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The band's record deal with Mercury Records is due to expire once the material from the forthcoming album is released, and it is believed that they will not renew the contract unless both the single and the album are a commercial success. ‘Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)’ has been ignored by all radio stations, bar Virgin and Xfm, and the release of the bands first material since 1999’s ‘Millionaires’ album has gone almost unnoticed. Speaking in an interview with the band’s official site (www.jamestheband.com), vocalist Tim Booth told of his worries that the band, who have been together for 20years, may not last longer than a year more.
“There is not much we can do. I mean in a way this is the best I can do which is by telling our audience what's going on. They can pick this up on the internet and then hopefully tell their friends what is happening. If they want to support us, and value what we are doing, buy the album and single in the first week of release. Get that album to no 1 and leave some people with egg on their faces. However, instead of fighting it, it might just be the time to listen to another piece of my own advice. "Tell us when our time's up. Show us how to die well. Show us how to let it all go." James are in a transition period because this is our last record with our record company, and we will either resign or sign with another company. Transition periods are always dangerous, important moments, you know, like in a relay race. You mustn’t drop the baton...God knows if there is going to be a James around in a years time.”
Meanwhile the James have announced a UK arena tour to take place in December. Tickets for the tour have not yet gone on sale. The dates are as follows:
2 Dec 2001 – Brighton Centre
4 Dec 2001 - Newcastle Arena
6 Dec 2001 – Birmingham NEC
7 Dec 2001 – Manchester Evening News Arena
9 Dec 2001 – Glasgow SECC
10 Dec 2001 – Wembley Arena
Support comes from Ben Folds.
So if you’re a James fan, the least you can do is buy the single and the album in the first week of release and help the band achieve a high chart position. Bands like James don’t come around very often. Lets not loose them.
