James Marriott at Brixton Academy

A party invaded Brixton Academy for James Marriott’s one-night-only headline show on 17^th September, following the release of his new single Burn Down the Disco and his main-stage appearances at Reading and Leeds. The night was full of live debuts, album announcements, dancing and raw emotion.

Before his arrival, anticipation is already boiling over, with attendees in bright wigs, cowboy hats and Marriott merch packing out the standing floor, dancing and singing along to the DJ set. Mamma Mia-style pillars, balconies and ivory windows surround the top of the stage before the lights dim, as “James” chants and piercing screams ripple through the room. A thin veil remains covering the stage as Marriott begins his show with Ventriloquist, his silhouette against the spotlight as he sings gracefully between cheers. As the crowd waits impatiently, they sing alongside him, knowing every word from the opening line. The sheer volume and hysteria reveal an intensely devoted fanbase championing Marriott, making the gig feel unusually personal as his online relationship with his YouTube audience carries into the live space.

Marriott doesn’t waste a second to start the celebrations, releasing pink confetti among yellow shards of disco-ball light for Burn Down the Disco, putting joy at the forefront of the performance. After announcing that his third album, Warning Signs, will be released on 15^th January, Marriott shouts “Now let’s have a fucking party” as the electric beat drops in Don’t Blame Me and Going Postal at the Party. Before the latter’s euphoric guitar riff begins, he instructs thousands to “3, 2, 1 jump”, making the ground almost shake as he refuses to let energy dip at any point. Venturing to the edge of the stage for front-row interaction, Marriott bends down to sing to barricade fans, connecting with those who made his musical dreams possible. Marriott draws attention to his vocals as the band fades out for the closing lines of Him, hitting sustained high notes as his supporters finish the lyrics for him. By taking over entire sections of songs, particularly during Something’s Wrong, the show turns from a conventional performance into a collaborative experience that feels unique to this Brixton audience.

The performance is a career-defining moment, not only because the Academy is Marriott’s dream venue, but because it marks his growth and relationship with fans. Brixton isn’t simply a bigger venue – it represents how far he and his audience have come together. He reflects on his journey, from releasing Slow Down in 2020 and playing his first gig at Brighton Electric for 200 people, to performing to 5,000 tonight. After telling attendees to hold hands, he plays White Noise, slowing the pace as they sway and creating a sense of intimacy and community. Marriott is taken aback by the mass of flashlights, visibly moved by the support in the room, remarking, “One hopes you love someone, London,” as he plays Romanticise This. His success and progression are presented as something shared with his listeners rather than separate from them.

The live debut of Marriott’s unreleased track Lovestruck adds another milestone before emotions reach an all-time high for his closing two songs. Before performing Car Lights, he reveals that it feels bigger than himself, mentioning his support for the LGBTQ+ community through the journey towards self-acceptance while tearing up. As the track ends, Marriott covers his face sheepishly with his guitar before stripping everything back for Limbs. Between lyrics, fans shout, “We love you, James” and “we’re so proud of you,” contrasting with the soft melody as Marriott begins to sniffle. The loudest roar of the night erupts as the acoustic set closes and Marriott abruptly storms off stage. His vulnerability prompts an equally emotional response from the audience, making their affection an important part of the gig.

Emerging with more zeal than before, Marriott launches into a three-track encore. Sleepwalker brings euphoric release, whereas Freak is performed in a much more raw, unpolished way with a scratchy, yelling tone. Fan-favourite Grapes returns to full, cathartic energy as he jumps off the stage. Green confetti rains down, returning the show to its opening revelry. His final line, “I will remember you forever, London,” accompanies his walk off stage, leaving the night feeling like a fever dream.

From unprompted clapping to marriage proposals (with Marriott responding, “What if I said yes?”), his connection with the crowd is palpable. Though he ends the night teasing another performance “in a couple of months”, the show feels like more than a celebration of his achievements, with unfiltered moments of fragility binding his success to fans who have grown with him.

Jennifer Hensey
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information and future events, visit James Marriott’s website here.

Watch the video for Burn Down the Disco here: