The Cadillac Three @ O2 Academy Glasgow on 26th August 2022

Posted on August 28, 2022 by coralmccallum

Accompanied by Miss Rose Wine and Mr A, I boarded the 525 to Glasgow on Friday evening.

This particular gig had been a long time coming!

So, who were we heading off to see? Nashville’s The Cadillac Three!

It had been five long years since TC3 last played a headline show in Glasgow!

The weather gods were obviously less than happy about this fact. We were only few hundred yards from Glasgow’s Central Station when the heavens opened! C’est la vie.

Rather damp around the edges, we joined the growing queue, then after a bit of a hiccup with the scanner not liking our tickets, we were in and had secured a rail spot for the evening. Oh, happy days!

There was only one support act for the evening – Lindsay Ell, a Canadian country singer/songwriter and accomplished guitarist. This talented young lady was a new name on me. She swiftly had the Glasgow crowd eating out of the palm of her hand. She was sweet. She was charming. She commented on how lovely it was to see familiar faces along the rail. This is where I feel I should apologise as I failed to catch the names of most of the songs Lindsay performed. One highlight moment of her all too short set was Just A Girl/Bohemian Rhapsody. The Scottish rock choir were in fine voice on that one. Lindsay also treated us to an extended guitar solo – wow! Skilful physically and musically. She was clearly having fun on stage and the growing crowd fed on this setting things up perfectly for the headliners.

Check out Lindsay’s latest album Right On Time…you can thank me later.

At 9.15pm amid thunderous cheers, the lights dimmed, the intro tape played then without further ado TC3 took to the stage opening the show with Hard Out Here For A Country Boy from their Country Fuzz record. This was the opening show of their Hillbilly Hypnotized UK Tour so perhaps it was hard for them (jet lag) but the Glasgow crowd were making it easy. Glasgow loves these three boys from Nashville.

Hard Out Here For A Country Boy (show opener) – The Cadillac Three @ O2 Academy Glasgow 26/08/22 – YouTube

The twenty-one-song set was a great balance of old favourites plus songs from the two records that have been released since their last visit – Country Fuzz and Tabasco & Sweet Tea.

Five songs in, having shed his leather jacket, Jaren Johnston introduced the first of my favourites – Peace Love & Dixie. The Glasgow fans were in fine voice as they shook their hips like a hip-hip-hippy. Awesome!

Peace Love & Dixie – The Cadillac Three @ O2 Academy Glasgow 26/08/22 – YouTube

A few songs later, Jaren explained the background to his wardrobe choice for the evening, introduced us all to the band then eased into another fan favourite, Bury Me In My Boots.

Bury Me In My Boots – The Cadillac Three @ O2 Academy Glasgow 26/08/22 – YouTube

Conscious that they hadn’t been in town since the release of Tabasco & Sweet Tea, TC3 played three in a row from it – Head Over Wheels, Sweet Southern Spirit and title track Tabasco & Sweet Tea. For these songs, Kelby Ray stepped out from behind his lap steel to step forward on bass duties. Well played, young sir.

I’ll be honest here, that last album wasn’t my favourite TC3 record and it may have been my imagination but the energy seemed to take a dip as the boys played these three songs.

Energy levels soon soared to their previous level and beyond as Jaren dedicated the next song I’m Southern to his dad. I think for the evening, everyone in the O2 Academy was Southern. The fans were in fine voice for this one.

I’m Southern – The Cadillac Three @ O2 Academy Glasgow 26/08/22 – YouTube

As TC3 moved into the latter part of their set, we were treated to Hank & Jesus (another of my favourites), American Slang then Jaren dedicated the beautiful Take Me To The Bottom to his wife Miranda.

The penultimate song of the night was another of my personal favourites, White Lightning. Love love love this one.

TC3 finished off their epic set (no encore here tonight) with The South… there really isn’t any other way to end a TC3 show.

Glasgow had certainly found its Tennessee Mojo in the company of TC3. Hurry back, boys. We miss you already.

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Massive @ Ivory Blacks, Glasgow 5th August 2022

Posted on August 7, 2022 by coralmccallum

Slightly later than usual, Boy Child, Mr A and I boarded the 625 to Glasgow on Friday night. Again, the weather gods were smiling on us.

So where were we off to?

Our destination for the evening was Ivory Blacks, one of the city’s smaller venues, to see Australian rock band Massive.

According to our tickets, doors were 7pm but when we arrived at 7.15pm, we were told doors were 7.30pm. Fair enough…the street however was suspiciously quiet and lacking in music fans.

Just after 7.30pm as we went inside, the guy on the door said they were running late and that the support band were still to soundcheck.

Ok…this was a first.

As we sat near the bar listening to the first band of the night struggle with the sound alarm bells were ringing.

This review nearly ended right there.

Something (I’m not tech savvy -sorry) was sorely off. Issues with microphones. Issues with feedback. Issues with the balance of the sound. Issues with the band unable to hear themselves.

It wasn’t boding well.

The crowd also remained “rather sparce”.

Opening act of the evening were Concrete Kingdoms. I’d seen these guys support Massive back in August 2019 and was keen to hear them live again. Apart from the three of us and the two photographers, no one else moved towards the front. We had the whole rail to ourselves. After their first couple of songs, front man Mark Hawthorne encouraged the small audience to move forward, saying he needed to see their faces. Some folks shuffled a few tiny steps forward but remained pretty much out of sight. Sound issues plagued their half hour set but these guys gave their all in the circumstances. Highlights for me were Russian Roulette and Time To Play.

Hopefully I’ll get to hear these guys again soon.

Next up were She Burns Red, an Edinburgh based band making their Glasgow debut. The sound and set up issues continued as they struggled to get any sound out of front man, James McCulloch’s mic. Resigned to the fact that things were as good as they were going to get, She Burns Red launched into their set opener Crosshairs. At least the small crowd, now numbering around a hundred at my best guess, moved forward. Loved the energy (and the kilted look of James McCulloch). Guitarist Naz Scanferlanto was oozing mischief right in front of me. And it was great to see former Anchor Lane drummer Scott Hanlon again. Despite the sound issues. She Burns Red made an impressive Glasgow debut. Stand out songs for me were Rise And Fall and Killing Time.

Definitely a band to watch out for in the future.

Next up were headliners Massive… and this is where I feel really torn. I love this band. I’ve supported them since 2014 when they released their debut album Full Throttle. Ghost is one of my favourite songs. This was my fifth time seeing them play live but I am sorely tempted to adopt my Thumper Principle here.

Injury and visa issues meant that only two members of the regular band were there.

The sound issues continued and were clearly frustrating front man Brad Marr.

Lighting issues only added to the woes, leaving the small stage poorly lit.

Perhaps the music gods were trying to give them a not too subtle hint.

Part way through the set, I glanced behind me, expecting to see the crowd to have grown. No… there were huge gaps in the already sparce crowd.

By the end there were perhaps only half of the small audience left in the room, maybe fifty folk. A sad sigh to see.

To quote their own words back to them… “wake up and smell the roses.”

Sorry, guys, you need to up the game here.

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Reignwolf @ St Luke’s Glasgow on 4th July 2022

Posted on July 6, 2022 by coralmccallum

For the first time in a few months Boy Child and I boarded the 525 to Glasgow on Monday night.

As we walked along Argyle Street, the Weather Gods were gathering their rain clouds together. Would our luck hold out?

Our venue of choice for the evening was St Luke’s.

The band of choice (or is it artist in this case?), making their Scottish debut, was Reignwolf from Seattle WA.

The Weather Gods ran out of patience a few short minutes before the doors opened at 7pm. Slightly damp around the edges, we hurried inside along with a handful of others. Securing a rail spot wasn’t a challenge.

Now, I’m going to be totally honest here – I had no idea what we could expect from the evening. I had heard of Reignwolf a few years back via a relative but have never played more than the occasional song.

Sometimes you just need to take the plunge and decide to experience something new and exciting.

The first band on stage were Six Year Silence from Glasgow. My only wish in hindsight with this band is that there had been more folk there to hear them. These guys were great! Six solid songs succinctly delivered. A bit of banter from their front man. Great start to the evening. The bar had been set and set quite high I may add. Do yourself a favour and check these boys out.

Next up were King Nun. After their mercifully short set, I was left there wondering what I had just experienced…

These guys are young. They are full of energy- well their front man certainly is! They are obviously passionate about their heavily punk/Green Day-esque music but they weren’t for me. I’m partially adopting my Thumper Principle here. They’re young. They’ll learn…that sugar/Red Bull high might wear off a bit with maturity. They’ll gain experience of “reading” their audience. Oh, and they could do worse than travel a bit lighter. For a support act, they appeared to have several times more equipment than Six Year Silence and Reignwolf combined!

Moving swiftly on…

The small stage now looked very bar…almost empty. Reignwolf’s bass drum stood at the front of the stage. There was a drumkit at the back, and the usual amp and cabs, mic stand…all framed by those two stunning 19th Century stained glass panels. (St Luke’s is a very pretty venue)

The crowd had now swelled into triple figures. (I’d guess there were around 200 folk there)

The smoke was billowing out gently as we waited with bated breath.

For those who don’t know, Reignwolf are a duo. Mr Reignwolf himself also known as Jordan Cook, stepped out on stage to an enthusiastic warm welcome. There were definitely some Scottish fans in the room.

Its here I really do have to apologise. As I said at the start, this was a whole new experience for Boy Child and I and neither of us were familiar with the song names or the order in which they ran on the set. I promise to do better next time.

What followed was 75minutes of incredible, unique, hard, heavy, blues based indie rock. The set started out heavy on the fuzz and I’ll be honest that’s my least favourite guitar effect. For those first couple of numbers, I wasn’t getting it but once he shed the leather jacket and the lighting wasn’t quite so dark blue, things were on the up.

Watching Reignwolf play was spellbinding. The music seemed to totally absorb him.

It’s also the first gig I’ve been to where I’ve seen the drummer “flit” from the back of the stage to the front mid-set.

Their approach to the set was fluid. Seeing musicians relaxed and enjoying their music as much as the audience is always a joy to behold.

Black and Red – Reignwolf at St Luke’s Glasgow 04/07/22 – YouTube

As this was their first trip to Glasgow, Reignwolf were totally at a loss as to what was being shouted out by the crowd. (Ok, we had the usual loud Glasgow drunk that none of us could understand too). Their reaction was obviously confusing Jordan and Joe (?) as at one point he checked if thing were good and if this was a rowdy crowd. The answer is that things were great and no, it wasn’t a rowdy crowd. Wait til next time.

Reignwolf @ St Luke’s Glasgow 04/07/22 – YouTube

One fan, who could be understood, shouted out a request that Reignwolf picked up on and immediately played. 

A second request for Palms To The Sky was made a few minutes later and despite admitting to not having had it on the setlist for a long while, Reignwolf obliged and played it.

And that is where the magic of the evening lay. He was building a rapport with everyone in the room with his music.

A universal language that spans all ages.

Glasgow impatiently awaits your return, sir.

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Tremonti @ SWG3 Glasgow on 21st June 2022

Posted on June 23, 2022 by coralmccallum

The weather gods were still smiling as Boy Child, and I headed up the M8 on the summer solstice. The traffic gods less so… damn roadworks!

Eventually we made it to the science centre car park and for a few hours went our separate ways. He set off to find FB Son promising to meet me at the end of the gig. I set off for the venue of choice for the evening – SWG3.

And the band of choice for the evening – the mighty Tremonti.

At this point I really do have to pause to thank my Rail Queen Fairy Godmother for the gift of my ticket to the show. It really was appreciated. Random acts of kindness are a beautiful thing. (And thank you for my signed poster too.)

The rail gods were also in good spirits, and I found myself a spot directly behind my Rail Queen Fairy Godmother and the other AB family members who had made the trip to SWG3. Happy days!

The support act for the night were all-girl group Hawxx. This London-based band really have me torn here. Leading lady Anna Papadimitriou has a fabulous voice but I’m sorry, ladies, I’m going to have to adopt my Thumper Philosophy here and move swiftly on…

At 8.20, the lights dimmed, blue light swathed the stage (I offered up a short prayer that Boy Child and FB Son had actually made their way into the crowd) and as the intro tape faded out, Tremonti came out to open their set with a pounding Thrown Further form their latest album Marching In Time.

Thrown Further – Tremonti (show opener) @ SWG3 Glasgow 21/06/22 – YouTube

Instantly the bar had been set high and the Scottish fans were passionately matching it.

It had been four years since Tremonti played Glasgow and it was apparent that the crowd had been waiting impatiently for their return. Now that the band were here, they were throwing all their energy into showing their support. The mosh pit opened early on (yes Boy Child and FB Son were the instigators) and there were even a few crowd surfers as the night went on. (Personally, I’d ban crowd surfing but that’s a rant for another time.)

If Not For You and My Last Mistake completed the opening trio. Awesome stuff!

It was clear from the off that this show was destined to be something special. The band were all clearly having as much fun playing in Glasgow as were having watching them.

Mark Tremonti is a force to be reckoned with and is most definitely in his comfort zone fronting things. This was the fourth time I’d seen Tremonti live and things had most definitely moved up a gear. This band are a like a finely tuned engine. Mark’s guitar skills are quietly matched by Eric Friedman who is afforded his fair share of time in the spotlight as he calmly (mischievously) gets the job done. Bassist Tanner Keegan is like Tigger as he bounces his way through the set. Newcomer Ryan Bennett on drums is another force to be reckoned with. Combined with Tanner’s bass, they form a mighty powerful engine room.

The set spanned the entire Tremonti back catalogue and I’m sure everyone in the room heard one or more of their personal favourites.

With each song, the energy seemed to increase, and the crowd were feeding off this as much as the band themselves.

Key stand outs for me of the first half of this mammoth 19-song set were (Mark said it was the longest set that Tremonti had ever played anywhere.) – The Things I’ve Seen, Not Afraid To Lose and Cauterize.

In front of me, my Rail Queen Fairy Godmother had a “special guest” with her. Mark spotted it and asked for the “guest” to join them on stage for the next song. The “guest” was Spanky the inflatable monkey; the song was Flying Monkeys. Mark tossed Spanky out into the crowd asking that he make his way round the room, right to the back and then find his way back to his owner at the front. And off Spanky went, soaring high over the sea of heads. Much to my surprise, Spanky returned unscathed. (He may have been slightly traumatised LOL)

The incredible Dust followed then the title tracks from the last two records – A Dying Machine and Marching In Time.

As I mentioned earlier, it was the summer solstice and the shortest night of the year, and this was certainly ringing true as this show was flying by far too fast.

After The First The Last, Mark announced that for the first time for several years and unrehearsed they were going to play Decay. The fans went wild. Decay is a much-loved stalwart of the Tremonti set.

Sadly, all good things have to come to an end. Another Heart was the penultimate song then Tremonti raised the roof off SWG£ with set-closer Wish You Well.

What a night! These had had been on fire all night as the heat in the venue would testify to! It was roasting down at the front!

All that’s left to say is “Tremonti, I Wish You Well for the rest of this run. Take care of Spanky. He’s sure to put in a few more guest appearances.”

 The crowd left the venue to the strains of My Way from Mark Tremonti’s solo Tremonti sings Frank Sinatra.

For those who don’t know, Mark Tremonti is raising funds for the National Downs Syndrome Society through sales of his collection of Frank Sinatra classics. Please check it out and show your support

Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra (Take a Chance For Charity) (tremontisingssinatra.com)

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Dirty Honey at The Cathouse, Glasgow 12th June 2022

Posted on June 14, 2022 by coralmccallum

After a few changes of plan (Long story. I’ll not bore you.) Miss Rose Wine picked me up on Sunday evening and we set off up the M8, through the miles and miles of roadworks, to Glasgow.

Our destination for the evening was the small, select but legendary venue, The Cathouse.

The band of choice for the evening – the incredibly talented Dirty Honey.

Without a word of a lie, I’ve waited more than 2 years to see this band live. I fell in love with their music when they supported Alter Bridge on the US leg of their tour and have waited impatiently for them to reach the UK ever since. Excited didn’t begin to cover it!

Fresh from their debut Download appearance the day before, Dirty Honey were making their UK headline debut in Glasgow and what better venue to start with than the iconic Cathouse!

The rock planets had finally aligned.

A rail spot secured for the evening (and the annoying drunk dude from the queue lost in crowd – thank God) Miss Rose Wine and I waited with bated breath. We passed the time chatting to the official photographer for the evening. (Great to catch up, Mr D)

There was no support act, so we were to be treated to pure unadulterated Dirty Honey!

Bang on 8.30pm as the PA tape still played, the stage was swathed in blue light and the four boys from LA took to the tiny Cathouse stage to a rapturous welcome. Glasgow loved them before they’d even played a note!

They opened their thirteen-song set (they’re obviously not superstitious!) with the awesome California Dreamin. Screams and cheers greeted front man Marc LaBelle as he stepped out onstage and welcomed the capacity crowd to their first ever UK headline show. (The Cathouse capacity is circa 350 – told you it was a select audience.)

The packed venue might have been compact and bijou, but these boys played as if they were headlining The Hydro! (Give them time…mark my words)

A mop of black curls and a shitload of talent, bass player Justin Smolian prowled the stage while guitarist John “Fuckin’” Notto lurked on the far side, resplendent in velvet and his “Ozzy Osborne” style shades.  Front man Marc LaBelle had the Scottish fans eating out of the palm of his hand before he was halfway through their opening number. No mean feat, sir.

California Dreamin (show opener) – Dirty Honey @ The Cathouse Glasgow 12/06/22 – YouTube

Dirty Honey have released one EP and one short 8 track album to date, so the set saw them perform pretty much everything they’ve done. Happy days!

From our rail spot and thanks to Mr D, we’d had a sneaky peek at the setlist. (Was gutted not to snag one of these at the end – C’est la vie)

Three songs in Dirty Honey played one of my personal favourites, Heartbreaker. Awesome!

Two songs after that, as Marc LaBelle decided he was staying and took his jacket off, the band began another of my favourites, Scars. I love the sultry vibe to this one. Loved the brief bass solo by Justin too before he stepped across onto the rail just in front of me. Duck!

Scars – Dirty Honey @ The Cathouse Glasgow 12/06/22 – YouTube

Down The Road may have been my highlight song of the set. This truly is an epic song to just lose yourself in. Love the lyrics. I was in seventh heaven listening to this one.

It was swiftly followed by Gypsy.

Gypsy – Dirty Honey @ The Cathouse Glasgow 12/06/22 – YouTube

Part of me had hoped to hear Dirty Honey play their cover of Prince’s Lets Go Crazy (check it out – it’s awesome) but Marc gave the crowd a choice – Prince or ACDC? ACDC won so Glasgow was honoured to hear a blistering version of the ever-popular Shoot To Thrill.

Shoot To Thrill – Dirty Honey @ The Cathouse Glasgow 12/06/22 – YouTube

This gig was flying by way too quick!

What was great to see was each member of the band getting their moment in the spotlight. A blistering solo from drummer Corey Coverstone was followed by a brilliant bass solo from Justin Smolian before John Notto put on a stunning display. These boys deserve to go far!

All good things sadly have to come to an end and Rolling 7s rounded off the set.

What a UK debut headline show! I’ve a feeling that in years to come, as these boys headline The Hydro and London’s O2 Arena and the like, that there will be 350 lucky Scottish fans who’ll be saying “Aye but you should have heard them in The Cathouse back in ’22.”

I for one was proud to have been part of that debut. Thank you, boys. Safe travels and hurry back to Glasgow. We love you!

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Brian Fallon and the Howling Weather @ SWG3 Glasgow 24th May 2022

Posted on May 26, 2022 by coralmccallum

At long last! This gig has had to be rescheduled four times due to Covid 19, so it felt as if it were a bit of a dream as I set off alone by car up the M8 towards Glasgow to rendezvous with Boy Child before walking the rest of the way to the city’s SWG3 venue.  Can’t say I was too enamoured with the roadworks and tailbacks on the motorway, but I made it with my nerves more or less intact and my excitement levels rising.

Finally, it was time to see Brian Fallon and the Howling Weather. It felt like we’d waited forever for this gig to actually happen. It’s been four long years since they last visited Glasgow.

The weather gods were still being kind to us as were the rail gods. Happy days!

First on stage for the evening was Jesse Malin. This was the first time I’d heard Jesse’s music and was quickly captivated by this likeable singer/songwriter from New York. He commented at one point that New Yorkers like to walk. They also like to talk but, personally speaking, I’d like to see more support acts chat to the crowd. All too often they seem to play and run rather than engaging with the audience. I along with the rest of the growing crowd thoroughly enjoyed Jesse’s eight song set. Highlights for me were Room 13, Broken Radio and Meet Me At The End Of The World. I’ve a feeling we may meet again. Great opening act.

Oh, where to start describing the second act of the night! At 8:15, the one and only Chris Farren burst onto the stage. This wasn’t the first time I’d seen him support Brian Fallon, so I was somewhat prepared for what was to come. Some of the sell-out crowd definitely weren’t and had a “WTAF” look on their faces. Chris opened his nine-song set with To Insecurity And Beyond. Quirky. Eccentric. Unique. Like a kid on the ultimate sugar high! (Boy Child was shocked to learn that Chris Farren is in fact 36 years old going on 12 perhaps.) I wasn’t too sure about the turquoise eyeshadow and the face glitter or the turquoise nails but as the set continued at full pelt its all too easy to be swept up in the madness that is Chris Farren. After a few songs, you could easily forgive him almost anything. Loved the tracks from the non-existent movie soundtrack album Death Don’t Wait, especially Car Chase! complete with video. Musical insanity! Loved it. Yes, Chris, it was “the perfect set” and at just over thirty minutes it was the perfect length too! Till next time…

Still in a state of shock after Chris Farren, the capacity crowd waited on after “the perfect set” for Brian Fallon and the Howling Weather to take to the SWG3 stage for the first time.

Hard Feelings, from 2020’s Local Honey record, proved to be a popular show opener amongst the Scottish fans.

Hard Feelings – Brian Fallon @ SWG3 Glasgow 24/05/22 – show opener – YouTube

Right from the off, Brian looked relaxed and happy to be back in front of the fans. We were just delighted he was finally there on the stage in front of us!

Ladykiller, a Horrible Crowes song, and Watson from Sleepwalkers followed. Both equally awesome.

After the opening trio, Brian engaged with the audience for the first time for the evening. Like many in the room, he was bemoaning the loss of his favourite Glasgow venue, the late great O2 ABC. Yes, we miss it too! He was definitely in a playful, chatty mood but wait…what was this? Turquoise nail polish on his right hand? Where’s Chris Farren? This had him written all over it!

The beautiful Painkillers followed. One of several of my favourites to make the set.

Painkillers – Brian Fallon @ SWG3 Glasgow 24/05/22 – YouTube

There was a slightly more blues-influenced feel to the first half of the set, aided by the fabulous piano playing by “Ralph” (remember the piano playing dog from The Muppets? Well with that mop of curls that’s who the piano player reminded me of!).

Sincere apologies at this point – I never caught the names of the three members of the Howling Weather.

Something that was lovely to see was Brian giving the pianist his moment in the spotlight with an impressive extended solo. It all added to the relaxed vibe of just being happy to be out there playing music again in front of real live people.

One of my highlight moments followed a few songs later, Vincent from Local Honey.

Vincent – Brian Fallon @ SWG3 Glasgow 24/05/22 – YouTube

Ever since Local Honey was released, this has been my favourite of the eight tracks on that album. Live, it didn’t disappoint. Beautiful tragic song.

You Have Stolen My heart- he may well have – another heartfelt ballad followed before the vibe changed as the set changed gear.

The latter third of the show was distinctly more energetic. Forget Me Not was the first song to pick up the pace with the capacity crowd enthusiastically clapping along in time and singing their hearts out. The energy levels continued to soar as Brian and the Howling Weather delivered stomping versions of Behold The Hurricane, another Horrible Crowes song, Rosemary and the ever-popular Wonderful Life. Awesomeness!

Smoke, another of my favourites, brought the fifteen-song set to a climax after around ninety minutes. I guess all good things have to come to an end.

There are no frills with a Brian Fallon show. There’s just an entire night of good music and banter. Just what we’d waited four long years for.

Sorry, Chris, this was “the perfect set”. Loved every second of it. Hurry back and please don’t leave it another four years before you return, Brian.

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The White Buffalo at the O2 Academy Glasgow 24th April 2022

Posted on May 1, 2022 by coralmccallum

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)

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Ghost @ the OVO Hydro, Glasgow 13th April 2022

Posted on April 16, 2022 by coralmccallum

The weather gods were still being kind as, chauffeured by Mr A, we headed up a roadwork littered M8 through the rush hour traffic towards Glasgow. We rendezvoused with Master C and Boy Child then headed across the Clyde to join the growing queue outside the OVO Hydro.

So, who had we assembled to see?

Ghost!

The rail gods weren’t shining too kindly on us, and we ended up about five or six rows off the front. C’est la vie.

There were two support acts for the evening.

First out on stage were Twin Temple. Striking looking in their red and black outfits, the husband-and-wife duo, Alexandra and Zachary James, took to the stage shortly before seven for their all-too-short six song set. With an opening invitation to “Hail Satan” Alexandra worked the stage as though they were headlining and not opening the show. Twin Temple’s music is quirky, infectious, and best described as “Satanic Doo-Wop” with some Spanish blood thrown in (or spat out as was the case at the end of the set) for good measure. If Danny and Sandy from Grease discovered Satan, this might be what you’d get! And you know what, I loved every second of it. Twin Temple, Glasgow needs a headline show…hint…hint.

Second support were Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats… Thumper Principle requires to be applied here, I’m afraid. (If you can’t say nuffin’ nice, don’t say nuffin’ at all.)

Moving swiftly along.

A huge white curtain was raised to obscure the stage from view as the crew set up for Ghost.

Church music played through the PA peacefully setting the mood.

Shortly after nine, the church music grew louder, the lights dimmed and there was a hint of incense in the air (or was that the guy behind us vaping?)

The silhouette of a ghoul playing the opening to Kaisarion was clear for all to see outlined on the white curtain. In an explosion of lights and flames, Ghost were there on stage with front man Tobias Forge prowling the stage in his braided tailcoat.

Ghost (live) – Kaisarion – Hydro, Glasgow 2022 – YouTube

(credits to the owner via You Tube)

This was the first I’d really seen of the new look Steampunk ghouls. It is a tad creepy, a bit Dr Who-esque, but it works.

Kaisarion was promptly followed by the ever-popular Rats and From The Pinnacle To The Pit. A powerful trio to kickstart the set.

Over the years (it’s almost seven years since my first Ghost show in the much loved and long lost O2 ABC) Ghost have become more and more theatrical in their delivery but the ghouls, although still nameless, have been allowed to develop their part in proceedings and have developed personalities. While their front man slipped off stage for one of many costume changes, two of the ghouls enjoyed a playful guitar duel from opposite sides of the vast stage. I wouldn’t like to declare who won but playing Scotland The Brave captured the hearts of the Scottish fans giving an unfair advantage to one ghoul.

 Ghost (live) – Devil Church/ Guitar Dual/ Scotland The Brave – Hydro, Glasgow 2022 – YouTube

(credits to the owner via You Tube)

The twenty-song set saw four songs from Ghost’s current album, Impera, get an outing.

Resplendent in full sparkling papal robes, Papa Emeritus IV first graced us with his presence for Call Me Little Sunshine. This one perhaps didn’t quite live up to expectations live for me.

Ghost (live) – Call Me Little Sunshine – Hydro, Glasgow 2022 – YouTube

(credits to the owner via You Tube)

Another change of robes a couple of songs later preceded the beautiful He Is. One of my personal highlights of the show.

Miasma followed, complete with guest resurrection of Papa Nihil on sax. Loved it!

My favourite song of the night as always was Mummy Dust. Awesome.

Kiss The Go Goat rounded off the main body of the set.

As Ghost’s set has evolved over the years it’s a challenge to capture the entire theatre of it all in one short review. We had been treated to flames, incredible lighting, fireworks and the obligatory confetti cannons with Ghost dollars raining down on the crowd. (Yes, all four of us managed to snag some. Happy days!) Its nigh on impossible not to be swept up in the drama of a Ghost show.

Ghost returned to the stage for a three-song encore which opened with a cover of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. This was followed with Dance Macabre with Square Hammer bringing the evening’s ritual to an end.

As Emmylou Harris’s Sorrow In The Wind played, Ghost took their final bows to well earned adulation from their Scottish fans.

Awesome show…already looking forward to the next one.

But wait… for me, the icing on the cake was still to come. As we headed towards the exit across the confetti strewn floor, I was keeping my eyes peeled for any unclaimed Ghost dollar…then I spotted it! One wee pick lying in a nest of confetti. Happy girl!

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Eric Gales @ Oran Mor, Glasgow 1st April 2022

Posted on April 6, 2022 by coralmccallum

The weather gods were still shining on Boy Child and I as we boarded the 525 to Glasgow last Friday night. The only minor weather issue – those weather gods forgot to crank up the thermostat. It was freezing!

With more than a hint of déjà vu for Boy Child, we caught the subway out to Hillhead then set off in search of the venue for the evening -Oran Mor.

Both of us were more than a little curious to hear what the night would bring.

So, who were we going to see?

The legendary Raw Dawg himself, American blues/funk/rock guitarist Eric Gales. ( Boy Child wanted to hear him speak as much as he wanted to hear him play. Love that Memphis accent.)

There was only one support act for the evening and that was Danny Bryant, the British Blues guitarist and singer/songwriter. Not too sure what I expected but what struck me first was how down to earth and (I hate to use the term) normal he seemed. He also came across as a little shy and awkward or perhaps he was a little nervous being in front of the small Scottish crowd.

This is where I am going to apologise to Mr Bryant. I am not familiar with his music (Blues isn’t usually my thing) and therefore I can’t single out specific songs from his forty-minute set to highlight. What I can say is that for those forty minutes I was held transfixed. I was mesmerised by the tones he was getting out of his guitar. So much emotion in those six strings. Loved it!

Oh, and I hope you found a buyer for that Betamax fitness video, sir.

Shortly before eight thirty, the lights dimmed, and strains of O Fortuna began to fill the room. Eric Gales took to the stage to rapturous but polite applause from the capacity crowd. (Oran Mor holds around 400)

I had no idea what to expect but this guy oozed charisma right from that first smile.

Eric Gales – Show Opening Instrumental Jam @ Oran Mor Glasgow 01/04/22 – YouTube

Much to Boy Child’s delight, Eric Gales talks almost as much as he plays but in this small venue it added to the intimacy of the show. Honestly, you could listen to this guy tell stories and play all night!

The set was primarily made up of tracks from his current album The Crown.

All evening what struck me was the rapport between Eric Gales and his band (sorry, didn’t catch all the names- my bad) and Eric Gales and the audience. Yes, he’s the “big” name out there but each musician was given their fair share of solos and recognition.

Bass player, Smoke Face, who was standing in front of me slightly to my left, fascinated me. Initially, I was a little taken aback by the beanie hat and full-face mask but loved the quirkiness of the smoke trailing out from under his mask every so often throughout the evening. Different.

Highlight moments for me included You Don’t Know The Blues (so true, I’m no Blues expert) and Survivor.

My personal favourite song was probably The Storm from The Crown. There’s just something about that song that resonates with my soul.

Another highlight moment preceded by a Joey B story was Put It Back

Eric Gales – Put It Back @ Oran Mor Glasgow 010422 – YouTube

Momentarily, mid-set, Eric Gales surrendered the spotlight to his wife LaDonna Gales who up til then had been playing percussion. LaDonna stepped up to the mic and delivered a solid rendition of Take Me Just As I Am. It was clear for all to see just how supportive Eric Gales is of his good lady wife. Lovely moment.

Take Me Just As I Am – Erica Gales ft LaDonna Gales @ Oran Mor 01/04/22 – YouTube

When he came out at first, Eric Gales said he hoped that at least one person would leave the venue feeling inspired. This guy is beyond talented so its hard not to feel inspired when you watch and listen to him play. His whole story and lyrics are also inspirational.  Check out The Crown and judge for yourselves.

Towards the end of the set, a female member of the audience (a little the worse for drink most likely) shouted out to him to “Play some f**kin’ Blues!” He took her on quite nicely (firmly and politely) suggesting that if she wanted to hear Blues rather than his personal mix of Blues/Rock/Funk that she listen to some alternative artists. (I’m naming no names here). He started to play the next song on the setlist, Too Close To The Fire, then stopped playing. He stopped his band too then reflected back to his earlier comment about hoping to inspire at least one person in the room adding if the lady wanted to hear some “f**kin’ Blues” then he’d play her some “f**kin’ Blues – cue impromptu Blues solo! Incredible playing and the best way ever to shut up a heckler. Well played, sir! Loved it!

All good things have to come to an end and with a 10pm curfew looming, Eric Gales rounded off the night with the spectacular I Want My Crown.

Sir, you’ve more than earned that crown! Awesome show. Incredible musician. Such a large character. Loved it. Hurry back, please…. Oh, and add some tees to your merch stall.

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The Kris Barras Band at St Luke’s, Glasgow 18th March 2022

Posted on March 20, 2022 by coralmccallum

For the second time this year, I boarded the 525 to Glasgow, chaperoned once more by Boy Child and Mr A. Again, the weather gods were smiling on us, and it was a beautiful spring evening as we headed across town.

Our destination for the evening was St Luke’s and the Winged Ox, a small venue in a former church situated behind Barrowlands. It had been almost years since my last visit to this very pretty venue.

Who were we off to see? The Kris Barras Band.

Ok, I’ll confess I was also excited to see support act Florence Black.

Unlike our experience form a couple of weeks ago, there was only a small, scattered queue outside St Luke’s, and we easily secured a rail spot for the evening. Happy days!

First band on stage were a duo called Velvetbomb. I’m going to adopt my “Thumper Philosophy” here. (If ya can’t say nuffin’ nice, ya shouldn’t say nuffin’ at all.) Although their drummer did add a comedy element when he fell backwards off his stool towards the end of their mercifully short set.

Moving swiftly on…

With a little more space cleared on the cluttered, cramped stage Florence Black stepped out to a very warm reception from the crowd. The trio from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales opened their set with Zulu. This was swiftly followed by The Deep End and Bird On A Chain. These boys (Tristan Thomas on vocals and guitar, Jordan Evans on bass and backing vocals and Perry Davies on drums and backing vocals) didn’t disappoint with their eight-song set. One high point of their performance was Smoke.

(4) Smoke – Florence Black @ St Luke’s Glasgow 10/03/22 – YouTube

This was followed by a cover of Budgie’s Breadfan before the boys rounded off their set with their single Sun And Moon. Loved it!

Roll on October when they’ve promised to return to Glasgow for a headline show.

Not long after nine, the lights dimmed, the door at the back of the stage opened and The Kris Barras Band slipped out on stage to open their fifteen-song set with the awesome Hail Mary. Love this one! What a way to start a show!

(4) Hail Mary – Kris Barras Band @ St Luke’s Glasgow 18/03/22 show opener – YouTube

This was followed by recent single from the current record Death Valley Paradise, Dead Horses, and Rock N Roll Running Through My Veins. Yes, it was… and my ears. These guys were loud!

I love seeing bands having fun on stage and it looked as though these boys were having a blast right from the get-go. Bassist Kelpie McKenzie has to be one of the most animated bassists in the business!

Ignite (Light It Up) is always a fan favourite and tonight was no exception. The Glasgow crowd, a little more mature than I’d anticipated, sang passionately all night. (I have to mention “Jack and Victor” who were up on the balcony at this point. Anorak and bunnet on, they sat glued to the show all night, but I didn’t notice any singing. What would Isa say?)

Sporting a cut away Skindred tee, Kris charmed the audience with his easy banter and the stories behind the songs all night, adding to the intimacy of the show.

A new addition to the set is an acoustic interlude. Kris and Josiah started with Heart On Your Sleeve, which lends itself beautifully to a more acoustic arrangement. Josiah was pulling triple duty here (watch his feet in the video below) as he played the stomp pedal with his right foot and bass pedals with his left. Skilful stuff!

(4) Heart on Your Sleeve – The Kris Barras Band @ St Luke’s Glasgow 18/03/22 – YouTube

Their second acoustic number may have been the high point of the entire show for me. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man was their song of choice, and it was awesome! Ok, I may be slightly biased here as I absolutely adore that song.

How to follow that? With the beautiful soulful blues of Watching Over Me, the first song Kris wrote. It’s a tribute to his late father and it was certainly the most emotional moment of the night. Yes. Kris, your dad would’ve been beyond proud to be watching this show.

Current single My Parade rounded off the main set a couple of songs later. The crowd were loving this one and weren’t for letting these guys go home just yet.

A few moments after leaving the stage, the boys returned for one more song, Lovers Or Losers. Awesome!

There were no losers… that show was definitely a winner!

Hurry back!

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