Starsailor reissues ‘Love Is Here’ for 25th anniversary
A classic debut deserves a spectacular celebration. Starsailor, the band known for their emotionally rich sound, is set to mark a significant milestone with the 25th-anniversary reissue of their seminal album, Love Is Here.
Released in 2001, the record quickly found an audience, selling over a million copies worldwide and accumulating over 56 million streams. Now, the band is bringing this foundational work back to life with a deluxe edition that promises to deepen the appreciation for the album’s songwriting.
The new edition is a masterclass in sonic quality, having been fully remastered by Geoff Pesche at Abbey Road. Available through Parlophone on October 2, the reissue is designed for devoted fans, offering multiple ways to experience the music.
For the collector, the vinyl edition will feature the original album presented on a gatefold sleeve, with a special offering of colored vinyl for the first time. Meanwhile, a comprehensive two-CD version dives even deeper into the band’s creative process, including alternative live and session recordings from the BBC, bonus tracks, and personal recollections from frontman James Walsh.
The bonus material is packed with exclusive gems. Listeners can explore previously unreleased David Kosten mixes of tracks like Fever, alongside original demos of tracks such as Good Souls and Poor Misguided Fool. The package also includes the band’s version of All Or Nothing from the 2002 charity compilation 1Love, offering a rich tapestry of the band’s history.
Adding another layer of depth is the second disc, Love Is Here Live At The BBC. This disc captures the raw energy of the band’s performances, featuring previously unreleased sets from major events including Glastonbury, T In The Park, Top Of The Pops, and sessions with stars like Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq.
The tracklist for the main album, Disc One – Love Is Here, includes essential tracks like Tie Up My Hands, Fever, and Good Souls. The live disc, Disc Two – Love Is Here Live At The BBC, showcases iconic moments from their live history.
As Starsailor prepares to celebrate this milestone, they are not stopping there. The anniversary will be marked by a sprawling UK and European tour. The band will perform Love Is Here in full, joined by a string ensemble arranged and conducted by Joe Duddell, who has collaborated with musical titans including New Order and Richard Hawley.
The journey for the music has been layered with thoughtful reflections. James Walsh himself has spoken about the album’s impact, noting that it provided a necessary injection of life to the music scene of the early 2000s, reminding listeners of the vibrant Acoustic Movement alongside contemporaries like Turin Brakes and Coldplay.
The original record was already lauded upon release, with the NME review calling it “a debut album of real emotional depth,” highlighting Walsh’s masterful songwriting and vocals.
With five studio records following the debut, the band is poised for an exciting next chapter, with plans already underway for their seventh studio album, following the anniversary shows.
The anniversary tour is slated to kick off in October 2026, with dates lined up across Europe and the UK, including stops in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham, promising an unforgettable journey for fans of Love Is Here.
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