Starsailor unveil live album with strings ahead of UK tour
Starsailor have released their first official live album Starsailor with Strings: Live from Liverpool, celebrating 25 years as a band. The album lands ahead of a UK tour which includes a Manchester gig at the Albert Hall.
Recorded at Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium earlier this year, the album captures the band’s original line-up—James Walsh, James Stelfox, Ben Byrne, and Barry Westhead—joined by long-time live guitarist Tony Foster (Spiritualized) and a full string ensemble conducted by renowned arranger Joe Duddell. Duddell’s past credits include Elbow, New Order, James and Richard Hawley.
The performance, held in the concert hall at the University of Liverpool, was the first in a series of events marking the group’s landmark year. The resulting album offers lush orchestral reimaginings of fan favourites from across their catalogue, including Four To The Floor, Silence Is Easy, Alcoholic, and Good Souls.
James Walsh said, “We wanted to do something special to mark 25 years together as a band, and knowing Joe Duddell’s fantastic reputation as a string arranger – working with bands like Elbow and James – we knew he’d be a great collaborator. When the prestigious Tung Hall became available it seemed like the perfect storm. Strings play a huge part in our second album Silence Is Easy, so it’s a nod to our past too. We can’t wait for people to hear these recordings.”
The album includes a cover of Jealous Guy and a range of material spanning their two-and-a-half decades. CD and digital editions feature bonus tracks including She Just Wept, Restless Heart, and Tell Me It’s Not Over.
Starsailor with Strings: Live from Liverpool is available on CD, digital formats, and limited edition red and blue recycled vinyl.
When do Starsailor release Starsailor with Strings: Live from Liverpool?
Starsailor will release Starsailor with Strings: Live from Liverpool today.
When do Starsailor headline at Albert Hall Manchester?
Starsailor headline at Albert Hall Manchester on Saturday 29 November 2025. The Manchester gig is one of 11 UK and Ireland dates they will headline:
- 13 November 2025 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club – SOLD OUT
- 14 November 2025 – Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
- 15 November 2025 – Norwich, The LCR, UEA
- 20 November 2025 – Nottingham, Rock City
- 21 November 2025 – Bristol, O2 Academy
- 22 November 2025 – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town
- 27 November 2025 – Newcastle, Northumbria University SU
- 28 November 2025 – Glasgow, Barrowland
- 29 November 2025 – Manchester, Albert Hall – SOLD OUT
- 3 December 2025 – Belfast, Limelight 1
- 4 December 2025 – Dublin, The Academy
To celebrate the album release, Starsailor will play a mini Record Store Tour including a date at Bury’s Wax & Beans.
3rd October 2025 – Liverpool, Jacaranda Baltic
4th October 2025 – Bury, Wax & Beans (Acoustic Set)
5th October 2025 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club (Crash Records)
image of Starsailor courtesy Adam Docker
