James Guitarist Saul Davies: Seeing Simple Minds perform in the 1980s changed my life

James guitarist Saul Davies shares memories of Glasgow venues and musicians, including the Barrowland Ballroom, King Tut's, Walt Disco, The Blue Nile and Simple Minds.

James are among the top acts set to play Ayr’s Pavilion Festival - as it returns for its third year.

Taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend (Friday, 2 - Sunday, 4 May 2025), this year’s event marks a new milestone, expanding into a three-day extravaganza with the debut of Ayr Beach Live on Friday, headlined by legendary Britpop icons James alongside a host of celebrated 00s and new alt-rock acts.

The festival, which is curated and co-founded by hometown DJ Ewan McVicar, will expand to a three-day event for 2025. He’ll appear on the bill alongside Ben Hemsley, Swedish superstar DJ Seinfeld, DJ and presenter Annie Mac - who first chapioned McVicar back in 2021 when he released chart-topping hit Tell Me Something Good.