Again, the weather gods were shining on us. Having stopped to collect Mr A en route, Boy Child drove us to Glasgow last Sunday night.

The music gods were also shining on us when we arrived at the O2 Academy as the O2 priority queue only had about half a dozen folk in it. Happy days!

Security was thorough and I had a quiet smile to myself as the security person politely apologised for having to confiscate my Sharpie markers. Yes, Sharpie markers aren’t allowed in the venue. Apparently there has been a graffiti issue in the loos! Seemed bizarre considering they were allowing keychains in without question…I’d have thought they were far more dangerous than the humble Sharpie marker! C’est la vie…

Rail spot secured, we patiently waiting on the opening act LA Edwards, who were due on at 8pm.

Shortly before 8pm, LA Edwards, accompanied by his brothers Jay and Jerry plus Alex Vo on guitar, took to the stage. These guys were perhaps a little more mellow than I’d expected but delivered a solid six-song set (might have been a couple more- I lost count) I wasn’t familiar with their music, but the Tom Petty and Bob Dylan influences were clear for all to hear. Highlights of their short set for me were Leaving Los Angeles and The Crow. Check out their latest album Blessings From Home if you like rootsy Americana.

By the time the White Buffalo was due on stage the venue had filled up and the Scottish fans were patiently waiting for the show to start. I’m sure, like me, most of the audience had had their tickets since the end of 2019! (I think this one had been rescheduled 4 times thanks to Covid 19).

Everything comes to those who wait and shortly after 9pm the White Buffalo finally took to the Glasgow stage.

Problem Solution opened the ninety-minute set to a very warm welcome from the crowd. We’d waited a long time for this moment. The set opener was the first of five songs on the set from the current album On The Widow’s Walk.

Problem Solution was swiftly followed by One Lone Night then the second offering from the current record, The Drifter.

Jake Smith aka the White Buffalo never fails to deliver, and the twenty-one-song set was a balanced mix from his back catalogue that included several of the songs that had featured in the TV series Sons of Anarchy. Loved that show! Loved Jax Teller too!

I was delighted that one of my personal favourites had made the cut. Oh Darlin’ What Have I Done is one of the ultimate “ear worm” songs. The Scottish fans sang along passionately. (They may still be singing it!) Love it!

While a lot of the White Buffalo songs are a tad melancholy, the live show is an energetic affair. Jake Smith’s a large guy (I believe he’s 6’5”) but has a high energy stage presence as does bassist Christopher Hoffee. These guys barely stand still! There’s almost some punk influences to the vibe these guys give off.

Another highlight for me was Into The Sun. Maybe it’s the gentle fingerpicked melody; maybe it’s the lyrics but this song resonates with my soul. Beautiful.

One that resonated with everyone in the room came a few songs later. Come Join The Murder, made famous in the closing scenes of the Sons of Anarchy finale, was awesome! Glasgow was in fine voice for this one. Awesome song.

It was followed by two more of my personal favourites, Joe and Jolene and The Whistler.

The main body of the set was rounded off with The Pilot.

After a few brief moments off stage, the White Buffalo returned alone to open the three-song encore with Wish It Was True. Beautiful song.

Damned followed it before the evening was brought to an almighty climax with How The West Was Won.

The west of Scotland had certainly been won over. Great night’s music!

Tired, hungry and happy we walked back to the car. As anticipated Oh Darlin’ What have I Done was on repeat in my ears!

(apologies for the fuzzy visual on the videos – camera had slipped off HD and I failed to notice – my bad)