Twenty-five years in, Starsailor are still finding new ways to move us. Their first official live album, Starsailor with Strings: Live from Liverpool, out now via East West / Parlophone, is more than a retrospective—it’s a reimagining. Recorded at the acoustically pristine Tung Auditorium in Liverpool, this one-off performance sees the beloved four-piece joined by a full string ensemble, breathing cinematic life into their most iconic tracks.

The February concert marked the beginning of Starsailor’s 25th anniversary celebrations, bringing together the original lineup—James Walsh, James Stelfox, Ben Byrne, and Barry Westhead—with long-time live guitarist Tony Foster (Spiritualized). Conducted by acclaimed composer Joe Duddell (New Order, Elbow, Richard Hawley), the performance was a masterclass in emotional arrangement and musical storytelling.

From the aching vulnerability of “Alcoholic” to the euphoric pulse of “Four To The Floor,” each track is reborn with orchestral depth. “Silence Is Easy” and “Good Souls,” both UK Top 10 hits, shimmer with renewed poignancy, while their cover of “Jealous Guy” adds a soulful twist to the setlist.

James Walsh reflects: “Strings play a huge part in our second album Silence Is Easy, so this felt like a nod to our past as well as a celebration of the present. Joe Duddell was the perfect collaborator, and the Tung Hall gave us the ideal space to bring this vision to life.”

Available on CD and limited edition red recycled and blue vinyl LPs, Starsailor with Strings is a collector’s dream. The CD and digital editions include bonus tracks “She Just Wept,” “Restless Heart,” and “Tell Me It’s Not Over,” rounding out a setlist that spans the band’s entire catalogue.

‘Starsailor with Strings: Live from Liverpool’ Tracklisting:

Alcoholic – 4:07
Way To Fall – 4:35
Telling Them – 4:53
Poor Misguided Fool – 3:54
Where The Wild Things Grow – 4:34
Hard Love – 4:28
She Just Wept – 4:06 *
Restless Heart – 2:04 *
Lullaby – 5:15
Tell Me It's Not Over – 3:52 *
Silence Is Easy – 3:50
Jealous Guy – 4:23
Four To The Floor – 5:00
Good Souls – 5:25

* only available on CD and Digital

To coincide with the album’s release, Starsailor will embark on a headline UK and EU tour this November. The full list of upcoming dates is below. Ed Harcourt supports Starsailor on their UK tour dates (*except Leeds)

Live Tour dates
8th October 2025 – Trabendo, Paris, France
9th October 2025 – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, Belgium
10th October 2025 – Gebäude 9, Cologne, Germany - SOLD OUT
11th October 2025 – Melkweg Max, Amsterdam, Netherlands
14th October 2025 – Bierhübeli, Bern, Switzerland
24th October 2025 – Zorlu Performing Arts Center, Istanbul, Turkey
13th November 2025 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds - SOLD OUT
14th November 2025 – Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
15th November 2025 – The LCR, UEA, Norwich
20th November 2025 – Rock City, Nottingham
21st November 2025 – O2 Academy, Bristol
22nd November 2025 – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
27th November 2025 – Northumbria University SU, Newcastle
28th November 2025 – Barrowland, Glasgow
29th November 2025 – Albert Hall, Manchester - SOLD OUT
3rd December 2025 – Limelight 1, Belfast
4th December 2025 – The Academy, Dublin 1, Ireland

To celebrate the album release, Starsailor will play a mini Record Store Tour starting on the day of release. The list of upcoming dates is below. Tickets go on sale today at 6PM BST.

3rd October 2025 – Liverpool, Jacaranda Baltic
4th October 2025 – Bury, Wax & Beans (Acoustic Set)
5th October 2025 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club (Crash Records)