On a chilly night in Glasgow, the Christmas lights twinkle throughout the city, and the venue is adorned with festive decorations as the local audience makes their way inside. This evening, the special guests for the India Electric Co. performance also happen to be Midge Ure’s band.
As the venue’s announcement urged attendees to take their seats in preparation for the upcoming performance, the air buzzed with conversation and anticipation for the show. As the audience settled in, the lights dimmed, and spotlights illuminated the front of the stage, signalling the arrival of the India Electric Co. The band consists of Cole Stacey, Joseph O’Keefe, and Russell Field.
The band performs a distinctive take on traditional folk music, utilizing classic instruments to create a captivating sound that enhances the venue’s atmosphere. They kicked off their set with the outstanding song “Statues,” showcasing lead singer Cole Stacey’s stunning voice, which perfectly embodies the venue’s ambiance.
Some highlights of the performance included their latest single, “Pomegranate,” and an outstanding rendition of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.” This particular cover captivated the audience, drawing everyone’s attention with its stunning interpretation. Cole addressed the crowd, mentioning that their set would be brief and they would need to conclude soon, but expressed how wonderful it was to return to Glasgow, a venue that always holds a special meaning for them. The band wrapped up their set with the enchanting “Glass Houses,” providing a perfect conclusion to a short yet impactful performance. Those who have experienced the India Electric Co. live are consistently left in awe of their powerful music, compelling lyrics, and strong vocals. Keep an eye out for the India Electric Co. at a venue near you—you won’t be disappointed. As they exited the stage, the band was met with a resounding round of applause.
As there was a brief intermission, it was the perfect opportunity for people to grab a few drinks before Midge Ure took the stage. An announcement in the venue alerted the audience to take their seats, indicating that there were just ten minutes until the performance began. The sold-out show quickly filled up with attendees returning from the bars and other areas.
After a brief delay due to issues with the house lights, the band took the stage to a hero’s welcome. The show kicked off with the Rich Kids song “Marching Men,” and the tour, dubbed the “Catalogue: The Hits Tour,” promised to be an exciting night. Midge’s voice sounded incredible after an extensive tour across the UK, and as he addressed the audience, he noted that it was the final night of the tour, with no better place to conclude than Glasgow. The band launched into an electrifying start with Ultravox’s “Passing Strangers,” followed by Midge’s outstanding solo debut single “If I Was.” It truly felt like one big celebration, with everyone singing along.
Midge pauses to share a memory from the very first episode of Top of the Pops, recalling how they were never informed that the show would be re-aired 40 years later. He reminisces about his initial experience in the studio, where he first heard Tom Rush’s song performed. He had always dreamed of singing that song, and it turns out he eventually did—recording his own version of “No Regrets” by Tom Rush.
The performance featured an intriguing instrumental segment when Midge and the band delivered a stunning cover of John Mayall’s Heartbreakers cover of “The Supernatural”, leaving the audience captivated. The crowd sang along enthusiastically during the brilliant rendition of “Lament.” The band, together with Midge, slowed the tempo for a seated portion of the show, performing delightful pieces like “The Maker,” “Breathe,” and “Fragile.” The combination of the music and the venue’s remarkable acoustics created a perfect harmony.
It was that moment in the performance when all the iconic hits burst forth, including “Vienna,” “Fade to Grey,” “Love’s Great Adventure,” and the outstanding “Hymn.” He reminisced about Live Aid, expressing his only regret was not being able to reunite one particular band for the event. As he began to play the opening chords of “The Boys Are Back in Town” by the legendary Thin Lizzy, Midge stood at the center of the stage, strumming his guitar while the lights formed a St. Andrews cross across the backdrop. He then transitioned into “Flower of Scotland,” captivating the Glasgow audience as they sang along. This seamlessly led into the brilliant “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes,” prompting the crowd to sing at the top of their lungs.
The band exited the stage, and the crew hurriedly prepared the front of the stage, signalling that the band would return soon. Within minutes, they were back, delivering an incredible rendition of the outstanding song “The Voice,” featuring a drum solo by Russell Field. The rest of the band, along with Midge, joined in on the electronic drums. It was a spectacular conclusion to an unforgettable show.
This evening demonstrated the incredible talent that has defined Midge’s career and continues to shine today. As this marks the final night of the tour, we wholeheartedly encourage you to attend future performances. Midge truly knows how to put on an unforgettable show, crafting a night filled with cherished memories and new experiences.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
