Biffy Clyro @ the OVO Hydro, Glasgow 6th November 2022

Posted on November 7, 2022 by coralmccallum

Slightly earlier than usual (doors were 6.30 instead of 7.00) and with Boy Child driving, we set off up the M8 heading towards the OVO Hydro. For the first time in quite a while, FB Son was with us. Having parked at the Science Centre, we finished the journey on foot and joined a surprisingly short queue.

It’s been a few months since we have been to the Hydro. It had been 8 years almost to the day since we had last seen the headliners.

So, who were we there to see?

Biffy F**king Clyro!

Walking into that vast arena bowl is an incredible experience every time. It’s like entering the mothership. As arenas go, this one is my favourite.

I left the boys to their own devices (they had moshing in mind) and found myself a nice wee spot a couple of rows off the rail Happy days!

There was only one support act on the bill – Brighton’s finest, Architects!  I’ll be honest, they initially felt like an unusual choice of support act. They’re a band I was keen to see live having missed their headline tour back in May 2022. When they kicked off their ten song set with Deep Fake from their recently released album The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit, there were more than a few stunned looking Biffy fans. LOL. Architects are a force to be reckoned with. They are hard. They are heavy. They are powerful. Live, they were simply awesome.

Loved front man Sam Carter’s red footwear!

Highlights of their all too short set were Dead Butterflies which was followed by the awesome Doomsday and When We Were Young.

These guys surely gained more than a few new fans from the Biffy camp before they rounded things off with the mighty Animals.

Architects, you certainly “pulled the pin”. Great way to kickstart the night.


At 8:50, the lights went out, the massive video screens pulsed into life and Biffy Clyro stepped out on stage to huge homecoming cheers. They started off their two-hour marathon in rather mellow fashion with Dum Dum before launching into A Hunger In Your Haunt from their current album The Myth of the Happily Ever After.

Dum Dum (set opener) – Biffy Clyro @ OVO Hydro Glasgow 06/11/22 – YouTube

I have to say, I know Simon Neil’s fashion choices can be dubious…but, sir, what was that shirt all about? Ha Ha

The shirt didn’t last long, and it was soon “taps aff” for the bulk of the set for both Simon and James Johnston on bass.

Biffy may have included the beautiful Black Chandelier early in the set but there were no chandeliers tonight. Instead, there was an over-sized series of video screens and spectacular lighting all night. I’ll be totally honest, I’m not a huge fan of video screens. I totally get that they are of huge benefit to those fans standing or sitting further back but personally I find them a huge distraction from what’s going on on stage and at several points, found myself consciously trying not to look at them. Although a giant Simon Neil is rather easy on the eye.

I’d be here all day singling out the highlight moments from their twenty-song main set. There genuinely were so many great songs. The setlist was carefully balanced to encapsulate their entire back catalogue but I was pleased to see no fewer than six songs from 2009’s Only Revolutions album making the cut.

If I have to pick three…no five… favourites from the main body of the set I’d need to go with That Golden Rule (kind of wish they’d opened with this one), Wolves of Winter, Re-arrange which included an awesome guitar solo from Simon, Biblical and The Captain, which rounded off proceedings.

It was hot. It was sweaty. It was lively. It was fantastic…and there was more to follow.

Simon Neil, accompanied by two violinists who had made several appearances throughout the show, was first back out on stage to open the five-song encore with the breathtaking God & Satan…. Love love love this song. Opposite and Glitter and Trauma followed. There were only two of my favourites that hadn’t yet been played…dare I hope…

Yes! Bubbles was the penultimate song with fan favourite Many of Horror finally bringing things to a climax.

WOW…that’s all…. Incredible gig.

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The Pretty Reckless @ Barrowlands, Glasgow 26th October 2022

Posted on October 28, 2022 by coralmccallum

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!

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Florence Black @ Stereo, Glasgow 12th October 2022

Posted on October 14, 2022 by coralmccallum

Slightly later than usual, Mr A, Boy Child and I boarded the train- the 545 to Glasgow- on Wednesday night. Our venue of choice for the evening was within spitting distance of the station so no need for an early start.

So, where were we off to? Stereo in Renfield Lane.

Who were we heading off to see? The mighty Welsh trio Florence Black. Back in March when we saw them support Kris Barras, they had promised to return to Glasgow for a headline show in October and here they were.

After some confusion among the handful of fans waiting outside as to where to queue and where to enter the basement venue, we were finally inside just after 7pm. Stereo isn’t a large venue (capacity circa 300 according to the website- feels smaller) so we didn’t quite manage to secure a front row spot. Damn!

First band on stage were Edinburgh’s She Burns Red. Those who read these blogs on a regular basis may recall I first saw these guys on their Glasgow debut a few weeks ago. Sound issues out with their control plagued that set so I had high hopes for the evening ahead. They did not disappoint. Thirty minutes was too short! She Burns Red opened their set with Gone but their highlight song for me was current single, Killing Time.  The bar had been set high for the evening. Great set, guys!

Do yourself a favour and check this band out. You can thank me later.

Next up for a half hour set were Welsh all-girl trio, Haxan. This was a new band to me, but they quickly won me over. These three young ladies deserve to go far. Despite an issue with a dodgy cable for Harriet’s bass, they delivered a solid six-song set of songs mainly from their debut album White Noise. As I listened to them, I was detecting influences of Iron Maiden in the mix. Never a bad thing. Highlights of their set for me were Killing Time (No, not She Burns Red’s song) and Grave Digger. They rounded things off with Bring The Thunder…and bring it they certainly did!

Another band to check out.

At this point I have to thank a rather tall Welsh guy who had been standing in front me slightly to my left. I suspect he was with the Haxan camp, but he moved away and let me step into his stage front space. Thank you, kind sir.

The venue was packed by the time Florence Black were due out on stage. Packed, hot and sweaty! I’ll also add – Stereo is a very loud venue!

A few minutes after nine, Florence Black took to the stage and after a moment or two, opened their hour long set with Zulu. Right from the start, these boys from Merthyr Tydfil were on fire. At the opposite side of the stage from where I was standing, frontman Tristan Thomas was being worshipped by a small group of fresh-faced young rock fans craving fist bumps.

Zulu set opener – Florence Black @ Stereo Glasgow 12/10/22 – YouTube

I was standing in front of bass player Jordan Evans but thanks to a large concrete pillar on stage I barely caught a glimpse of drummer Perry Davies all night. The joys of a basement venue!

Recent experience of playing arenas across Europe has really honed Florence Black’s stage presence. These boys are a tight slick unit and are destined to go far. I honestly don’t think we’ll get the opportunity again to see them headline such an intimate show.

Kudos to them though. They rocked Stereo as if they were already arena headliners!

Highlights of their twelve-song set for me were Grove Street which was swiftly followed by the awesome Black Cat.

Black Cat – Florence Black @ Stereo Glasgow 12/10/22 – YouTube

I’m not a Budgie fan so the boys’ cover of Breadfan perhaps missed the mark a little for me personally but was clearly much appreciated by the rest of the Scottish crowd.

The spectacular Sun and Moon rounded things off all too soon. Love this one!

Sun and Moon – Florence Black @ Stereo Glasgow 12/10/22 – YouTube

Confession…. I’d had my eyes on the setlist that had been at bass player Jordan’s feet, but I hadn’t held out any hope of being lucky enough to get it. Lady Luck shone down on me twice in the first few minutes after the gig. First, a spare pick fell from the pick slots in Jordan’s mic stand and landed right in front of me (Question- did you guys sign these with a sharpie marker?) Second, the chivalrous gentleman to my right reached over, lifted the setlist and handed it to me saying “You have this. I know you want it.” Thank you, sir.

A memorable evening that has rung in my ears now for days. (And, yes, I was wearing ear plugs)

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Monster Truck @ The Garage, Glasgow 6th October 2022

Posted on October 8, 2022 by coralmccallum

The weather gods were far from happy as Mr A, Boy Child and I boarded the 525 to Glasgow last Thursday evening.

Despite monsoon season having been declared, we valiantly set off from Glasgow’s Central Station towards our venue of choice for the night – The Garage. Not much shelter as you queue outside that one.

By the time the doors opened, we were dripping. Our rail position doubled up as a drying rail for our soaking wet jackets.

So, who had we braved the elements to see? Canada’s mighty Monster Truck.

There was only one support act on the bill for the night – Wales’s Those Damn Crows. I’ve been keen to see these guys live for a while.

I can honestly say in all my years of going to gigs that I’ve never heard a support band get such a welcome on stage. The crowd went wild the second that these boys set foot on the stage to open their all too short set with Who Did It. Frontman Shane Greenhall had everyone in the room in the palm of his hand in under a minute. Kudos to you, sir. This charismatic Welshman worked the crowd to perfection.

Who Did It (set opener) – Those Damn Crows @ The Garage Glasgow 06/10/22 – YouTube

There was one bizarre moment at the very start of the set when I looked to my left and realised the fan to my left had donned a full crow’s head mask. Awesomeness!

Who Did It was swiftly followed by Long Time Dead and Don’t Give A Damn.

The clock was ticking, and these boys were squeezing every last second out of their allotted time. Highlight of the night for me was Blink Of An Eye. Love this one.

Blink of an Eye – Those Damn Crows @ The Garage Glasgow 06/10/22 – YouTube

During their penultimate song Go Get It, Shane came off stage, through the crowd, up the stairs and onto the rail up on the balcony while still singing to perfection. The fans were already raising the roof off the place, but he obviously felt the need to check those rafters for himself. An awesome RnFnR moment. Thank God he has good balance!

Those Damn Crows brought their nine-song set to a close with Rock N Roll Ain’t Dead. With talent like that it sure ain’t!

Can’t wait to see these guys come back to play a headline show next year.

The box sitting on stage said Don’t F**k With The Truck…hold that thought for about ninety minutes.

This was the third time I’d seen Monster Truck and I was really looking forward to their set, but Those Damn Crows had set the bar so damn high.

Monster Truck took to the stage at 8:15 to a warm welcome from the Scottish fans and opened their ninety-minute set with Sweet Mountain River. A banging anthem to kick things off. Energetic guitarist, Jeremy Widerman was instantly making full use of the space available on a very stripped back stage and was bounding around at high speed, stripped to the waist.  At the far side from where we were standing, front man and bassist Jon Harvey was in fine voice.

Old Train followed on with barely a pause for breath.

Sweet Mountain River & Old Train (set opening) – Monster Truck @ The Garage Glasgow 06/10/22 – YouTube

Monster Truck’s eighteen song set was a balanced mix of old and new, with several from their latest album Warriors. Judging by the fans’ reaction, they were definitely favouring the older material.

By mid-set, the energy in room felt as if it had dipped a tad from the high that the support act had worked so hard to generate. Before beginning Black Forest, an awesome bluesy song, Jon Harvey thanked the boys from Wales and was rewarded with a huge roar from the audience. Perhaps there were more Those Damn Crows fans in the room…. I’ll leave that thought there…

Black Forest – Monster Truck @ The Garage Glasgow 06/10/22 – YouTube

One key highlight of the set was Seven Seas Blues which really gave Jeremy Widerman a chance to shine. Loved it.

The Canadians rounded out the main body of their set with the title track from their new album Warriors and The Lion.

After a brief moment or two off stage Monster Truck returned for a two-song encore comprising Why Are You Not Rocking and the awesome Don’t Tell Me How To Live. Two great songs to end a solid set.

There was only one minor issue- Those Damn Crows had set that bar so high so early in the night that they’d f**ked with the truck and, in my humble opinion, had blown them off stage.

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Cardinal Black @ Audio, Glasgow 15th September 2022

Posted on September 17, 2022 by coralmccallum

With the venue for the evening in close proximity to the station, it was the 545 to Glasgow that Boy Child and I boarded on Thursday evening.

The venue for the evening was new one to us both. We were headed to Audio, an intimate venue in the city centre (capacity circa 150)

And who were we off to see? Those uber talented boys from Wales, Cardinal Black!

I first saw these guys last December when they supported Myles Kennedy and have been impatiently waiting for a headline show ever since.

With a stage front spot secured (there is no actual rail in this venue) Boy Child, and I waited with bated breath…would this be as magical as we remembered?

There was only one support act for the evening – Laura Evans. This rising star also hails from Wales. Ably accompanied by Joe Coombs on guitar, Laura delivered a fabulous opening set, albeit too short. Half an hour just wasn’t enough. Laura’s style is a musical collage of genres – think Stevie Nick, Lee Ann Rimes but all with a hint of blues in among those country vibes. Loved the cover of Chris Stapleton’s Arkansas. It slotted in perfectly among Laura’s own music, largely from her recent album, State of Mind. This young lady deserves to go far. Check her out!

Arkansas (cover) – Laura Evans @ Audio, Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube

At 8:15, the lights dimmed, the intro tape played, and the sell-out crowd waited impatiently for Cardinal Black to take to the stage. They opened their ninety-minute set with Rise Up, their current single from their eagerly awaited, crowd-funded, debut album. (It’s due out on 14th October). Spine tingling stuff right from the off. Awesome start.

Rise Up – Cardinal Black @ Audio, Glasgow 15/09/22 – show opener – YouTube

I fell just a little bit in love with this band when they supported Myles in 2021 and it was heartwarming to see them so relaxed and happy, oozing confidence with a smattering of mischief as they charmed their way into the hearts of the Scottish fans in the room.

Yes, there were one or two pedal “glitches” including a power issue (another 50p needed in the meter methinks), Sam the bass player confusing which song they were playing and perhaps a fluffed lyric, but it all added to the intimacy of the show as did front man Tom Hollister’s easy banter.

Accompanied by Tom’s brother, Greg, on keyboards, Cardinal Black delivered a spellbinding set. I’ve high hopes for the future for this young band and have a feeling that this show will become one for the history books, when a few years down the line, as they headline far larger venues, the diehard fans will be saying, “Remember when they played Audio in 2022. I was there.”

There honestly wasn’t a weak song in the set.

Jump In from their EP was one of the set highlights for me. Beautiful song and the tone from Chris Buck’s guitar was stunning. Haunting. Love it!

Jump In – Cardinal Black @ Audio Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube

Mid-set, among much lighthearted banter, Tom Hollister introduced On My Own…cue goosebumps. Another simply beautiful song delivered with so much warmth.

On My Own – Cardinal Black @ Audio Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube

Cardinal Black are a tight unit. There’s an almost magical chemistry among the members. Each of them brings something unique to the mix. I’m a music fan and not a musician so I can’t comment on the technical complexities of Chris Buck’s playing but what I can say is that he is an incredible guitarist. Mesmerising. There’s so much talent at his fingertips. I could watch him play all night.

I mentioned that Audio is an intimate venue, and this became truly apparent as Cardinal Black left the stage at the end of the main body of their set, intending to duck back into the compact and bijoux dressing room for a few moments. There was only one issue… there wasn’t room in the “broom cupboard” for all of them!

Among the giggles over this minor technicality, they very promptly returned to the stage for a three-song encore. (Suggestion, boys – ditch the encore and just play straight through.)

Free opened their encore. A beautiful acoustic ballad, performed by Chris Buck and Tom Hollister. Stunning stuff.

Free – Cardinal Black @ Audio, Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube

Tied Up In Blue rounded out the night, bring the evening to the perfect musical climax. Chris’ guitar solo during this was mind blowing. Loved seeing him lost in the sonic landscape of this one. Awesomeness!

Tied Up In Blue – Cardinal Black @ Audio Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube

With smiles all round, Cardinal Black brought the show to a close. “It’s you I want”… yes, Glasgow wants you. We want more!

Hurry back, boys.

You can pre-order their debut album here:

Cardinal Black (thecardinalblack.com)

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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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