Accompanied by My A, I boarded the 525 to Glasgow evening as we headed to Barrowlands. Been over six months since we last visited that iconic venue.

A rather lengthy queue was snaking up the street and round the corner towards St Luke’s when we joined it. My heart sank…along with all hope of a decent spot near the front for the evening.

All was not lost however! The music gods were smiling on us and when we finally climbed the hallowed stairs to the ballroom we were able to secure a nice wee spot just one row off the rail.  (Where did everybody go???)  Happy days!

There was only one support act for the evening – The Cruel Knives- and here I am going to adopt my Thumper Principle. Sorry- these guys just missed the mark for my taste. Check them out on the usual streaming services and judge for yourselves.

Shortly after nine, the lights went out, air raid style sirens wailed and then the dulcet tones of leading lady Taylor Momsen rang out “On my tombstone when I go just put death by rock and roll.” Hell yeah! In a blaze of blue lights, The Pretty Reckless kicked off their ninety-minute set in fine style with Death By Rock And Roll, the title track from their 2021 album. Awesome start and the fans (mainly young females) were loving it!

The Pretty Reckless – Death By Rock And Roll (Barrowlands, Glasgow 2022) HD – YouTube

(credits to the owner Chris Hunter – shared from You Tube with thanks)

This was the first time I’d seen The Pretty Reckless live. No idea how I’ve managed to miss their previous trips to Glasgow. What struck me right from the off was how slickly Taylor Momsen worked the stage. Within seconds she had the entire room in the palm of her hand and they needed very little encouragement to sing their wee hearts out for her.  Dressed to thrill in her black silky chemise, Taylor Momsen delivered one of the sexiest performances (and not in a tacky way in the slightest) that I’ve ever seen. This girl is good!

The fourteen song set was a balanced mix of the band’s entire catalogue with at least four songs from Death By Rock And Roll getting an outing.

One of the most impressive vocal performances of the night came as they played Goin’ Down. How does she remember those fast paced lyrics never mind sing them without tying her tongue in knots? WOW!

Perhaps my favourite song of the night and apt for the time of year was Witches Burn. (sorry no videos from me from this show due to spaghetti arms and big hair on the rail in front of me) Loved this one. Suitably sultry…stunning stuff.

Other key highlights of the main set for me personally were My Medicine and My Bones.

The Pretty Reckless – My Medicine [26/10/2022] – YouTube

(credits to the owner Anderoo Gigwhore – shared from You Tube with thanks)

Heaven Knows towards the end of the main set gave guitarist Ben Phillips his moment in the spotlight alongside bassist Mark Damon.  Great solo!

The thundering Take Me Down rounded off the set as the Scottish fans went wild.

With the fans chanting for more, the band were only off stage for a moment or two before they returned to rapturous cheers. Complete with a spellbinding drum solo form Jamie Perkins, The Pretty Reckless ended the night with one encore song- F**ked Up World. Perfect way to end a perfect set.

The last couple of years may have been pretty f**ked up but its nights like this that restore your faith in normality.  I may have missed these guys on their previous trips to town but I’m pretty sure I won’t miss them in future. Hurry back, folks!