A sold out Welsh audience welcomed James Blunt as one of their own at The Motorpoint Arena as he took to the stage with a stunning 90 minute set which was packed full of hits spanning his 15 year career. Interspersed with crowd pleasing classics such as ‘You’re Beautiful’, ‘1973’ and ‘Bonfire Heart’ were new songs from his current best-selling album Once Upon A Time which has restored him back to the summit of the album charts.

Blunt delivered his show with boundless energy and rapport with the crowd, showing that as a songwriter he still has the ability and confidence to strike the hearts of millions of fans. A brilliant light show and supporting band including his drummer from day one Karl Brazil, supported an almost endless onslaught of heartbreak and uptempo songs. The most moving of all his performance was ‘Monsters’, dedicated to his father and this brought the set to a close, before he returned to the stage for a much wanted encore.

Blunt’s self-deprecating analogy of his back catalogue only added to the appreciation and rapturous love for the singers songs. His regular story telling and encouragement to get the audience out of their seats paid off at regular intervals, and his seemingly limitless level of energy only briefly dropped with a ballad at the piano.

Also providing great support were Ward Thomas whom James Blunt has recently recorded a duet (tri-et)? with. After their initial solo slot, they rejoined him on stage mid-way through the show to perform said track.

I last saw James Blunt perform live 12 years ago whilst touring his second album. Now, with four more records under his belt, he has amassed an incredible arsenal of songs which are a mixture of heart wrenching ballads to uptempo life affirming, all out rockers. As his tour continues around the UK and overseas, it’s clear that there will always be an audience for his music, and his reputation as a songwriter and live entertainer will only be further reinforced, If Friday’s Cardiff crowd was anything to be judged by!

Words and Pictures by Mark Tipping.