On Wednesday evening Boy Child and I set off up the M8 towards Glasgow. The traffic was kind to use and we made good time as we headed towards Shields Road “park and ride”. A quick subway journey took us to Hillhead in the city’s West End before a short walk took us to the venue for the evening- Oran Mor.

We were early so we nipped into the bar to use the facilities which was just as well as the queue for the evening’s show was indoors. This may be the first and last time that we got to sit on a former church pew/bench while we queued. It felt a bit like sitting on a throne. Very civilised. LOL

So, who had we ventured out to see for the evening?

Wales’ finest – Cardinal Black. Love these boys and this was the sixth time we’d seen them in the city.

Badged as An Evening with Cardinal Black, this intimate show was an all-seated affair. We were lucky enough to snag seats in the front row. Happy Days!

There was one support act on the bill for the evening, another Welshman, Tom Jenkins. I’d seen him support Cardinal Black before in 2023 when they played Room 2. With only half an hour at his disposal, Tom crammed around eight songs into his slot. He’s got a quirky delivery but Tom Jenkins is a talent worth watching out for. Most of his songs tell a story and there’s more than a smattering of political opinion in his lyrics. His heart is definitely in his beloved Wales and among the farming community. (He’s a shepherd and a sheep shearer.) Highlight moments of this all too short acoustic set were Gyndelwr Griffiths about his grandfather, one song in Welsh (sorry I didn’t catch the name) and Be There for You which reminisces about his time in New Zealand waiting on calls on the farm’s landline. A solid set to start the evening.

With an early curfew set for the evening, Cardinal Black took to the start a few minutes before eight. This was the first in a run of four semi-acoustic shows across the country and it started off in a laidback manner with all the band seated as well as the audience.

The boys opened the first half of their set with the beautiful Holding My Breath from their 2025 album Midnight at the Valencia, with Tom Hollister joking that there’s no subtle way to pick up a tambourine.

Holding my Breath – Cardinal Black @Oran Mor Glasgow 20/05/26

Terra Firma followed. Goosebumps!

Terra Firna – Cardinal Black @Oran Mor Glasgow 20/05/26

During the songs, the audience sat in captive silence, content to soak up the intimate atmosphere.

It felt a bit strange seeing Chris Buck playing an acoustic guitar for the majority of the set but it also felt quite natural too. This show felt more like a jam session or a private party.

These guys are so easy to listen to!

It was keyboard player Michael Blanchefield’s birthday so the audience did get the opportunity to raise their voices as they sang Happy Birthday to him.

Each song on the set was accompanied by a story or anecdote or a bit of the back story to the song itself.

It’s hard to pick out highlight moments but one of them from the first half was Adeline, the song that Tom wrote for his young daughter.

Adeline – Cardinal Black @ Oran Mor Glasgow 20/05/26

My other first half highlight was Morning Light. I just love this one!

Morning Light – Cardinal Black @ Oran Mor Glasgow 20/05/26

The first half was rounded out with Ain’t My Time.  Time certainly wasn’t anyone’s friend. This show was disappearing way too fast for my liking.

And yes, I did say, first half. There was a twenty-minute interval. I’m sure there was a good reason for this but was it really necessary? I’m sure the fans would have rathered twenty more minutes of music from the boys than a trip to the bar.

After the interval, Tom, Chris and Michael returned to the stage to open the second half with Breathe. Compliments were flying as Tom declared “Chris is a terrible acoustic guitar player.” He most certainly isn’t! Super talented guy.

Breathe- Cardinal Black @ Oran Mor Glasgow 20/05/26

This was followed by the stunning Push/Pull. Such an emotional song that touches people on so many different levels.

Push Pull – Cardinal Black @Oran Mor Glasgow 20/5/26

Drummer Adam Roberts and touring bassist Sam Andrews returned to the stage for Ride Home.

As I’m writing this review and reflecting back on the evening, it almost feels like a breach of confidentiality to tell you about this show. It was such a personal show.

Tell Me How It Feels was the band’s first single in 2021. Is it really five years since I first heard these guys supporting Myles Kennedy in Glasgow’s O2 Academy.

Tell Me How It Feels- Cardinal Black @Oran Mor Glasgow 20/5/26

The penultimate song of the night was Warm Love. Tom told a story of a previous Glasgow show in Audio where this sultry song was rudely interrupted by his brother Gregg opening a can of beer at an inappropriate moment. I remember it well. We were there! There were no beer can moments in Oran Mor.

Warm Love – Cardinal Black @ Oran Mor Glasgow 20/05/26

Tied Up In Blue brought the night to a close at 10:15pm. Such a beautiful song and it tied up a worldclass show beautifully.

Boys, it was an honour to be part of this special intimate show. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Til next time…