James Bay Brings Intimacy and Energy to the Commodore Ballroom
- Devon Carr
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Last week, James Bay lit up Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom with a performance that felt equal parts arena-worthy and deeply personal. Touring in support of his latest work while revisiting the soulful staples that first brought him global attention, Bay proved once again that he's more than just the voice behind “Hold Back the River”—he’s an artist with staying power.
Backed by a tight, dynamic band, Bay moved fluidly between anthems and stripped-down ballads. Highlights included a crowd-stirring rendition of “Let It Go,” a fresh and gritty version of “Pink Lemonade,” and several new tracks that teased a promising evolution in his sound—grittier guitar lines, more confident swagger, and still that unmistakable, raw vocal tone.
Kicking off the night at the Ballroom was Nashville’s own Hunter Metts, making a strong first impression on his Vancouver debut. With just a guitar and a quietly commanding presence, Metts delivered a set that was tender, honest, and quietly gripping. Songs like “Abilene” and “Paper Moon” unfolded like journal entries, full of emotion and space to breathe. By the time he closed with “Weathervane,” the crowd was leaning in—caught in the quiet before the storm that would be James Bay.
The Commodore, with its iconic spring-loaded dance floor and moody lighting, was the perfect venue for the show. It offered fans a rare chance to see a stadium-scale act in a more intimate setting, and Bay leaned into that—bantering between songs, sharing stories, and inviting the audience in rather than just performing at them.
Whether you’ve followed him since his breakout EPs or were just discovering his live magic for the first time, this was a night that reminded everyone: James Bay doesn’t just write songs. He delivers them like confessions, and he does it with heart.
