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In a recent interview with US People magazine, Blunt stated: “In the States, I am a one-hit wonder. You have to understand, I am so happy with that because, as I put on my social media profiles, one hit is all you need. I’ve been called a one-hit wonder by people who are none-hit wonders. And so I’m thrilled with that. The moment I think I might be a big shot in any way, you, as an American, can tell me, ‘No. You’re just a little one-hit wonder, James. Get back in your box.’ And that’s healthy.”

The singer went on to have other really famous songs such as ‘Goodbye My Lover’ and ‘1973’ but his rise to popularity wasn’t without difficulties. Blunt recalled how he was often rejected by labels due to his posh accent and classism in his home country of England. Upon being signed to Linda Perry Custard’s Record, he recalled: “I hadn’t really understood how this was the very last chance I was probably ever going to have. I’d been rejected by every UK label based on my speaking voice and the kind of class issues that we have here, and the basis that they would think that just no one would relate to me. They might’ve been right to a degree. It’s taken a long time after ‘You’re Beautiful’ and the backlash for the public to know that, ‘Okay. I might speak with a stupid voice, but I am a normal, grounded human being.’ So maybe the UK labels were right. [But] for some reason Linda was there. She came in with a hard sell, and we went out that night and got drunk.”

The song changed the singer’s life for the better with him even joking about how the single bought him the house he resides in to this day. Known for his charm and fun nature, James Blunt still receives a fair share of criticism to this day. “I think I’ve always been silly. I think I probably did set out in interviews when we were talking about music because it was the one thing I was serious about. I probably then spoke quite earnestly in my interviews about the music, and now I’ve learned that that’s probably not the best thing to do. So now, I still take my music seriously. I don’t speak earnestly about it.”

The singer is currently on tour with tickets available on his website.

The 2004 album produced by Custard and Atlantic Records featured the hit singles You’re Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover which propelled Blunt into stardom and made him a household name. Goodbye My Lover featured in the US version of The Office in 2005 and You’re Beautiful can be heard in many movies and shows across the last 20 years. Goodbye My Lover was even the most popular funeral song in Australia in 2006. The two popular songs were the third and fourth songs to be released as singles for the hit album and the sounds of these dulcet and melancholy songs  as well as the ‘tortured-lover’ of the noughtie’s first single High could be heard almost everywhere.

It’s no wonder then that ‘Back to Bedlam’ was so popular, encompassing perfectly the 00s era’s atmosphere of heart wrenching rom-coms and the sad-mellow pop they only play today on ‘Magic Radio’. In December 2009, the album has sold over 3 million copies and became a certified 10× Platinum record by the British Phonographic Industry which made it the best selling album of the 2000s. It currently ranks as the 18th best selling album of the UK charts ever and in 2017 it had overtaken it’s 2009 sales record just in the UK alone (with 3.3 million sold) and had sold 12 million copies worldwide.

As well as the upcoming tour, the singer-songwriter also announced an anniversary edition of the album that will be released on the 11th October of this year which will, as he detailed on Instagram yesterday, be exactly 20 years since it’s initial release. The album will feature the original track list in full as well as some unreleased tracks which were recorded during the making of ‘Back to Bedlam’ and some original demos of fan favourites. You can pre-order the album on Blunt’s website here to gain access to the tour’s pre-sale which will begin next Wednesday on the 29th of May.

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Speaking of the re-release, Blunt was his authentic-blunt and humble stating , according to NME, that he has ‘released seven studio albums, but ‘Back To Bedlam’ was the one people actually bought.’ As for the tour, fans are in store to hear Blunt ‘play all the songs from ‘Back To Bedlam’ in full, from start to finish, and chuck in the better-known songs from later albums to finish’. Sarcastically, he jokes that he wants to ‘milk it [‘Back to Bedlam] for all it’s worth’. Fan’s thinking of attending the show will be pleased to know Blunt himself believes it may be his best yet, commenting that he’s been touring for 20 years but in regard to this anniversary tour he declared that ‘it’s going to be, well, it pains me to say it… beautiful’.

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Produced by Loose Change, with additional production from Dan Grech, ‘Adrenaline’ is a driving pop tour de force that delivers yet another memorable chorus – a trait that has remained constant throughout James’ career and is a stunning addition to the greatest hits collection – a culmination of 17 years of prolific songwriting. The video, however, as described by Blunt, leans more towards those just wanting to poke fun at him. ‘If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to jump out of a plane with me, I dare you to watch this video!’

Amongst the string of hit singles, ‘The Stars Beneath My Feet (2004-2021)’ includes new songs; “Love Under Pressure”, “Unstoppable”, “Adrenaline” & “I Came for Love” - as well as four exclusive live performances from around the world, including a special performance from the Glastonbury Festival. It also features stunning tracks from his latest gold-selling album “Once Upon A Mind”, including the heartbreaking ballad for his father, “Monsters”. Needless to say, the thirty-track album also includes James’ biggest hits, including “You’re Beautiful”, “Goodbye My Lover”, “1973”, “Bonfire Heart”, “Stay the Night” and the rest.

Alongside the compilation, Blunt has also announced an extensive UK tour that is currently underway. The first dates in Manchester and London may have passed, but you can still grab the remaining seats at any of the other 6 shows here.

Blunt has also been announced as part of BBC Radio 2’s new Piano Room Month which will see him perform, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, live from London’s BBC Maida Vale studios on February 18th. Other artists amongst the 20 confirmed to perform across the month include Ed Sheeran, David Gray, Tears For Fears & more. See here for more information on the BBC.

7/2/22 – Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff
8/2 – Bonus Arena – Hull
10/2 – Resort World – Birmingham
11/2 – First Direct Arena – Leeds
12/2 – Motorpoint Arena – Nottingham
13/2 – SEC Armadillo – Glasgow

Photo credit: Michael Clement/Press Release

Blunt was set to head out on tour last year when the coronavirus pandemic halted all live shows. However, for the singer-songwriter, the past year has served as a chance to spend some much-needed time at home.

The Wiltshire artist said: “I was supposed to be on the tour for a year and I was sent home. And, you know, for me that was probably a very good thing because I haven’t spent time at home with my family, ever. I’ve been promising that I would take a year off from music at some stage, but I was lying, probably.He continued: “And so this is very good — to spend time at home, do things that adults do and family people do. And so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise for me.”

James Blunt and his wife Sophia opened their pub, Fox & Pheasant London, just before the Covid-19 pandemic meant the hospitality industry shut their doors. Blunt laughed as he said: “Well, I mean, I’m definitely in the wrong business.” He explained: “With the pandemic the music business completely closed down and all touring stopped.We were just a month into what was supposed to be a world tour and we were sent home, which was obviously devastating. I’m in the pub business too — I bought myself a pub — and obviously that closed down, so I really picked the wrong businesses… That’s why it’s very exciting that we should be preparing to get out on the road again.”

The singer, known best for his 2004 hit “You’re Beautiful,” released his sixth studio album, “Once Upon A Mind”, back in 2019, which he was due to tour the following year. Due to the uncertainty of 2020, the ex-army man pushed his tour dates to Spring and Summer 2021.

Upcoming UK  Tour Dates

02/07/21 – Royal Hall – Douglas, Isle of Man
06/07 – Royal Albert Hall – London
07/07 – International Centre – Bournemouth
09/07 – Pub In The Park – Tunbridge Wells
13/08 – Heritage Live –Saffron Walden
28/08 – Carfest South – Overton
29/08 – Sunshine Festival – Upton Upon Severn
16/09 – Henley Festival – Henley

His releases his humorous biography this week and thanks his twitter trolls for the inspiration behind his new book. He admits to ‘The List’ that, “Twitter brings out the worst in people.” He added that “Twitter allows me to reply to people as a human rather than a marketing team … in fact, I am just a vulgar idiot. Twitter brings out the worst in people and Instagram brings out a side in people to show off their life that doesn’t really exist. “That results in other people feeling inadequate about themselves.” 

With over 2 million twitter followers, James appears regularly on the news feed although he’s not modest about his success and he told Metro “I really don’t care, actually. I only reply once a month because I know the real world is a much more interesting and better place and I suppose it’s just not taking it seriously – or taking myself too seriously.”

His witty comebacks to his critics have made James a very popular person to follow. One woman who requested that “we take a moment to remember just how awful James Blunt was” to which James replied, “No need, I have a new album coming soon.” On another occasion when someone mocked him for only having 200,000 followers he replied, “Jesus only needed 12.” The Express

Metro noted that another critic tweeted, “I’m on the metro and drunk while listening to music, but I genuinely don’t know how @jamesblunt isn’t regraded as the best musician in the planet. You’re all asleep!” James Blunt’s comeback was, “Kids – this is why we don’t drink and tweet.”

Kids – this is why we don’t drink and tweet. https://t.co/eDX6OVnFWp

— James Blunt (@JamesBlunt) July 22, 2020

James has been through a difficult time recently due to his father’s ill health having suffered from a chronic kidney disease. He’s recently made a recovery having been donated a kidney by James’ cousin Charles Blount. James shows his appreciation towards his cousin and he told The Express, “My father is very well and has been given a new lease of life. My father and I are incredibly grateful to the generosity of my cousin, who’s now become a much closer cousin.” 

Having come through all this, James has a lot to look forward to with his new book being published on Thursday 5th November. He explains to Metro his reasons behind his book as the second lockdown is fast approaching, “The second wave of virus is with us now. People have been panic buying loo roll and there is a shortage. This book is designed to be read sitting on the loo and pages used as appropriate afterwards.” – 

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Never before has a book been published that is so perfect for you to read while sitting on the loo.

A post shared by James Blunt (@jamesblunt) on Oct 9, 2020 at 10:02am PDT

The moving video, which came out on Friday 17th April, shows clips of medical staff and other key workers around the world working to save lives, as well as the state of the world at the moment. Alongside this, Blunt is shown singing to the camera with the sun setting in the background. His message offers a melancholy sense of hope and unity during this difficult time.

Directed by Jacob Wise and released via Atlantic Records, all profits from ‘The Greatest’ will be donated to the NHS. The singer explained “I originally wrote ‘The Greatest’ for my children as a message of hope for their future, amidst the mad world that we live in,” continuing, “But in the last few weeks the song for me has taken on new meaning, as I watch NHS workers, first responders and healthcare professionals worldwide battling the coronavirus. These people are our true heroes – they are the greatest, and we all must show them the gratitude that they truly deserve.”

In an interview with Good Morning Britain, Blunt discussed his personal experience with not being able to see his father who is highly at risk. After having a kidney transplant in January, Blunt’s father has been immuno suppressed, making it impossible for him to be with family at this time.

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The NHS just gave my father a new life, so UK profits from the single in 2020 will be donated to the @nhswebsite. Thank you to all our carers.

A post shared by James Blunt (@jamesblunt) on Apr 17, 2020 at 1:12am PDT

‘Once Upon A Mind’ is James Blunt’s latest album containing singles ‘The Truth’ and ‘Cold’, which were praised by both fans and critics. ‘The Greatest’ has almost 2 million streams on Spotify, while the music video has over 500,000.

The singer-songwriter has always been known to offer help where he can, taking part in charities and causes such as Help for Heroes and Stand Up To Cancer. Make sure to purchase the song to continue supporting the NHS.

James Blunt released his debut album ‘Back To Bedlam’ in 2004 which sold 11 million copies worldwide and reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart and number 2 in the US. He writes and produces his music, receiving five Grammy nominations including Song of the Year, and winning two Brit Awards for Male Solo Artist and British Pop Act. He previously served as a reconnaissance officer in the Life Guards (a cavalry regiment of the British Army).

After singing a few of his songs including ‘Goodbye My Lover’ (a hit from 2005 album ‘Back to Bedlam’), Blunt announced his next song. ‘Make Me Better’ from his album ‘The Afterlove’ was co-written by Ed Sheeran, Blunt told the audience. Then, as the music started, Sheeran entered from stage right to a shocked and excited audience, who cheered as the pair played the song as a duet, both on acoustic guitars.

The gig date coincided with Blunt’s 46th birthday, so once the duet had ended, Sheeran joined the audience in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to his friend. He jokingly said “Today is James’ birthday. He is 32 years old, if you can believe it”. As everyone sang, the band accompanied with some music.

James played his biggest hit ‘You’re Beautiful’ right afterwards, with his band made up of Chris Pemberton on piano, Paul Sayer on lead guitar, John Garrison on bass and Karl Brazil on drums, while James played his acoustic guitar throughout the night. Blunt said of his band “They are the nicest bunch of people I could ever wish to have met, and they rock”.

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This happened over 14 years ago. Find out more on Friday…

A post shared by James Blunt (@jamesblunt) on Sep 3, 2019 at 10:27am PDT

The tour is following Blunt’s sixth studio album of the same name, which was released on 25th October 2019 through Atlantic Records. ‘One Upon A Mind’ has 11 tracks, four of which were released as singles prior to the album release. ‘Cold’ was the lead single, which has 17 million plays on Spotify, and a music video which the artist describes as “a sequel to ‘You’re Beautiful’ “, currently at 8 million views. Other singles were ‘Champion’, ‘I Told You’ and ‘Monsters’.

The singer most recently collaborated with duo Ward Thomas, who are opening for him on tour currently. A revamped version ‘Halfway’ from Blunt’s new album was released on 5th February 2020, a week before they embarked on the tour. Another special guest on the tour is Jason Mraz, who will join Blunt for the Australian dates. Blunt set out on tour on 14th February 2020, kicking off in Birmingham and travelling across the UK and Europe, ending in London’s Royal Albert Hall on 7th April. Find tickets and more information on his website.

 

 

 

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I’m on tour in 2020 – the dates for my first UK and European shows are now on sale!

 

A post shared by James Blunt (@jamesblunt) on Sep 6, 2019 at 1:03am PDT

James Blunt released his debut album ‘Back To Bedlam’ in 2004 which sold 11 million copies worldwide and reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart and number 2 in the US. He writes and produces his music, receiving five Grammy nominations including Song of the Year, and winning two Brit Awards for Male Solo Artist and British Pop Act. He previously served as a reconnaissance officer in the Life Guards (a cavalry regiment of the British Army).