Easter Sunday saw Boy Child and I heading off to church. (Well, as close to church as either of us get.)
We were going to a small intimate venue in Glasgow’s East End called St Luke’s. Armed with Google directions and having found the car park ( after a few wrong turns) and a huge Billy Connolly mural, we set off past Trongate and the legendary Barrowlands in search of a small refurbished church. We found it!
A brief history lesson for a moment – humour me- St Luke’s and St Andrew’s Church of Scotland is situated in Bain Square in Glasgow’s Calton district and dates back to 1836. It’s had a tumultuous history and the church finally disbanded in 2012. Such a historic building with some stunning stained glass deserved a future. In 2015 with help from Glasgow City Heritage Trust and the Calton Barras Action Plan, the church was refurbished and, while retaining many of its original features, was transformed into the venue it is today.
So, who were we there to see?
Greta Van Fleet.
This young band from Frakenmuth, Michigan (it’s near Detroit) have been hailed by some as a 21st Century Led Zeppelin. (No, I’m not getting dragged into that particular musical debate). If you have missed the hype, Greta Van Fleet comprise of three brothers, twins Josh and Jake and younger brother Sam Kiszka plus long time family friend Danny Wagner. All of the members of Greta Van Fleet are still to reach their 21st birthdays.
Ok, history lessons are complete (Whew, I hear you sigh!)
Support act for the evening were London based band The Second Sons. Right from the off their 1960’s influence was apparent. I can’t fault their passion and enthusiasm for the short six song set they delivered but for me they sounded too much like Rolling Stones wannabes. Vocalist Nick Harding tried just that little too hard to strut out the role of “iconic” front man while guitarist Chris Harding was clearly going for the “pouty/moody” look. The Second Sons did an admirable job of getting the Scottish crowd ready for the headliners but, I’m sorry, they weren’t for me.
I can’t imagine a more dramatic stage setting for a Glasgow debut for Greta Van Fleet then the stage in St Luke’s. The back drop it two huge stained glass panels plus the pipes of the church organ dominated the stage. Huge cheers greeted the boys as they stepped out on stage and, before beginning to play, vocalist Josh thanked the fans for their warm welcome, played with them a little with a confidence way beyond his years before the band kicked off their eighty minute set with the fantastic Highway Tune.
Immediately there’s an energy and an air of confidence about this performance. Sadly, their sound balance was a little off, an issue that plagued more than half the set, as Josh’s vocals were dominated by Jake’s guitar. We’ll forgive them just this once although the crowd were yelling “Turn the mic up!” in between songs. I suspect the Scottish cries got lost in translation.
One of the highlights of the twelve song set was Talk On The Street, four songs in. This is one of my personal favourites from Greta Van Fleet’s From The Fires EP. Watching Jake execute a stunning guitar solo I can’t help that worry that he’ll put his back out before too long. Boy can that kid play!
Mid set Jake swapped his SG for a J45 acoustic (It looked huge on him) as Greta Van Fleet played a soulful ballad You’re The One. It was nice to see twins Josh and Jake singing in harmony with each other during this track while brother Sam played a delicate Hammond organ. (No, he couldn’t resist sounding like the church organ behind them for a few brief moments).
Slightly surprisingly the only cover of the night was an incredible rendition of Howlin’ Wolf’s Evil.
It’s very easy to forget just how young this band are while you are watching them. There’s a unique chemistry there. All of them are incredibly talented musicians and their passion for their music and their obvious delight at playing for an equally passionate Scottish crowd shone through.
I do need to mention their “fashion” sense for a moment. Josh, what were you wearing???Sam, loved those spotty socks! Greta Van Fleet manager, please take Josh clothes shopping.
Lover Leaver Taker Believer rounded out the main body of the set. As the band slipped out of the door at the rear of the stage, the fans were already baying for “one more tune.”
Their cries were rewarded with two. A few short moments later, amid much cheering and whistling, Greta Van Fleet opened the encore with the awesome Black Smoke Rising. The fans howls of delight almost drowned Jake out. Josh had long since won this crowd over but he held them right in the palm of his hand throughout this song. Memorable performance!
Safari Song had the honour of being the final song of the night. It also saw drummer Danny get the chance to shone with an all too short drum solo mid song. Brilliant song to end an amazing night on.
If only a visit to church was always so enjoyable!
Hurry back, boys. Glasgow loves you.
If you want to read more about this unique music venue please check out the link below:
the525toglasgow 