Later… with Jools Holland

Later… with Jools Holland: A Musical Smorgasbord of Surprises!

If you thought the New Year’s festivities were just about popping champagne and pretending you like your relatives, think again! Join Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as they usher in the New Year with more star power than a black hole at a celebrity party.

First up, we have the legendary Sir Tom Jones, who saunters onto the stage like a silver-haired lion ready to roar. He performs a medley of his biggest hits, proving that age is merely a number when you can still sing like you’re trying to woo every one of your exes back. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, he duets with a few lucky guests, reminding us all that he’s still got the charm to make hearts flutter faster than a teenage girl at a boy band concert.

Next, we’re graced by the vocal powerhouse Jess Glynne, who tears through hits from her debut album I Cry When I Laugh. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to cry while dancing, Jess is here to give you a masterclass. Spoiler alert: it’s both liberating and a little bit confusing. Just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, Paul Weller struts in to remind you that he’s still the King of Cool, performing tracks from his 12th solo album and sprinkling in some nostalgic gems from The Jam’s back catalogue. It’s like a walk down memory lane, but with a much cooler soundtrack.

And then there’s Future Islands, who have spent years on the road honing their craft. Their frontman, Samuel T. Herring, delivers a performance that’s equal parts captivating and slightly unhinged. When he dances, it’s as if he’s channeling the spirit of every heartbroken poet who ever lived. You’ll find yourself contemplating life, love, and why you ever thought wearing skinny jeans was a good idea.

As if that wasn’t enough to keep your toes tapping, we’re treated to Hozier who, with a unique twist on his multi-platinum hit Take Me to Church, reminds us that even church can be a little bit sexy when you’ve got an orchestra backing you up. It’s the kind of performance that makes you want to stand up and shout “Amen!” or at least hum along awkwardly.

Rhiannon Giddens then takes to the stage, and if you ever needed proof that talent can’t be contained, just watch her perform songs from her debut album. You’ll be transported to a world where folk music reigns supreme, and the only thing missing is a campfire and a few friends who claim they can play the guitar but really can’t.

James Bay makes a surprise appearance, performing his anthem Hold Back the River. And trust me, you won’t want to hold back your emotions when you hear it. It’s the kind of song that makes you reflect on your life choices while simultaneously making you wish you had a better haircut.

Finally, we close out the night with the bluesy authority of Beth Hart, who brings her soulful sound to songs from her album Better Than Home. It’s the perfect way to end the evening, leaving you feeling like you’ve just been given a warm hug from a musical giant.

So there you have it! Later… with Jools Holland is not just a show; it’s an experience that proves once and for all that music truly is the universal language—especially when it comes with a side of laughter and a sprinkle of nostalgia. Here’s to another year of incredible performances and the dubious choices we make while trying to sing along!