As the sun sets over Plymouth Hoe, the first of four Summer Sessions delivered an electrifying night of live music, bringing together a dynamic lineup of artists who each bring their own distinct energy to the stage. From rising talent to legendary acts, this event is set to be a celebration of music’s power to connect and inspire.
Hailing from Sunderland, Tom A. Smith is a young singer-songwriter whose raw talent and storytelling have earned him a growing reputation in the indie scene. Having started performing at an incredibly young age, Tom has supported major acts like Catfish & The Bottlemen, James Bay, and The Charlatans. His sound blends thoughtful lyricism with a gritty edge, and his performances—whether solo or with his band—are known for their emotional intensity. He has played major UK festivals, including Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
A late arrival meant catching only the tail end of Sunderland prodigys set, but even snippets of his brooding, guitar-driven songcraft hinted at the buzz that’s followed him since his 2021 debut EP. Chatting backstage, Tom—still in the process of signing to Fiction Records—confessed he’d played at a pub in Plymouth a couple of years back, appears it was The Junction on Mutley Plain, and teased that “new material might just be on the way” - Click HERE to listen to the interview.
Liverpool’s Jamie Webster has carved out a unique space in British folk rock, blending socially conscious lyrics with anthemic melodies. Originally an electrician, Webster’s music gained traction through his connection with Liverpool FC, where his song Allez Allez Allez became a fan-favorite. His debut album ‘We Get By’ reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, and he became the first-ever UK Official Folk Album Chart number-one artist. His music resonates with working-class audiences, offering a voice to everyday struggles and triumphs.
Best known as the “semi-official” soundtrack of Liverpool FC’s glory years, Webster wove fan anthems like “Days Unknown” into crowd-participation singalongs, even inspiring front-row sign-language interpreters to invent a universal gesture for “knobhead.” A self-professed Argyle convert (LOL), he reframed Plymouth’s FA Cup upset over Liverpool earlier this year with good grace—“the best team won,” he chuckled—and ran through highlights from his album We Get By and his breakout folk chart topper, Moments. He closed with sun-soaked bangers “Across the River” and “Going Out,” leaving the crowd primed for more.
A staple of the 2000s indie rock revival, Razorlight burst onto the scene with their debut album ‘Up All Night’, featuring hits like Golden Touch and Vice. Led by Johnny Borrell, the band’s self-titled second album cemented their status with the chart-topping single America. After lineup changes and a hiatus, Razorlight reunited in 2017, releasing ‘Olympus Sleeping’ in 2018 and continuing to tour with their signature high-energy performances.
By the time they hit the stage, the clouds parted to reveal blue sky, framing Johnny Borrell’s stadium-stoned riffs. The band rode their platinum-selling second album to indie-rock ubiquity, and their set leaned hard into classics like “Golden Touch,” “In the Morning” and “Before I Fall to Pieces”. They even slipped in “Cool People” from 2024’s Planet Nowhere, reminding everyone that Johnny Borrell still packs the same incisive edge he had on their 2006 chart-toppers. Closing with an anthemic “America,” Razorlight proved their time-travel-tight sound still lands like a well timed punch.
Few bands have had the longevity and impact of James, the legendary Manchester outfit known for their anthemic hits like Sit Down, Laid, and She’s a Star. Formed in 1982, James became a defining force in Britpop and alternative rock, with multiple top-10 UK albums and a reputation for transcendent live performances. Their music blends introspective lyricism with soaring melodies, making them the perfect headliner to close out the night on Plymouth Hoe.
They arrived just after 9pm to a roar that echoed across the water. Since emerging from Manchester in 1982, Tim Booth and co. have sold over 25 million albums worldwide—”Sit Down” and “Laid” both remain pilgrimage songs for a generation. Tonight’s career-spanning set opened with a sharp “Johnny Yen,” then rolled through “Born of Frustration”, “Come Home” and, of course, a bouncing “Sit Down”. Booth—sporting a freshly rolled ankle—eschewed his trademark dance moves but made up for it with impish warmth, dragging the band’s manager onstage for a brief comedic cameo before closing with the raucous “Laid,” which sent the audience home roaring for an encore.
Four distinct voices, one unforgettable night on The Hoe. With the only storm to mar the evening being a burst of applause strong enough to rival any downpour, Summer Sessions once again proved Plymouth’s waterfront festival footing is as solid as ever. Stone-fresh bands, chart-smashing headliners and festival-favourite street eats—sticky noodles, gourmet wraps and candy stalls—ensured every moment felt like a celebration of live music’s power. Stay tuned for more nights of sun, sea breeze and soaring choruses as Summer Sessions rolls on.
Words Steve Muscutt
Pictures Anna Leader
