Avatar at Barrowlands Glasgow 16th February 2026

Posted on February 22, 2026 by coralmccallum

Late afternoon on a chilly damp Monday, Boy Child and I set off up the road towards Glasgow. Deciding to avoid the rush hour M8 car park/roadworks, we took an alternative route into the city centre. It felt like a pothole riddled magical mystery tour but eventually we arrived at King St car park. (Usually, we would have taken the train to this venue but they were all off for maintenance on the line…deep joy!) We finished our journey on foot and soon the iconic Barrowlands sign came into view.

So, who were we there to see? Seden’s finest, Avatar! And their support act Alien Weaponry!

The rail gods weren’t shining on us but Boy Child found us an ideal spot a couple of rows off the rail. Happy days!

First out on stage were Norwegian black metal trio Witch Club Satan. Words fail me! Thumper Principle duly applied. Ladies, its Glasgow in February! Put some clothes on, please!

At 8pm the lights dimmed signally the imminent arrival of Alien Weaponry. It had been three years and one day since I had last seen this trio from Waipu, New Zealand play live. On that occasion, they had supported the mighty French metal gods, Gojira and half an hour had not been enough. Tonight was the same. Thirty short Māori metal filled minutes felt all too short.

Not many bands open their set with a Haka but these guys do and it’s a sight to behold.

Haka entrance by Alien Weaponry @ Barrowlands Glasgow 16/2/26

(apologies the video quality isn’t great)

My Māori is sadly lacking but I believe the guys opened their set with Ru Ana Te Whenua. Even with only a few precious minutes in front of their Scottish fans, Alien Weaponry got the crowd moving. The mosh pit opened and the first of many crowd surfers passed over the centre of the crowd.

If nothing else, Glasgow’s reaction to Alien Weaponry proves we need a headline show!

Alien Weaponry ended their all too short five-song set with the might Kai Tangata

Kai Tangata – Alien Weaponry @ Barrowlands Glasgow 16/02/26

(credits to Boy Child for capturing this one)

At 9pm the houselights dimmed. The stage was swathed in blue light. Thunder rumbled heralding the arrival of a storm. The drumkit split and slid to each side of the stage to make way for Avatar’s arrival. Hooded at the prow of their “boat” and carrying a lantern, Johannes Eckerstrom and the boys sailed in and opened their two-hour set with Captain Goat from their current album Don’t Go in The Forest.

Captain Goat – Avatar @ Barrowlands Glasgow 16/02/26

(credits to Boy Child for capturing this one)

With their cloaks discarded, Avatar moved onto to Silence in the Age of Apes from 202’s Hunter Gatherer album before the mighty The Eagle Has Landed rounded out the opening trio of songs.

Silence in the Age of Apes – Avatar @ Barrowlands Glasgow 16/02/26

(credits to Boy Child for capturing this one)

Resplendent in black leather with long black gloves, Johannes held court on stage for nigh on two full hours.

For the uninitiated, Avatar are a five-piece melodic death metal/alternative metal band from Molndal Sweden. Part Pierrot/part ringmaster, Johannes welcomes everyone into “the King’s” realm. Avatar County.

This was the fourth time that I’d seen these guys live and I love them! I love the theatre of their set. Johannes is also one of the most creepy, engaging frontmen that you will find.

Avatar played a seventeen-song set which was a balance of songs from their current album Don’t Go in The Forest and their back catalogue.

Having adorned his trademark red frock coat and wide brimmed black hat, Johannes cut a striking figure as the band played Black Angel, from 2014’s Hail the Apocalypse album. Definitely one of the highlights of the night.

Bloody Angel -Avatar @ Barrowlands Glasgow 16/02/26

(credits to Boy Child for capturing this one)

Right from the off, the Glasgow crowd already well warmed up by Alien Weaponry were lively. The mosh pit was opened throughout and security staff were kept busy with a constant stream of crowd surfers (I’d ban crowd surfing…just saying.)

Another pounding highlight was the mighty Colossus.

A couple of songs later, the drums parted again to allow a baby grand piano glided to the front of the stage. Cue another change of jacket (glittering this time) for Johannes as he sat down and teased the fans with a delicate snippet of Over the Rainbow before charming everyone with Howling at The Waves, another song off the current record.

Howling at the Waves- Avatar @Barrowlands Glasgow 16/02/26

(credits to Boy Child for capturing this one)

Proceedings then took a regal turn. It was time to honour Avatar Country’s “king”, Jonas Jarlby. An ornate throne was brought centre stage with the “king” seated in it. In a white tailcoat, Johannes paid homage to his “royal” bandmate as Avatar performed Legend of the King. Spectacular stuff!

Two songs later, Tonight We Must Be Warriors rounded out the main body of the set.

A few minutes later, much to the delight of the crowd, Avatar returned to open their three-song encore with the title track from the current record. This was followed by my two personal favourites of the night. The first of these was Smells Like a Freak Show. I adore this one, especially the way Johannes charms the crowd with his opening monologue.

Smells Like a Freak Show – Avatar @ Barrowlands Glasgow 16/02/26

All good things have to come to an end and with curfew looming, Avatar brought the night to a climax with the mighty Hail the Apocalypse. Wow!

As their outro music declared We’ll Meet Again!

An awesome night spent in Avatar Country!

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Biffy Clyro @ the OVO Hydro Glasgow 21 January 2026

Posted on January 24, 2026 by coralmccallum

On a cold drizzly Wednesday evening, 2026 gig season kicked off.

Shortly after 4pm, Boy Child and I set off towards Glasgow, opting for the back road instead of the M8 due to an insane amount of ongoing road works. After a further detour due to yet more road works, we finally arrived at the science centre car park. Having parked the car, we set off on foot for our venue for the evening – Glasgow’s OVO Hydro arena.

Doors were an early 6pm and as we walked across towards the outdoor security booths, it was surprisingly quiet. When we were security we were surprised to discover that there was barely a queue and this was at 5.40pm for a sold-out show…bizarre…

So, who had been given the honour of being my first headliners of the year?

Kilmarnock’s Biffy Clyro!

Once indoors, we divided and conquered. I went to visit the merch stall (No queue there either weirdly) and Boy Child headed into the arena to secure our spot for the night. Boy done good and got a great spot just one row off the rail. Happy Days!

There were two support acts on the bill. ( I have a sneaky suspicion that word about those had spread and that that may have contributed to the late arrival of the majority of the crowd)

First out at 7pm were The Armed, a hardcore punk collective from Detroit, according to their Wikipedia page. There were nine of them on stage at one point. Words fail me! Thumper Principle duly applied.

Next out were Softplay, a punk/rock due from Kent who sounded decidedly Cockney. Think if the Artful Dodger had decided to pursue a career in music instead of pick pocketing. I am not a fan of punk nor am I a fan of bands throwing the “C-word” around the stage so I almost applied my Thumper Principle for a second time but Softplay got the growing crowd going and brought some much-needed energy into the room. While their music and angsty delivery are not for me, their set was entertaining enough.

By the time Biffy Clyro’s giant “midgie net” was raised along the front of the stage, the Hydro was full to the rafters.

At 8:50pm the houselights dimmer and amid swarming red lights, set opener A Little Love began behind the “midgie net” much to the delight of the crowd. A few seconds later, the front curtain dropped to reveal a second tented layer that was finally raised a couple of minutes later to finally reveal Biffy Clyro. Dramatic start to their twenty-three song set.

A Little Love – Biffy Clyro @ OVO Hydro Glasgow 21/01/26

Hunting Season, also from current album Futique followed before the opening trio was rounded out by the awesome That Golden Rule from the classic Only Revolutions.

That Golden Rule- Biffy Clyro @ OVO Hydro Glasgow 21/01/26

This was the final show of the tour and also a home show for the band so they were on a high right from the get-go. With bassist James Johnston absent due to medical reasons, bass duties for the evening fell to Naomi MacLeod from Simon Neil’s side project Empire State Bastard.  The multi- level staircase stage set added some dramatic flair to the evening and also gave Simon, Naomi and the two violinists a workout as they transitioned the levels throughout the two-hour show.

I’ll confess that I had sneaked a peek at setlist FM earlier in the day so had an insight into what delights lay ahead.

There truly wasn’t a bad song on the extensive set. Although Biffy Clyro were touring current album Futique and five songs from it had made the set, there were also five from Only Revolutions in there too. There was no shortage of fan favourites in the mix.

A third of the way through the set, the arena was plunged momentarily into darkness before a few seconds of bright flashing strobes were followed by Simon declaring “You are no exception!” Wolves of Winter from 2016’s  Ellipsis was definitely a set highpoint for me.

Wolves of Winter – Biffy Clyro @ OVO Hydro Glasgow 21/1/26

A few minutes later, with Simon now standing at the very top of the stage, he introduced Biblical to the crowd. This was clearly a fan favourite judging by the reaction before he had even played a note.

Biblical – Biffy Clyro @ OVO Hydro Glasgow 21/1/26

Black Chandelier was another high point for me and many thousand others a few songs deeper into the set. What’s not to love about this one?

Black Chandelier- Biffy Clyro @OVO Hydro Glasgow 21/1/26

There was only one acoustic song on the set. With Simon perched, feet dangling over the edge at the top of the stairs and drummer Ben Johnston sitting halfway down, they delighted the fans with a beautifully raw and haunting version of Machines, from 2007’s Puzzle album. The Glasgow rock choir did not disappoint during this one.

Machines- Biffy Clyro @ OVO Hydro Glasgow 21/1/26

Machines was followed back on ground level by the iconic anthem The Captain. Simply awesome stuff!

The Captain- Biffy Clyro @ OVO Hydro Glasgow 21/1/26

The penultimate song of the night was the amazing Bubbles. Love this one! Glasgow did as they were told and bounced their way through to the final song of the night Many of Horror, complete with patriotic blue and white confetti cannons.

Bubbles- Biffy Clyro @ OVO Hydro Glasgow 21/1/26

What a show!

Wearily, 14000 Scottish fans headed back out into the night to the strains of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. For the previous two hours all eyes had most definitely been on Biffy F**King Clyro!

Till next time, guys.

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Crobot @ Classic Grand Glasgow on 8th December 2025

Posted on December 11, 2025 by coralmccallum

On a chilly damp Monday evening Boy Child and I boarded the train to Glasgow. We were heading out for our final gig of 2025.

The venue of choice for the evening was Classic Grand, just a hop, skip and a jump from the station.

So, who had the honour of being our final headline act of 2025?

Well, that honour fell to Crobot who were finally making their long-awaited return to Glasgow. It had been six long years since I had last seen these boys in G2.

When the doors opened at 7pm there were only a handful of people in the queue and I was a little nervous about where the evening was headed. I needn’t have worried.

As we were first in the queue getting a prime spot in front of the very low and very small stage wasn’t a challenge. This was my first experience of the small first floor room in Classic Grand. It made for an intimate evening.

Despite the strict early curfew of 10pm, there were two local support bands on the bill.

First out on stage were Salt River Shakedown, a five-piece funk rock band. This was my first introduction to them and as always I kept an open mind. Their six-song set was entertaining enough but to be honest didn’t set the world on fire for me. Highlight of their set was their cover of Hard to Handle. Would I rush to see them again? Perhaps not.

Out next were three-piece In Charge. Here I am going to apply my Thumper Principle. They too played a six-song set after trying to induce a migraine in everyone present with their flashing neon sign propped on the stage. Not for me. Sorry.

By the time the mighty Crobot were due to take to the tiny stage, there was a healthy sized crowd in the room. Whew!

I have a huge soft spot for these guys from Pennsylvania USA. I first saw them play back in 2014 in the long since lost O2 ABC2. A memorable night. There have been a few changes of “engine room” over the years so I was not only excited to Brandon Yeagley and Chris Bishop but also newcomers, brothers Willie and Nico Jansen on bass and drums.

At 9pm, the lights dimmed even further and the small stage was suddenly filled with Crobot opening their hour-long set with the awesome Legend of a Spaceborne Killer. Oh, it was SO sweet to see these guys back in town.

The Legend of the Spaceborne Killer – Crobot @ Classic Grand Glasgow 08/12/25

I’m convinced that frontman Brandon Yeagley is in fact liquid! That boy barely stands still and moves swiftly around the stage with an unrivalled fluidity. Such an entertaining and charismatic frontman.

To his right was the enigmatic guitarist, Chris Bishop, who much to my amazement repeatedly succeeded in executing his trademark guitar swing without decapitating his bandmates.

Crobot’s set was a mixed bag of their older material with a smattering off their most recent album Obsidian.

With Crobot, you know what you’re going to get – lively, swampy, funk-laden grooves blended with hard and heavy rock music. The perfect cocktail.

One of the highlights for me was Back at the Blackwoods.

Back at the Blackwoods – Crobot @ Classic Grand Glasgow 08/12/25

Another highlight moment was the awesome Fly on the Wall which was swiftly followed by Low Life.

Fly on the Wall and Low Life – Crobot @ Classic Grand Glasgow 8/12/25

Ok I may be a little bit biased but the entire set was awesome. The lighting on the other hand could have been better but I accept that the band have little control over that especially in small venues.

Unfortunately, towards the latter part of the set, Chris Bishop’s pedalboard was blighted by a few gremlins but, ever the professional, he took it in his stride.

The first-floor room in Classic Grand has a very low ceiling so it did make me wonder if Chris and Brandon would be able to perform their “party piece” movement. I needn’t have worried. The moment came during Nowhere to Hide. How Brandon managed to get onto Chris’ shoulders without knocking himself out on the ceiling is one of life’s great mysteries. Kudos to you both.

Nowhere to Hide- Crobot @ Classic Grand Glasgow 8/12/25

An hour with Crobot just wasn’t long enough.

All too soon it was over, just as the clock struck ten.

Awesome return to Glasgow, guys. Please don’t leave it so long again!

Oh, and play La Mano de Lucifer next time for me, pretty please.

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Mason Hill @ The Cathouse, Glasgow 29th November 2025

Posted on December 3, 2025 by coralmccallum

On a chilly sunny Saturday afternoon, I boarded the 16:26 train. Unaccompanied I headed towards Glasgow for a pre-gig meet up with some AB Family members before heading to a long-awaited gig. After a good blether over an Irn Bru in a nearby rock hostelry, we walked round to the venue of choice for the evening – the iconic Cathouse.

I’ve waited just over four years to see this band play live. Their 2021 show in The Garage was meant to be my first post-covid gig but the real world had to take priority at the time and I missed the show.

My patience and that of many others has been rewarded this week as the band in question played two shows- one in London and one in their hometown.

Who am I talking about? The marvellous Mason Hill!

The music Gods were smiling on us and we secured a rail spot for the evening. Happy Days!

With an early 10pm curfew in place there was only time for one support act. That honour fell to Manchester band, The Fear. I’m going to partially apply my Thumper Principle here. These guys area nu-metal band primarily and not my metal genre of choice. Aspects of their 30minute set were great but for me personally there was too much reliance on tracking. These additional effects, especially “beaming in” Kellin Quinn from Sleeping With Sirens detracted from the musical ability on display. The Fear played a song called White Noise…and that kind of summed it up for me. Sorry, guys.

Since Mason Hill last played Glasgow there’s been a change of line up with Tom Ward joining them on vocals. They’ve also been busy writing and recording. Their new album is due to drop next year.

As 8:30 approached the sell out crowd was desperate for their first glimpse of Tom and their first listen to some new tunes. Mason Hill did not disappoint.

They opened their thirteen-song set with Burn It Down, a new one but their fans were on side right from the start. Everyone in the room was simply delighted to the guys back on stage in Glasgow.

Burn It Down (set opener) – Mason Hill @ The Cathouse Glasgow 29/11/25

There were a few sound gremlins in the works and despite several pleas form the fans, Tom’s mic never seemed to get turned up a couple of notches so his vocals were somewhat muted in among the guitars of James Bird and Marc Montgomery, Matthew Ward’s bass and Craig McFetridge’s drums.

What may have been lacking in vocal volume was compensated by Tom’s fan engagement. He left the low stage and prowled the rail several times during the band’s seventy-minute set. I’ll also cut him a bit of slack as he had been under the weather all week and was still struggling a bit with his voice.

Mason Hill’s set was a mix of old and new, weighted slightly in favour of the new. That initially felt like a bit of a gamble to me but the guys pulled it off beautifully. From the new material that was played, it was a song called Resonate that was my personal favourite.

One highlight “old” song for me was DNA. The boys almost raised the roof off the Cathouse with that one.

DNA – Mason Hill @ The Cathouse Glasgow 29/11/25

Current single Remember was the penultimate song of the night.

Ahead of curfew but while Tom still had some voice left, Mason Hill brought their set to a climax with Against The Wall.

A great return to the Glasgow stage, guys. I’m viewing this one almost as the “dress rehearsal” show and am already looking forward to their headline show in The Garage in March. Grab your tickets. It’s going to be one hell of a night!

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Those Damn Crows at SWG3 Glasgow 21st October 2025

Posted on October 24, 2025 by coralmccallum

As the sun finally broke through the clouds, I set off alone up the M8 towards Glasgow. Thanks to the tailbacks due to the ongoing roadworks, it took me an hour and forty minutes to drive the 30ish miles to the science centre carpark- almost twice as long as usual. Have I mentioned that I hate driving in rush hour traffic? My nerves were in tatters! But I’d made it one piece. It was a relief to continue the rest of the journey on foot.

So, where was I off to?

SWG3 to see Welsh rockers, Those Damn Crows!

When I arrived around 6pm a queue was already forming. I’d arranged to join two AB family members for this one and had no trouble finding Mr D and Miss W in line.

The rail Gods weren’t quite on side, but a nice wee spot left of centre one row off rail was perfect for the night.

There were two support bands on the bill for the evening. The first of those was James Bruner who took to the stage at 7:15pm as the room as still filling. Being first support at a Glasgow show, especially if it’s your first ever Glasgow show, can feel like a daunting prospect to bands but James Bruner owned that stage as if he were headlining Hampden Park! His stage look (jeans, boots, biker jacket with no shirt underneath and some scarves around his waist) might be a tad cliched for some but he pulled it off beautifully. Unfamiliar with his music, I was impressed with what I heard (I later bought his soon to be released album at the merch stall which he kindly signed for me) Is James Bruner a solo act with a backing band or are James Bruner a band? That remains unclear but he is flanked by some superb musicians especially Zach Mears on guitar. Great opening set and definitely a name to watch out for in future.

Next up were Canadians, Autumn Kings. Again, this was new band to me but right from the off these guys had me hooked. This was their Glasgow debut and by the end of their opening song, Sleep When I’m Dead if my memory serves me right, they had won over the Scottish crowd. It’s hard to pigeonhole these guys. There’s a lot of Linkin’ Park influences in there but also a lot of Metallica and perhaps a smidgeon of Eminem… there was also a smattering of Ricky Martin. A surprisingly infectious rendition of Livin’ La Vida Loca revealed meany musical guilty pleasures as the Glasgow rock choir passionately sang along word perfect to it. It’s unusual for a support act, let alone one making their debut in Glasgow, to be honoured with the city’s familiar chant of “Here We! Here We! Here We …..” you know the rest, but Autumn Kings earned it fair and square. I always feel that covering a Linkin Park song is a bit of a risk, but these guys nailed it with their rendition of Bleed It Out. Highlight song for me was Aliens thought when every fan in the room was bouncing along with the band. Awesomeness!  Glasgow needs a headline show, guys! (hint hint)

With SWG3 full to the rafters, when the lights dimmed shortly before 9pm, the welcome offered to Those Damn Crows was deafening. This crowd was already on fire! The biggest cheers went to front man, Shane Greenhall. The band opened their ninety-minute set with Dancing with the enemy from their current album and set the bar high from the off. Awesome start!

A couple of songs later, Shane “fluffed” the start of Glass Heart but calmly brushed it off and the band sailed flawlessly through at the second time of asking.

Those Damn Crows fans are a passionate bunch. It had been almost two years to the day since the band had last played at SWG3 and Shane extended the band’s thanks to everyone for selling out the show.

The band are currently touring their #1 album, God Shaped Hole so it came as no surprise that eight out of the seventeen songs they played were taken from it.

One I had been looking forward to hearing live was Dreaming. The Gremlins weren’t done with poor Shane who “fluffed” the start twice. This time he was good naturedly heckled by the Glasgow fans (Honest, they were encouraging him and showing their love and not ridiculing him) Moments like that help make a gig for me as they prove two key things – it’s live and that these guys on stage are human just like the rest of us.

It’s hard to pick a highlight moment of the night for this gig as there were so many.

The Night Train mid-set was certainly one of those. After opening up to the fans about personal loss, Shane’s vocal on this emotionally evocative song came straight from the heart adding a rawness to this beautiful song.

I’m pretty sure Shane was praying to the Muses to be kind to him as he stood alone on stage a couple of songs later to play Still. Love this song.

Still- Those Damn Crows @ SWG3 Glasgow 21/10/25

A piano sat to the far side of the stage from where I was standing. It came as no surprise to the fans when Shane took his seat behind it that the ever-popular Blink of an Eye was next on the setlist. Having started the song as a solo, the front man was soon joined by the rest of the band – Ian “Shiner” Thomas on guitar, David Winchurch on guitar, Lloyd Wood on Bass and Ronnie Huxford on drums.

This show had flown by way too fast and with an early curfew looming (Shane said it would cost them £2000 if they broke curfew and that they didn’t love us that much LOL) all too soon the end of the set was in sight. The Crows closed out their set- no time wasted with encores – with one of my favourites, This Time I’m Ready followed by the aptly titled See You Again. The crowd almost lifted the roof off SWG3 throughout this one. Spectacular end to an awesome night.

They’ll certainly see me again next time.

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Cardinal Black @ The Garage, Glasgow 11th October 2025

Posted on October 15, 2025 by coralmccallum

On a mild but dull Saturday afternoon, Boy Child and I set off on the 3:36 train to Glasgow.

As we walked up Renfield Street towards Sauchiehall Street an hour later, the city was bustling with a bizarre mix of shopper and party animals and delivery guys on bikes.

Finally, we reached our venue for the evening, Glasgow’s iconic Garage. It was just after 5pm. So, who were we out so early to see?

Wales’s finest, Cardinal Black. And the reason for the early start was that we were also doing their VIP Experience which included attending part of the band’s soundcheck etc.

Normally, I would say that what happens at the VIP Experience stays at the VIP Experience but I’m going to make a small exception here purely because the boys did play this song again a few hours later. The VIPs heard two full songs and the second of those was the stunning Morning Light. It also gave us a sneak preview of the evening’s support act, Nathan O’Regan.

Morning Light – Cardinal Black from their soundcheck @ The Garage Glasgow 11/10/25

I breathed a sigh of relief at the end of the VIP Experience when we were told that we could stay in the room rather than trailing all the way down the stairs just to turn and trek all the way back up a few minutes later.

A little strategic positioning while the last of the VIPs got their photo with the band meant that we easily secured centre front on the rail for the night. Happy days.

By the time Nathan O’Regan stepped out on stage, shortly after 7:15pm, the room was filling up nicely. Hailing originally from Cork, ROI and currently a resident in Belfast, NI, Nathan swiftly charmed the Scottish crowd with his combination of music an stories. I can honestly say he’s one of the best support acts that I have seen in a very long time. Immediately likeable and relatable, he wears his heart on his sleeve and pours that heart and soul into his songs and their back story. He missed things up a little by adding in one cheeky cover that had everyone in the room singing along – ACDC’s Thunderstruck. An inspired choice! The only song from the all too short set that I captured was Baby Steps. Watch out for this guy. He deserves to go far.

Baby Steps – Nathan O’Regan @ The Garage, Glasgow 11/10/25

At 8pm, with the capacity crowd suitable warmed up, the lights dimmed, the intro tape played and within a few moments amid a thunderous welcome. Cardinal Black stepped out on stage to open their fourteen-song set with Ride Home. Having checked that we were ready, a magical evening of music commenced.

Ride Home- Cardinal Black @ The Garage Glasgow 11/10/25

Sometimes at a show you get an inkling that you are experiencing something just a little bit special. By the time we reached the fourth song of the night, Holding My Breath, it was clear that this was one of those occasions.

Holding My Breath – Cardinal Black @ The Garage Glasgow 11/10/25

Both guitarist Chris Buck and front man Tom Hollister had confessed to feeling under the weather at the soundcheck but there was little sign of their lurgy in the set. Drummer Adam Roberts was keeping his share of the lurgy to himself at the back of stage behind his shades.

 I think that this was the sixth time that I’ve seen Cardinal Black play and I accept that I may be more than a little biased in their favour, but these guys just keep raising the bar every time. The venues are gradually getting larger too. Chris commented that the garage was the largest so far on the tour. And they managed to sell it out. Much as I want to see these guys reach the heights that they deserve, I’ll miss the intimacy of shows this size.

With two full studio albums plus an EP and a live album under their belts, Cardinal Black have plenty songs in their armoury now to build their set around.

When I saw Tom pick up his acoustic guitar, I knew what song was coming next- Adeline, the song he wrote about missing his little girl while out on the road. Tom’s another one who wears his heart on his sleeve, and he got emotional singing this one.

Adeline – Cardinal Black @ The Garage Glasgow 11/10/25

A couple of songs later, just as we had heard and seen during the soundcheck, Nathan O’Regan joined the boys on stage for Morning Light, from their current album Midnight At The Valencia. The fans, having taken Nathan to their hearts earlier, loved every second of the performance.

Personally, I really like to see the headliners incorporate the support band into their set where possible and on this occasion it worked beautifully.

Oh, this show was flying by way too fast, with the ten o’clock curfew looming large on the horizon.

Your Spark and the ever popular Tell Me How It Feels followed.

I’m not a musician so I cannot express eloquently enough just how talented a guitarist Chris Buck is. I’m a music fan and I could watch and listen to him play all night. Watching Chris lose himself in the solos is a thing of sonic beauty. Seeing him smiling and laughing with Tom and the others throughout the set is equally beautiful. Such a talented musician and really nice guy.

I love Tom Hollister’s voice, even when it is a little huskier thanks to his lingering lurgy, and the larger-than-life personality he brings to the stage. It’s that spark that I worry may get lost a bit if the venues get too much bigger.

I don’t mean to leave Adam Robers out here. He’s a skilled drummer, presiding this evening at the back behind his shades, and is the engine room of the band along with touring bassist Sam.

Hiding out at the back, barely visible from where I was standing, was keyboard player Michael. He got his moment in the spotlight with his extended solo during Warm Love, the penultimate song of the main set. Stunning stuff that the rest of the band enjoyed as much as the fans.

Where Do You Go brought the main set to an energetic, party atmosphere climax….WOW!

 Warm Love + Where Do You Go – Cardinal Black @ The Garage Glasgow 11/10/25

After a moment or two off stage, Chris and Tom returned to perform the first song of the band’s two-song encore, Push Pull. Chris opened up and told the back story of this spine tinglingly beautiful song as he casually noodled away creating the perfect atmosphere for it. I love this song. So much emotion to it.

As the rest of the band returned to the stage, the evening was brought to a close with another of my favourites, Tied Up In Blue.

And just like that, the last note rang out, picks were tossed (Boy Child got one) , setlists were passed out (Boy Child caught Tom’s from Chris for me), drumsticks were tossed and the magic was over until next time.

As we all made our way towards the exit, there was a medical emergency in the room. I hope whoever it was who took ill is OK. Kudos to the staff for reacting so promptly.

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Florence Black at The Garage, Glasgow 15th September 2025

Posted on September 18, 2025 by coralmccallum

On a mild Monday evening, unaccompanied, I boarded the 5:26 (close enough) train to Glasgow. I wasn’t going to be alone for long once I reached Glasgow as I had arranged to meet up with some AB Family members before the show.

It had been a while since I had walked from the station up to Sauchiehall St. It was also the first time that I had walked past the site of the former O2 ABC since part of the building had been demolished. Seeing it standing there a tattered ruin with some of internal O2 ABC signs on display tore at my heart. I loved that venue and it is sorely missed. So many great nights in there.

My first stop of the night was “Spoons” across from the venue for a pre-gig AB Family reunion. It was lovely to see everyone. It had been far too long….

So where were we all headed to?

The Garage to see the mighty Florence Black.

Due largely to too much blethering, I was slightly later than I had intended in heading across the street but still managed to find myself one row off the rail for the evening, with Mr D and Miss W for company. Happy days!

With an early curfew in place no one was wasting any time.

At 7:30, the only support act for the evening, The Virginmarys, took to the stage. This duo has been periphery of my gig scene for a long while, but I had never had the opportunity to catch them live before now. The duo from Macclesfield managed to squeeze eight songs into their allotted thirty minutes. The Virginmarys, who are Ally Dickaty on guitar and vocals and Danny Dolan on drums, opened with You’re a Killer much to the delight of their fans who lined the rail. Part way through their set, they played a song called When the Lights Go Down. The irony wasn’t lost on me. The lighting plus a few annoyingly placed head and a staring security guard made taking any photos nigh on impossible. C’est la vie. The band ended their set with Bang Bang Bang- another apt title as th4eri drummer “bangs” the shit out of those drums! An entertaining set but I don’t feel that I’d rush to see these guys again.

Moving on…

Just after 8:30 the lights dimmed, and the intro music played announcing the headliners as the “best band ever…period…Florence Black!” Amid the rapturous roars of the Glasgow crowd, the three Welshmen took to the stage to open their set with Rocking Ring, followed by Start Again and Bird on A Chain. A blistering start to their eighteen-song set. Latest single Coloured In followed and is clearly already well-loved by their loyal fans. Great track!

I think this was the fourth time that I’d seen these guys from Merthyr Tydfil and they never disappoint.

For the uninitiated among you, Florence Black are Perry Davies on drums and backing vocals, Jordan “Fozzy” Evans on bass and backing vocals and the awesome Tristan Thomas on guitar and lead vocals. This trio are a well-oiled machine that’s gathering momentum as their music goes from strength to strength.

One of my highlight moments of the night came mid-set when Florence Black played Warning Sign from their last album Bed of Nails. I think this is my second favourite of their songs. Awesome performance.

There was another momentous moment mid-set that possibly stole the show. It was Fozzy’s 31st birthday! Cue a rowdy rendition of Happy Birthday as a cake with pink candles was brought on stage. Happy Birthday again, young man. Where was our slice of cake?

Then it was straight back to business.

There wasn’t a weak moment in Florence Black’s seventy-five-minute set, but the latter half certainly saw them pulling out all the stops. Look Up, a recent single, Bed of Nails, the title track from their last album and the mighty Zulu were promptly followed by the band’s tribute to the late great, much-missed Ozzy Osbourne – a stellar rendition of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid.

The main body of the set was brought to a climax by the band’s ever popular cover of Budgie’s Breadfan. Sorry, guys, personally that one isn’t for me.

After a brief moment or two off stage (probably just long enough to devour a slice of birthday cake) the trio returned to the stage for one last song- the incredible Sun & Moon. I love this song and even although it meant that the end of the show was nigh, it was my highlight song of the night.

What a show!

Hurry back, guys. I’ve now seen you headline Stereo, Classic Grand and The Garage so by next time I hope you have graduated to SWG3 or the O2 Academy or even the legendary Barrowlands.

Til next time….

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Anchor Lane @ King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow 30th August 2025

Posted on September 3, 2025 by coralmccallum

On a dreich Saturday evening, accompanied by Miss V, I headed to Glasgow on the 17:56 train, keen to end the summer musical drought.

Glasgow’s Central Station was busy as we navigated our way through to the exit before setting off away from the chaos towards St Vincent Street. Our destination for the evening was the iconic, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut to catch the last of their Summer Nights shows.

And the headliners for the evening? The awesome homegrown talent that is Anchor Lane. This was to be no ordinary show though. It was the first of two celebrating 10 years of Anchor Lane.

But I’m getting ahead of myself here…

The rail Gods were smiling on us, and we secured a spot near the end of the rail for the evening. Happy days!

With an early 10:30pm curfew looming and three bands on the bill, no one was wasting any time.

Fifteen minutes after the doors opened, first up were a young band called Human Renegade. Clearly a little nervous at the start of their 30-minute set, the youngsters eventually sorted out their early sound issues and found their stride. I almost applied my Thumper Principle here, but a couple of songs persuaded me otherwise – Buttercup and Ash and Smoke. A bit more experience needed perhaps but a solid effort, folks.

Next up for their allotted 30-minute slot were Forgetting the Future, who announced an imminent name change to Fadea, just to confuse everyone. Another young band but one with a bit more experience under their belts. Hailing from Thurso, Forgetting the Future now Fadea, delivered a solid set. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

With only an out at their disposal, Anchor Lane arrived on stage at 9:30 to a rapturous welcome. They kicked off their 16-song set with their current single Six Foot Six Pack Sigma. Immediately the room were right on side with them. This was also Glasgow’s first chance to see new guitarist Connor Traill who joined them in 2024, in action. He didn’t disappoint.

Six Foot Six Pack Sigma (show opener) – Anchor Lane @ King Tuts Glasgow 30/08/25

The ever-popular Stutter followed. For energy levels, front man, recently married (congratulations) Conor Gaffney rivals Black Stone Cherry’s Ben Wells. He doesn’t stand still for more than a split second. Glasgow’s answer to the Duracell bunny!

I’ve seen Anchor Lane several times over the last few years, and they just keep sounding better and better. This current line-up, and I mean no disrespect to any of the past members, has the best chemistry yet on stage and it shines through in the music. The fans were lapping it all up!

Conor commented that this was their first gig of 202 but it certainly didn’t feel like it. Anchor Lane had hit the ground running.

Drummer Graeme Newbury was given the mic briefly to remind us all that this was the 10th anniversary show before instructing the crowd to clap in 3:3 time for the duration of his spectacular drum solo that certainly wasn’t in 3:3! For someone with a poor to non-existent sense of rhythm, that was cruel, sir, very cruel! LOL!

It’s nigh on impossible to pick out a highlight song of the night as they were all superb. I particularly enjoyed Nitrogylcerin early on in the set and also Choke, the penultimate song of the evening.

Choke – Anchor Lane @ King Tuts Glasgow 30/08/25

Awesome show! An hour just wasn’t long enough.

Now to impatiently await the release of a new album……

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Myles Kennedy & Co @ Elysee Montmartre, Paris 15th June 2025

Posted on June 19, 2025 by coralmccallum

In a change to my usual modes of transport to a gig, this one involved a flight to Paris and an UBER ride into the city from the airport the day before the show. The walk to the venue from my hotel on gig day took all of two minutes, depending on traffic. (I was staying in the hotel diagonally across the street)

So, who had me flying from Glasgow to Paris for one show?

Myles Kennedy & Co!

As is my want, I’d booked the VIP meet and greet experience and along with 40 others from all over the world, enjoyed hearing part of the band’s soundcheck in the afternoon. It also gave me an insight into some of the songs I could expect to hear later.

The Elysee Montmartre originally opened in 1807. After a fire in 2011, it reopened as a venue in 2016 with a capacity of circa 1300. It is a really pretty venue inside and out.

Sadly, the show wasn’t a sellout, but it is festival season and, as a friend explained, close to holiday season too.

No need to pray to the rail gods for this show. There was no rail! Instead, I found myself standing right in front of a rather high stage!

There was only one support act on the bill, Lancashire’s finest, Massive Wagons. I’ve listened to these guys on Planet Rock radio over the last few years, but this was my first opportunity to see them play live.

Massive Wagons are a lively bunch to say the least with front man Barry Mills, barely standing still for a second. Unfortunately, the lighting wasn’t being kind to those at the very front and we were getting blinded by one of the lights. This got worse when the strobe effect was brought into play. So, it’s fair to say, Massive Wagons sounded great, but I still feel as though I’ve barely seen them.

The five piece played a nine-song set that included all the songs I was familiar with from the radio. Set highlights for me were The Good Die Young, House of Noise and Bangin’ In Your Stereo.

A “bangin’” performance that got the growing crowd warmed up nicely.

At 8:45 the familiar strains of Freddie King’s Going Down signalled that the headliners were about to begin.

Myles Kennedy accompanied by Tim Tournier on bass and “pedal” duties plus drummer Zia Uddin, who was caged for the night behind his perspect screens, stepped out to a rapturous reception. Paris certainly made some noise for them!

Having seen four of the UK shows late last year, I had more than a rough idea of the musical delights that were to come over the next ninety minutes.

Myles opened the fifteen-song set with Nothing More To Gain, and The Art of Letting Go, the title track from his current album. The fabulous A Thousand Words from The Ides of March completed the opening trio of songs.

A Thousand Words – Myles Kennedy @ Elysee Montmartre 15/06/25

I’m biased. I openly admit it. I’d listen to Myles sing and play absolutely anything but, despite still shaking off the remains of a cold/respiratory infection, he was sounding fantastic.

What I love about these MK & Co shows is that these guys get to have some fun. The arrangements invariably differ slightly from the album versions, solos are longer and they have the freedom to improvise – simply put, its live music at its finest. Three skilled musicians who share a great chemistry, playing real music. You just can’t beat it!

It’s a treat to watch Myles play Behind the Veil. It’s an epic song off the current album. Watching him fully immerse himself in the solo is a beautiful sight to behold. It just keeps getting better and better. Love it!

Year of the Tiger, title track from the first solo record followed. For me, the live version of this one truly showcases what an awesome drummer Zia Uddin is. I love those thundering, jungle drums!

At the soundcheck, a fan had asked bout a particular song and Myles true to his word, slotted it in mid-set. And the song? The gorgeous Mayfield Four song, White Flag. This one has really grown on me.

White Flag – Myles Kennedy @ Elysee Montmartre 15/06/25

This show was flying by far to quickly!

Another set highlight for me was Love Can Only Heal. I love this song. It’s beautiful and oh so poignant. The heartbeats added towards the end by Zia reach into your very soul!

The last three songs of the main body of the set re-ignited the energy into the show. Miss You When You’re Gone is almost a natural follow on from Love Can Only Heal…well, it is in my head.

Miss You When You’re Gone – Myles Kennedy @ Elysee Montmartre 15/06/25

Get Along and Say What You Will followed expertly on.

What a set!

After a brief moment or two off stage Myles returned alone complete with acoustic guitar to open the two-song encore with the only Alter Bridge song of the night. As soon as the French fans heard the opening strum of the guitar, every fan in the room knew Watch Over You was to follow. Such an emotional song. With his voice tiring a tad, Myles encouraged the fans to help him out with the vocal chores. The crowd didn’t disappoint! I’ve heard this song live many times, but this was a memorable rendition.

Watch Over You – Myles Kennedy @ Elysee Montmartre 15/06/25

The evening was brough to a climax with In Stride, another of my favourites and the only song on the set to feature Myles’ resonate guitar. Even although this one was bringing the show to an end, the guys played as though we were all about to party all night.
What a night it had been!

Till next time, guys.

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Blacktop Mojo & Shaman’s Harvest @ The Cathouse, Glasgow 13th March 2025

Posted on March 16, 2025 by coralmccallum

On a bright early Spring Thursday evening, the Boy Child and I boarded the 17:56 train to Glasgow. The evening’s venue was withing spitting distance of Glasgow’s Central Station hence the later start.

So, where were we off to?

We were heading to The Cathouse to see a co-headline show with Blacktop Mojo and Shaman’s Harvest. Both band’s hail from across the pond and this is their first visit to the UK.

There was already a reasonable queue when we arrived making a rail spot for the evening unlikely. C’est la vie.

Having climbed the venue’s iconic staircase, we made into the main room without needing oxygen. As predicted a rail spot wasn’t to be but Boy Child found us a spot over to the left one row off the rail, while I made my obligatory visit to the merch stall.

Now, here’s the confession… this gig was a bit of a punt for us. We’d both only heard a few tracks from each band beforehand, but it had been enough to tempt us into buying tickets.

Being a co-headline show and a venue with an early curfew, there was no support band for the night.

At 7.30 Blacktop Mojo stepped out on stage and received a rowdy welcome for their first visit to Glasgow.

For those of you going Blacktop who? Blacktop Mojo are a five-piece hard rock/Southern rock band who hail from Palestine, Texas. Front man Matt James commented that Glasgow was the furthest from home that any of them had ever been. Blacktop Mojo are a tight outfit, and their onstage chemistry is palpable.

As I mentioned I’m not 100% familiar with all of their material. To date they have released five albums, so they had plenty of options to pick from for their hour-long set.

It’ll come as no surprise that the set highlights for me were the songs I knew.

Another show highpoint was bassist Matt “Catt” Murtis’ blue snakeskin boots. They were awesome! He seems to be quite the character on stage too.

Where the Wind Blows from their 2017 album Burn the Ships was a definite high point. Love that song.

Two thirds of the way through the set, Matt James welcomed Shaman’s Harvest’s front man Nathan Hunt, out to join them for their recent collaboration Rise. Another great song and it gave us our first glimpse of Nathan Hunt. The Glasgow crowd clearly loved this one.

Set closer was the beautiful bluesy It Won’t Last. It was great to see the guys switching roles/instruments about for this one. Front man Matt James took over on bass, while bass player Matt “Catt” Murtis joined Malcolm Booher and Ryan Kiefer on guitar. Such a soulful song to end on.

An hour simply wasn’t long enough.

Shortly before 9pm Shaman’s Harvest stepped out on stage to cheers amid the drummer’s Native American rhythms for Red Hands Black Deeds (prelude), the opening song of their allotted hour. A great atmospheric start.

Hailing from Jefferson City, Missouri, Shaman’s Harvest are a five-piece outfit fronted my Nathan Hunt. Same as with Blacktop Mojo, I’m not overly familiar with the band’s music but I had loved what I had heard and was looking forward to their set.

Right from the off, the band’s sound was just a bit off. It may have been partly due to where we were positioned but drummer Adam Zemanek was largely drowning out Nathan Hunt’s vocals., which was a dreadful pity. Even the vocal harmonies seemed off balance a tad.

Two songs in the set stood out for me. The first of those was Lilith from their 2022 album Rebelator with its stunning sultry opening lines “Tell me your dirty little secret. Tell me what you want to be.” Awesome song.

The other one was the energetic and playful Country as Fuck from 2014’s Smokin’ Hearts & Broken Guns album. Simply a fan pleasing, good fun, anthem.

Shaman’s Harvest treated the Scottish crowd to a solid set that may have fallen a few minutes short of their allotted hour ensuring that the show ended well inside the 10pm curfew.

Was their set as well-received as Blacktop Mojo’s? I feel the answer on this occasion has to be no but both bands did earn a rousing chorus of the Glasgow chant.

Personally, I’m not really a fan of co-headline shows but did I enjoy the gig? – Most definitely! Would I like to see a headline show by each band? Yes!

Hope to see both bands back in Glasgow again soon.

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