James Bay made his return to Canada with ‘The Leap Tour’ (Concert photos + review)

Concert ReviewConcert PhotographyNika Bakhtiari

Aug. 14

Written By Backstage Features Team Member

Photos and review by: Nika Bakhtiari

Toronto was treated to an exceptional musical experience on August 12, 2023, when ‘The Leap Tour’ took over popular city venue, History.

The evening began with Abby Holiday, who took centre stage armed with only her acoustic guitar, creating an intimate atmosphere that allowed her musical prowess to take the spotlight.

Her performance revolved around the heartfelt ballad “8 Hours,” then her musical journey encompassed her earlier works and concluded with her latest release, “Ohio Laundry Room.”

Her stories of pandemic-inspired songwriting further connected her with the captivated audience. During “Better By Now,” the crowd joined harmoniously, echoing the song’s universal sentiment.

The night’s peak featured James Bay, who brought an exhilarating energy to the stage, starting with the catchy “Best Fake Smile.” Overflowing with gratitude, he welcomed the crowd, expressing the profound significance of returning to Toronto after a year.

Seamlessly weaving between timeless classics and new releases, James enraptured the audience with melodies like “Goodbye Never Felt So Bad,” freshly unveiled on August 11, and the beloved anthem “Let It Go.” The emotional highpoint came with “Hold Back The River,” where the audience’s voices intertwined with James’s in a euphoric chorus.

James Bay’s virtuosity shone as he demonstrated his exceptional guitar skills and his ability to infuse raw emotion into his music.

The atmosphere transitioned between dynamic energy and reflective moments, showcasing James’s musical finesse. The evening took the audience on an emotional journey through the spectrum of human experience.

With Abby Holiday’s sincere acoustic performance seamlessly melded and James Bay’s electrifying artistry, this night will be unforgettable for the attendees.