performance as he occasionally walked off the stage and into the aisles of the theatre serenading lucky fans. He also frequently interacted with the audience, cracking jokes and even making a few jabs at former Smiths member, Morrissey. In addition, trumpet player, Andy Diagram, disappeared from the stage momentarily before appearing on the balcony of the showroom and dazzling the audience with a trumpet solo. 

The whole ordeal was reminiscent of a synth music dance party and transported fans back to the 1980s. At the end of his performance, Booth expressed his gratitude for the crowd and prepared them for the next act. 

“Have a good night with Johnny,” said Booth.  

James Setlist

1. Sound
2. All the Colours of You
3. Five-O
4. Life’s a F****** Miracle
5. Way Over Your Head
6. Born of Frustration
7. Shadow of a Giant
8. Zero
9. Come Home
10. Beautiful Beaches
11. Laid
12. Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)

After a brief intermission, audience members returned to their seats with freshly filled drinks and popcorn, anxiously awaiting Marr’s appearance. 

Marr appeared on the stage and gave a performance that was nothing short of nostalgic. Sporting the same iconic hairstyle from his Smiths days and a dark green electric guitar, Marr showcased his riff skills and kicked off the show with his song “Sensory Street.” The crowd erupted in deafening cheers and flailed freely as they danced to the music. It was a proper rock show. 

It was not long before Marr and his band treated the audience to a few songs from The Smiths, further rousing the already energetic crowd and intensifying the nostalgia. He played a total of 16 tunes, six of which were from The Smiths. It was the perfect integration of new and old. 

Midway through his performance, Marr talked to the audience and explained that he began his tour to commemorate the 10 years that he has had his band. It was a special moment for all involved as Marr expressed his gratitude. 

As the show concluded and the lights dimmed, the crowd’s cheering did not stop. For a brief moment, fans began to leave until the stage lights turned on and  Marr appeared once again. Without any words, the band immediately began to play an electrifying cover of Iggy Pop’s “Passenger” and fans lept from their seats to sing and dance along.

Marr closed out the show with a final performance of the Smiths’ classic track “There is a Light that Never Goes Out,” thanking the crowd once more and exited the stage, leaving fans in a starstruck haze. 

Johnny Marr Setlist 

1. Sensory Street 
2. Panic (The Smiths)
3. Generate! Generate! Generate! 
4. Spirit Power and Soul
5. New Town Velocity 
6. This Charming Man (The Smiths)
7. Somewhere 
8. Walk into the Sea
9. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want (The Smiths)
10. Headmaster Ritual (The Smiths) 
11. Get the Message 
12. How Soon Is Now? (The Smiths) 
13. Easy Money 
14. Getting Away With It 

Encore: 

1. Passenger (Iggy Pop)
2. There is a Light That Never Goes Out (The Smiths)

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat