The day had finally dawned- my final rock show of not only 2019 but the decade- and yes, the honour was falling to Alter Bridge. (Yes, I know I’ve seen them twice already this week. Deal with it! LOL)

No trains on this occasion as I drove up the M8, unchaperoned, in time for the meet and greet at 1.30.

Experiencing a band’s soundcheck is a rare treat. When the ninety some fans were led into the arena, what struck me was that this is a “working” space. It’s their office. There were road crew sorting out the support bands’ equipment. There were drum kits lined up ready to be loaded on stage. Setting up for the show is a production line. Much as I love to see the band in this “work” mode, I was enjoying the run through of the lighting rig from further back in the arena. The colours are spectacular!

Anyway, moving along a few cold hours to 6.45pm. Yes, I was back in my favourite “rail queen” position as the lights dimmed for the imminent arrival of show opens The Raven Age. The sound woes from Manchester had long since been banished and these boys were obviously lobbing being out on stage in The Hydro. Glasgow took these boys to their hearts and their opening set was warmly received. Having now seen them open for Alter Bridge three times, I’d love to see them play a headline show. Hurry back to Glasgow, boys. We need to hear more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAYABvyI79U

Shinedown are no strangers to Glasgow. They are also no strangers to The Hydro having opened for Alter Bridge back in 2013 and for Iron Maiden in 2017. When they stepped out on stage looking rather regal in their yellow and black “uniforms” there was an air of confidence that had perhaps been missing at the previous show.

Like The Raven Age, their set remained unchanged from the previous shows. As is his want, Brent Smith parted the crowd two songs in and did his customary “run” to the rear of the room. Perhaps with a little less success at keeping the line open on this occasion but the energetic front man made it back on stage safely in time to deliver a fantastic rendition of Enemies. As ever the song that stole my heart was Simple Man – just love it and never grows old.

Brilliant rounded things off in spectacular fashion.

Awesome set and I caught 2 commemorative Scottish Shinedown picks.

Happy days!

As the One Life intro played, I let out a sigh. This was it. My last Alter bridge show for this year was underway.

I’ve never known two hours to disappear so fast!

Sticking with an opening trio of Wouldn’t You Rather, Isolation and Come To Life, Alter bridge showed that they were out to rock The Hydro to the rafters! From the off, the Scottish fans were in fine voice!

Following Ghost Of Days Gone By, Myles introduced another old heavy favourite from The Last Hero era – Crows On A Wire. Glasgow loves the heavy stuff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=groyj37jKZY

After the beautiful Dying Light, Myles stepped forward to play with the fans, encouraging them to sing back to him to echo what he was playing. Glasgow didn’t need to be asked twice and after a few minutes prompted Myles to declare “Damn, you’re good!” Myles, Glasgow loves to sing! And sing they did through fan favourite Rise Today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBqZHsEieyM

Native Son, swiftly becoming a fan favourite from the Walk The Sky album followed. Awesome on the record and even more awesome live.

As the video screens showed stormy seas, the clues were obvious. Next up was the mighty Waters Rising. Mark’s vocals just go from strength to strength. Another monster of a song!

This show was flying in too fast!

Glasgow was treated to a beautiful version of the much-loved Watch Over You. I love the acoustic slot in the shows and personally would love to see it stretched out to two or three songs. As a bonus, there were no bees to chase Myles this time. (Although there was mention earlier in the day of a bird in the arena.)

The incredible and majestic Blackbird followed, soaring out over the adoring fans. This one never grows old. Love it!

There were only two songs left on the main set- Open Your Eyes and the mighty Metalingus. Hard to tell from the rail but I’m pretty sure Glasgow rules when it comes to the Metalingus Mosh.

An all too short and sweet encore of Godspeed and Addicted To Pain followed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D965bFKHBk

Picks were thrown. Drumsticks were tossed. Setlists were even made into paper airplanes and flown over the fans. Magical moments.

Possibly the best of the three shows I’ve been lucky enough to experience on this tour- then again maybe I’m a little biased towards Glasgow as well as Alter Bridge.

Til next time.

Hurry back, boys!