James Arthur Delivers Intimate Shows Amid Tour Setbacks

James Arthur, the British pop-soul singer and songwriter whose career skyrocketed after winning ITV’s The X Factor in 2012, has been making headlines again in early February 2026. His highly anticipated 25-date arena tour—spanning the UK, Belgium, and Ireland—has already delivered moments of soaring emotion, logistical challenges, and sold-out crowds. Yet, as fans in different cities have discovered, the journey hasn’t been without its twists and turns.

On February 3, 2026, Arthur’s performance at Dublin’s 3Arena set a high bar for the tour. According to photos and accounts from the night, the singer “lit up Dublin’s 3Arena with a powerful, emotionally charged performance that had the crowd hooked ‘From The Jump’.” Despite the cavernous size of the venue, Arthur’s raw vocals and heartfelt ballads created an atmosphere that felt “surprisingly intimate,” as reported by Pics & Vids. Between songs, he took time to connect with fans, transforming the evening into something “personal as well as unforgettable.”

But while Dublin fans basked in the afterglow, news broke that would disappoint many others. The same day, Arthur announced that his scheduled show at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena—the intended opening night of the entire tour—was postponed due to illness. The star, who is now 37, shared his heartbreak directly with fans. “I am absolutely heartbroken to postpone this show but if I was to sing through this particular illness, I risk long term damage,” Arthur explained in a message published by the Nottingham Post. “It’s also important to me to give you the best version of me on stage and a show you deserve. I am incredibly sorry for any inconvenience, this is the last thing I wanted to do, thank you for your love and support and I promise I will make it up to you as soon as I can.”

The Nottingham date was meant to kick off a tour that would see Arthur performing across major arenas, with stops in cities such as Glasgow, Dublin, and more. The Motorpoint Arena show’s postponement came as a blow to fans who had been eagerly awaiting the singer’s return. Arena representatives echoed Arthur’s sentiments, stating, “We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause fans.” Ticket holders were advised to retain their tickets, with details of a rescheduled date to be announced as soon as possible. For those unable to make the new date, refunds would be offered.

Arthur’s openness about his health and his commitment to delivering his best performance struck a chord with supporters. The risk of “long term damage” from performing while ill is a concern that many in the music industry know all too well. Yet, his decision to postpone, rather than deliver a sub-par show, has been widely respected.

For fans in Glasgow, anticipation was running high for Arthur’s next scheduled appearance at the OVO Hydro on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. According to The Scotsman, the Glasgow date is part of Arthur’s tour supporting his sixth studio album, Pices. The show’s logistics were laid out in detail: doors opening at 6:30 PM, a DJ warming up the audience around 7 PM, and Arthur himself expected to take the stage between 8:30 PM and 9 PM, with the concert wrapping up by 11 PM. No official support act was announced, but the DJ set promised to keep energy levels high until the main event.

If you haven’t already secured a ticket for the Glasgow gig, you’re out of luck—it's a sell-out. However, official resale tickets were still available for those looking to join the crowd at the last minute. The OVO Hydro show also came with a reminder: anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult over 18, a common requirement for arena concerts of this scale.

Fans attending the Glasgow show could expect a setlist packed with both new tracks and old favorites. Based on the Dublin performance, Arthur’s set was likely to include songs such as “Water,” “Sermon / Gucci / Ready or Not,” “Can I Be Him,” “Empty Space,” “Car’s Outside,” “Certain Things / Safe Inside / Quite Miss Home / A Year Ago,” “Naked,” “Rewrite The Stars,” “Treehouse / Medicine / New Tattoo / Ms. Jackson / Supposed / Get Down,” “Bitter Sweet Love,” “Train Wreck,” “KARAOK,” “Impossible,” “Yeah, No.,” “Lasting Lover,” and, of course, the chart-topping “Say You Won’t Let Go.”

The tour comes on the heels of Arthur’s sixth album, Pices, following a career marked by both triumphs and challenges. After his breakout moment with “Impossible”—which topped the UK Singles Chart and became the fastest-selling X Factor winner’s single at the time—Arthur’s journey included a brief departure from Simon Cowell’s Syco label in 2014. He returned in 2016 after the success of his second album, Back from the Edge, and has since released three more top-3 albums. Hits like “Say You Won’t Let Go,” “Train Wreck,” and “Naked” have cemented his reputation as a master of the emotional ballad, with a voice that resonates deeply with listeners.

Arthur’s ability to connect with audiences, both through his music and his candid communication, has been a hallmark of his career. His message to fans in Nottingham—expressing regret, gratitude, and a promise to “make it up to you as soon as I can”—reflects the personal touch that endears him to so many. It’s a quality that was on full display in Dublin, where his performance was described as “raw,” “heartfelt,” and “intimate,” even in a massive arena setting.

As the tour progresses, fans across the UK and Ireland are hoping for more nights like Dublin’s and fewer disappointments like Nottingham’s. The realities of touring—illness, logistics, and the pressure to deliver night after night—are challenges that even the most seasoned performers face. Yet, for James Arthur, the ability to turn adversity into a moment of connection may be his greatest gift.

With sold-out arenas, a new album to showcase, and a setlist that spans the highs and lows of his career, Arthur’s 2026 tour is shaping up to be a defining chapter in his musical journey. For those lucky enough to catch him live, the promise is clear: a night of powerful vocals, emotional storytelling, and the kind of personal connection that makes every show unforgettable.

Whatever the setbacks, James Arthur’s star continues to shine—sometimes against the odds, but always with heart.