My second visit to the beautiful Bridgewater hall on a crisp September evening, James Morrison brought his Fight Another Day tour to Manchester’s iconic Bridgewater Hall, Renowned for its stunning acoustics and elegant architecture, the Bridgewater provided the perfect backdrop for a night of soul and sincere vocals.
From the moment the cosy lights dimmed and Morrison stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere shifted. Dressed in understated style, he radiated warmth and humility, immediately taking the audience on an intimate musical journey. Opening with “Power”, a stirring new song from his forthcoming album Fight Another Day, (released 3rd October), this set the scene – one of raw emotion and vocal strength. The band were tight, tasteful, and unobtrusive—allowing Morrison’s voice to shine, filling the hall with its raspy richness and unmistakable soul.
Two tracks in, Morrison thanked everyone for welcoming him back to Manchester. This wasn’t a sell-out, a few empty seats remained around the edges but this gave people extra room for dancing, And danced they did!.
Age group was predominantly twenty to thirty somethings with everyone of them seeing to know every word.
The setlist was a carefully curated blend of old favourites and new material, showcasing the natural evolution of Morrison’s sound and songwriting. Fans were treated to timeless classics such as: You Make It Real, I Won’t Let You Go, Wonderful World and Nothing Ever Hurt Like You.
Morrison put down his guitar before introducing another new track from his upcoming album “ Something I can’t forget” another new track from the upcoming album. The haunting piano intro and soaring chorus made an immediate impact—goosebumps and all. It was one of the evening’s highlights, even on first listen.
Each song was met with warm applause and heartfelt singalongs, especially during “You Give Me Something”, which turned into a full-venue chorus. Morrison’s ability to connect with his audience was evident. Candid reflections between songs added depth and humour—at one point joking, “If you’re in your 20s and your mum and dad brought you tonight, they probably had you to this song.”
A lovely touch to the evening came when Morrison invited his daughter Elsie on stage to perform “Broken Strings”. Her tender, confident vocals added a new emotional layer to the beloved duet, and the chemistry between father and daughter was something beautiful to see. The crowd responded with a standing ovation, visibly moved by the authenticity and vulnerability of the performance.
The emotional arc of the evening continued through newer tracks that hinted at a more introspective direction in Morrison’s songwriting. Songs like “Cry Your Tears on Me” and “Call the Police” showcased his lyrical maturity and willingness to explore deeper emotional terrain.
The encore was a triumphant finale, featuring: Precious Love, Wonderful Word and Little Wings had the entire hall singing in unison and dancing in the isles with wine glasses held aloft. A nice touch for me was hearing Aretha Franklins ‘Chain Fools’ connecting songs together.
Throughout the evening, Morrison’s voice remained the star—effortlessly gliding between vulnerability and power. His vocal control, emotional delivery, and genuine stage presence reminded me why he remains one of the UK’s most beloved singer-songwriters. His rapport with the audience was warm and sincere, turning the performance into a shared soulful experience.
James Morrison’s Manchester show was a triumphant celebration of music’s power to heal and connect. With emotional depth, vocal brilliance, and a touch of family magic, Fight Another Day is shaping up to be one of his most personal and powerful tours yet. Bridgewater Hall was not just a venue—it became a sanctuary for storytelling, connection, and musical catharsis. A performance of this quality will be “something I cant forget”.
If you’re feeling in the mood for something festive, you can catch James at the London Palladium for a special ‘Magic of Christmas’ performance on the 16th November 2025.
Words – Shavorne Wilbraham
Photos – Philip Goddard
