Last Monday evening I boarded the 525 train to Glasgow, picking up my chaperones, Boy Child and Facebook Son en route, and headed off out to play.

Our destination for the evening was the O2 ABC to see Tremonti in concert, fresh from their appearance at Download the day before.

As we marched our way up Sauchiehall Street, we paused at a junction to wait on the “wee green man”. I glanced across the street and found myself staring straight at Messrs Tremonti and Keegan (both on their phones otherwise I would’ve said hello) going the wrong way!

Almost half an hour later as we queued outside the venue, Messrs Tremonti and Keegan reappeared and then promptly disappeared into a nearby bagel shop.

Fifteen minutes before the doors were due to open one of the Showsec guys came striding past, entered said bagel shop and promptly returned with half the support act plus the two members of Tremonti.

Almost show time….or should that be dinner time?

Man The Mighty were the only support act of the evening. It’s a credit to them that the O2 ABC was pretty much full when they took to the stage at 7:30. Not many support acts are afforded the privilege of a full room. Man The Mighty blasted their way into their all too short half hour set (They may actually have been louder than the headliners). These four guys from Chicago have a huge future in front of them. Their set was a balance of songs from their debut album, I Am Icarus, and their recently released ep, Paper Crown.

Derek Smith on vocals is a mighty force to be reckoned with and soon had the Glasgow fans on side. Not to detract from the talents of Bass player Tyler Nelson and drummer Matt Harmening, but Tim Tournier on guitar was a joy to behold! So much talent on display. (Have you been taking lessons from Mark, Tim?)

Highlights of their set for me were Sick and Friend Or Foe. Eargasmic!

Hurry back to Glasgow, guys. We need to hear a full set from Man The Mighty!

A few short minutes later, the lights dimmed, the spotlights swept the stage and Tremonti stepped out, launching straight into Another Heart. Instantly there was a renewed energy in the room!

With Tremonti the songs fly off the frets hard and fast with the band cramming some sixteen numbers into a mere ninety minutes.

Another Heart was swiftly followed by Cauterize and You Waste Your Time. Next on the set was one of my personal favourites and possibly the highlight of the night – Flying Monkeys! It’s impossible to listen to this firm fan favourite without your head nodding in time. It’s hard. It’s heavy. It’s raw. It’s loud! Love it!

Dust was another highlight a few minutes later. Mark Tremonti’s opening vocals here were majestically controlled, highlighting just how much he has matured into the role of front man. Mark’s solo in Dust was incredible.

As the dust settled, Tremonti began the distinctive intro to one of the heaviest songs of the night- Brains! With strobe lighting illuminating the room, the mosh pit was in full force in the centre.

“Let me fucking hear you!” roared Mark Tremonti from the stage.

The fans obliged in true inimitable Glasgow style.

Arm Yourself and Decay continued the heaviest section of the set much to the moshers’ delight ( Boy Child and Facebook Son were in the thick of the mayhem- gulp!)

All too soon Mark was introducing their final number, Wish You Well, with his usual request for a huge circle pit, with the caveat that the crowd keep it friendly and look after each other. The pit started to circle, almost spanning the room, but soon contracted into a standard mosher’s paradise.

And then it was done!

All evening I’d been standing a row back from the rail in front of bass player Tanner Keegan. In front of me was a young man of about twelve with his mum. He’d stood wide eyed and smiling all night. Tanner had been keeping an eye on him throughout the show. At the end of the set he had leaned forward from the edge of the stage to pass the boy his pick. The boy dropped it! Undeterred tanner passed him a second one which he caught. A lovely gesture!

For those who had purchased items from the merchandise stall the night wasn’t quite finished. While the majority of the tired fans trooped towards the door those of us with the neon wristbands waited patiently in line for the post show meet and greet.

As I reached the front of the queue I exchanged pleasantries with Eric Friedman and Garrett Whitlock, stealing a hot sweaty hug from each of them. Next in line was Mark Tremonti and I couldn’t resist asking if he’d enjoyed his pre-show bagel. With a slightly quizzical look he confessed that it hadn’t quite lived up to expectations. Tanner Keegan was last in line and I duly stole a fourth hug.

Sweaty hugs all exchanged and ticket duly signed it was time to head home, tired, very sweaty (it had been roasting hot in the venue) but happy.

Hurry back, guys, and try the coffee shop on the opposite side of the road next time