James force to pull out of Belladrum headline slot as Tim Booth loses voice
James force to pull out of Belladrum headline slot as Tim Booth loses voice
Steve McKenzie - Highlands and Islands reporter Sat, August 1, 2026 at 4:54 PM UTC
0
Festival organisers said James frontman Tim Booth had lost his voice
Manchester indie band James have been forced to pull out of their headline set at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival after frontman Tim Booth lost his voice.
Festival producer Dougie Brown said it was rare to lose a headliner but Razorlight had been asked to step up to the slot.
Scots singer Cammy Barnes is to play Razorlight's spot on the main stage.
More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the event, near Beauly, between Thursday and Saturday.
Brown said health came first and recognised James fans would be disappointed.
Barnes played Bella on Thursday and was asked to take Razorlight's slot due to the crowd he drew. He was in Glasgow when he got the call.
Advertisement
More stories from the Highlands and Islands
News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds
Booth posted a video of himself on James's social media accounts, speaking in a deep gravelly voice and wrapped in a large poncho.
He said it was with deep regret that the band had to cancel their slot, which they hardly ever resorted to.
He said: "I've been fighting off a viral infection for a few days and I've finally lost my voice – this deep, sexy rasp is not my usual voice – and I can no longer sing."
James have two other tour dates this month - next week in Portugal and in Norwich on 20 August.
The Belladrum weekend so far has seen performances on the Hot House main stage by Callum Beattie, Mika, The Human League, Rizzle Kicks and Scouting for Girls.
Music fans arrived at the festival site earlier for the final day, dressed to the festival's annual theme - party animals.
There is coverage of Belladrum on BBC Alba and iPlayer.
'Party animals' flock to Belladrum for festival's final day
She's so lovely: Scouting for Girls’ love of playing Belladrum
Callum Beattie and Mika among Belladrum's opening day acts
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
