INTERVIEW: Jamie Webster – From Pub Gigs to Racecourses

Matt Jacobson speaks to Liverpool singer-songwriter Jamie Webster about his journey, songwriting, and staying rooted in his hometown spirit.

Jamie Webster spoke ahead of his Haydock Park Racecourse set on Saturday, 21st June.

Jamie, I remember chatting to you back in the Covid era. That period really put the brakes on things, but since then you’ve played The Arena, Sefton Park, and now Haydock Park. How would you describe the journey?

It’s been amazing—just incredible and exciting. When I started out playing in pubs, I used to dream about performing to anyone, never mind thousands. I remember playing The Zanzibar and being told, “You’ll do the Arena one day,” and I just thought, we’ll need a few people for that!

But then it was the Academy, we had a few sold-out tours, and before I knew it, I was headlining the Arena. It’s been unbelievable. And it’s not stopping—there’s more touring ahead. I’m off to new places now, playing to new crowds, and I’m especially looking forward to Haydock Park. A racecourse is a first for me!

Do you tend to write while you’re on the road?

To be honest, not really. When I’m touring, I try to enjoy the new places and soak in the experiences. Writing for me happens more when I’m back home and reflecting on everything.

So home is where the songs come together?

Definitely. When I get back, I take time out and gather my thoughts—and that’s when the songs usually come. I’ve got an album ready now and I can’t wait to take it on tour. I’m an album person, not an EP guy. For me, an album’s a full story—it’s like a book. And I just want to keep going because I never know when it might all stop. Once the campaign for an album ends, I take a bit of time off—maybe a holiday—but after that, I’m raring to go again.

When you play gigs in Liverpool, you always make space for local bands to support you. That’s such an important opportunity for them.

Absolutely. I remember being in their shoes and craving that same kind of support. And these bands—honestly, they’re all sound lads. Really good mates of mine. Ironically, I’m supporting James this summer, and I can’t even get a support slot anywhere else! I’ve never really been invited in by the big boys. Maybe it’s because of the image they have of me, which probably isn’t even accurate. I’m doing bigger gigs than some of those artists, but it just doesn’t happen.

But back to Liverpool—it’s about sharing the journey. We all deserve a slice of the cake. And they’re not just mates—they’re great bands.

Let’s talk about Liverpool. You clearly have a special connection with the city, and the live response is incredible. What’s it like playing to a home crowd?

It’s unreal. Liverpool’s the city I love, that I write about, and that I love singing about. The people here made me who I am. When I’m on stage, they know I’m singing about them—and about me. And when they belt those words back at you, together and so loud—it’s magic. It’s something I truly treasure.

And how would you describe Liverpool itself?

It’s the people. It’s the defiance. It’s the culture and the diversity. We’ve been knocked and knocked again—Thatcher’s ‘managed decline’ comes to mind—but we don’t fall. We stand tall, we stay united. That spirit is everything to me. I adore the feeling in the air. It’s in the water, it’s in the walls—it’s the Liverpool spirit. And it’s all ours.

Jamie, thank you. Best wishes for the new album and the tour ahead.

Thanks, Matt. Appreciate it, mate.

You can check out Jamie Webster’s live schedule here.