James Walsh & Ben Ottewell at An Seòmar

Experience an unforgettable night as two of the best voices of the past thirty years unite for a special double bill. James Walsh of Starsailor and Ben Ottewell of Gomez will share the stage for a powerful evening of live music. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see these iconic artists perform side by side.

Ben Ottewell is a British musician best known as the gravelly-voiced frontman of the indie rock band Gomez. Born on June 23, 1976, in Chesterfield, England, Ottewell began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by his father's eclectic record collection. In 1996, he co-founded Gomez with Ian Ball, Tom Gray, Paul Blackburn, and Olly Peacock while studying at university in Sheffield.

Gomez quickly gained attention with their debut album, "Bring It On," released in 1998, which won the Mercury Music Prize. Ottewell's distinctive vocals and songwriting contributed to the band's unique sound, characterized by a blend of blues, folk, and rock elements. The band went on to release several critically acclaimed albums, including "Liquid Skin" (1999) and "In Our Gun" (2002).

Throughout Gomez's career, Ottewell's soulful voice and introspective lyrics resonated with fans, earning him a dedicated following. His solo career saw him exploring a more stripped-down acoustic sound, showcasing his raw talent and emotive storytelling. In 2011, Ottewell released his debut solo album, "Shapes & Shadows," followed by "Rattlebag" in 2014 and ‘A Man Apart’ in 2017  

With a career spanning over two decades, Ben Ottewell continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances and evocative songwriting, cementing his legacy as one of the most distinctive voices in British rock music.

James Walsh Starsailor frontman and solo artist – first found success as the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist with multi-platinum indie- rock band Starsailor. While known for iconic hits like Good Souls and Alcoholic, James has also carved out a powerful solo career, releasing acclaimed albums including Turning Point (2014), Tiger on the Bridge(2019), and Small Illusions (2021).

James has a prolific back catalogue, and his latest EP Renewal offers the trademarks of James’ all-encompassing signature sound – beautifully-crafted songs, tender balladry, gorgeous melodies and candid lyricism which transports the listener into another dimension thanks to his captivating and endearing delivery.
Whether performing solo or with a band, James Walsh brings raw emotion and timeless songs to life with powerful, intimate live shows. From Starsailor hits to heartfelt solo tracks – every performance is unforgettable.

• Saturday 26 September 2026 — the show starts at 7:00 PM.
• An Seomar is in Inverness.
• Within a minute's walk of An Seomar: Revolution, Kool Runnings and The Gellions; the nearest railway station is Inverness, about 4 minutes on foot (what's nearby).
• Ben Ottewell plays 5 more dates on this tour.
• New to gigs? What doors, curfews, age limits and presales mean.