On Monday evening, accompanied by Boy Child, I boarded the train to Glasgow. Rain clouds were gathering. By the time we got off the train, it was a damp trudge to the O2 Academy.
So, who were we braving the elements to see?
New jersey’s finest, The Gaslight Anthem.
The music Gods were shining on us even if the weather Gods weren’t and Boy Child snagged a great rail spot for the evening. Happy days!
There was only one support act for the evening – Emily Wolfe. We clearly had her #1 fan to our left, a female who screamed at deafening levels for every song throughout the 45-minute set. (Thank God for ear plugs!) I’m struggling to describe Emily Wolfe’s set. I had never listened to her before although I was aware of her as a guitarist. Emily Wolfe is a fantastic musician and an accomplished songwriter offering up a mix of grunge and blues influenced songs. She lost me for a bit two or three songs into her set but towards the end there were several heavier, faster paced songs. Would I go and see her again? Jury is still out there but Emily Wolfe did a solid job of warming up the sell-out crowd in time for the headliners taking to the stage.
It’s been almost six years since The Gaslight Anthem last played Glasgow (The ’59 Sound 10th anniversary show at Barrowlands on 24 July 2018.) so it’s no surprise that tonight’s show is a sell-out. We’ve waited patiently for this one for a long time….
At 9:15, the lights dim as the intro tape plays (Kiss Me Deadly by Lita Ford) then out of the shadows amidst screams and cheers, emerged The Gaslight Anthem.
They kicked off their 22-song set with I Live in The Room Above Her from their current album History Books.
Before us was a different Gaslight Anthem. Gone was frontman Brian Fallon’s Fender guitar. In its place, he was armed with a Gibson Explorer. To his right, guitarist Alex Rosamilia was armed with a Flying V. Gone too was Brian’s clean cut, short haired look. In its place was a more grungy, long haired, bearded look. (Not too sure of that to be honest)
While the official photographers clamoured for space in the pit, The Gaslight Anthem rounded out their opening trio with 1000 Years and 1930. The Scottish fans were hanging on their every note.
Next up was one of my favourites, Biloxi Parish from The Gaslight Anthem’s 2012 album Handwritten. There was an extra level of hoarseness/huskiness to Brian’s vocals, but he still sounded oh so sweet.
Biloxi Parish – The Gaslight Anthem @ O2 Academy Glasgow 180324 (youtube.com)
Perhaps its their style but something that always puzzles me about this band live is the lack of onstage interaction with each other. This was the third time I’ve seen them live and it has been noticeable on each occasion. Bassist Alex Levine rarely strays from his side of the stage all night, leaving half the crowd with barely a glimpse of him. The same can be said for Alex Rosamilia who was in front of us. Have the lines been drawn on the stage? This is my dance space and that’s yours….
The set was a balanced mix of favourites from the entire back catalogue plus four tracks from the current album History Books.
Another highlight song for me was the energetic Boomboxes and Dictionaries. Love the punk energy of this one but again it did sound as if Brian was struggling a bit with those vocals.
Boomboxes and Dictionaries – The Gaslight Anthem @ O2 Academy Glasgow 180324 (youtube.com)
The band were then joined onstage by Emily Wolfe who was asked “You wanna play a song?” In fact, she joined the boys for two songs. The first was the gorgeous The Weatherman from History Books then the awesome Blue Jeans and White T-shirts. Ms Wolfe fitted nicely right in.
The Weatherman – The Gaslight Anthem with Emily Wolfe @ O2 Academy Glasgow 180324 (youtube.com)
Oh, this show was flying in far too fast…
Brian had already informed the capacity crowd that they would play right up to the 11pm curfew and when they left the stage that would be it. No encores. And play they did!
Several of my personal favourites made it into the latter part of the show including Mulholland Drive, 45, The ’59 Sound (love love love that one) and The Backseat.
As the clock ticked closer to 11pm, The Gaslight Anthem closed out their set with We’re Getting a Divorce, You Keep the Diner from 2007’s Sink or Swim album. A suitably rowdy crowd-pleasing end.
There will be no divorces from these loyal fans, guys, so please don’t leave it another six years before you return.
the525toglasgow 