Starsailor’s 25th anniversary celebrations began in style at Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium, where the band delivered a sold-out performance with the accompaniment of Joe Duddell’s string ensemble. In the intimate, acoustically rich setting, their music took on a new depth, transforming familiar songs into something grander, more expansive.

The evening opened with Alcoholic, a song that, despite its ubiquity, was elevated by the lush orchestral arrangement. Frontman James Walsh’s voice, still full of warmth and character, came across beautifully in the venue. The band quickly settled into their stride with Way to Fall, the added strings lending a cinematic sweep to the song’s melancholic build. Starsailor have always possessed an innate sense of drama, and here, with the ensemble behind them, their music felt more immersive than ever.

Much of the set leaned into Love Is Here, the 2001 debut that established them as one of the most emotionally sincere acts of their generation. Songs like Poor Misguided Fool and She Just Wept were met with audible delight from the crowd, their nostalgia-inducing melodies made even more stirring by the orchestral flourishes. The affection between band and audience was palpable; Walsh, ever the engaging frontman, responded with self-effacing humour when he fumbled a chord change on Love Is Here.

Beyond their early work, the night showcased the band’s continued evolution. Hard Love, played live for the first time, was a standout, proving that Starsailor are still capable of crafting deeply affecting music. Hanging in the Balance soared, its rich harmonies and dramatic build confirming its place among their finest songs. A rare solo piano rendition of Restless Heart provided a moment of hushed intensity before the full band returned for a pounding version of Tell Me It’s Not Over.

This was no ordinary show for Starsailor—it was a landmark event, meticulously documented by a dedicated camera crew capturing every moment from multiple angles. With three or four cameramen weaving through the venue, it was clear that this night meant a great deal to the band. Whether for a future release or personal posterity, they wanted to ensure that every note, every emotion, was preserved.

The encore saw a nod to Liverpool’s own musical heritage with a faithful rendition of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy, much to the delight of the local crowd. But it was Four to the Floor that truly lifted the night into celebration mode, its sweeping string arrangement and disco-inflected groove proving irresistible. The closing moments of Good Souls—met with a euphoric standing ovation—made it clear that the spirit of the evening could not be contained.

Starsailor’s ability to craft songs of emotional weight and elegance has always set them apart. This performance, rich with orchestral grandeur yet still rooted in their signature sincerity, proved that their music remains as powerful as ever. If this show was anything to go by, their 25th anniversary celebrations are only just beginning.