The Choose the Bear tour has arrived in Glasgow, visiting one of our old haunts from years past. Upon reaching the venue, we noticed a small line of people outside eager to enter the Audio venue in the heart of Glasgow city centre.
Inside the venue, the atmosphere and scent remained reminiscent of the past. While a few changes were noticeable, the old sound engineer platform still stood proudly alongside other elements that evoked a sense of nostalgia. Tonight promised to be fantastic, as Millie consistently delivers an exceptional performance, and there was no doubt this evening would be just as remarkable.
As the venue began to fill, it was almost time for the support band Wrex from Brighton to step onto the stage. This marked the duo’s first visit to both the city and Scotland. Comprised of George Donoghue on guitar and vocals, Mae Seaton on vocals, and tour drummer Greg Walton, they were fully prepared to perform their inaugural show in Glasgow.
As the house music faded away and the band’s introduction began, they burst onto the stage with George on one side and Mae on the other, positioned near the centre. They kicked off their performance with “S.A.D.,” instantly turning heads throughout the venue with their bold style. By the end of the first song, Mae had covered nearly the entire stage, engaging with the audience in the front rows. The band brought a full-throttle performance to Glasgow, captivating everyone with their dual vocals and dynamic stage presence. The passion, emotion, and energy radiating from the band were truly remarkable.
The music is a fantastic blend of alt-rock and punk, creating a captivating experience. Some standout tracks include the impressive “Recovery,” “Vacant,” and “Heaven’s Gate.” The band’s performance on stage is truly remarkable; within the short support set, Mae had the audience in Glasgow completely captivated from the very first song. She maintained that energy until the end, wrapping up their set with their latest single, “Paradise.” The joy on George and Mae’s faces clearly showed how much they appreciated their first show in Glasgow. If you have the opportunity to see this band live, you can expect a high-energy performance filled with exceptional songs and music that will leave you wanting more. They are scheduled to perform at the Wildfire festival, so be sure to stop by and check them out!
The next act to take the stage was the headlining band, Millie Manders and The Shutup. By this time, the venue was quite crowded, with many fans eagerly awaiting their performance. Numerous fans were sporting the new teddy bear merchandise, along with a variety of Millie T-shirts.
As the band’s introduction echoed through the venue, it was time to welcome Millie on vocals, Joe Quigley on guitar, Pete Wright on drums, and Georgina Boreham on bass to the Audio Glasgow stage. The band wasted no time; as the intro music faded, they dove straight into their set, captivating the Glasgow audience with a mix of classic and new tracks, starting with the fantastic “Pressure,” followed by “Rebound.” Millie took centre stage, energizing the crowd and enhancing the excitement of the performance.
Millie is an outstanding frontwoman who expresses her thoughts candidly and infuses every performance with deep emotion. She thrives on the energy generated by the music, showcasing her powerful vocals, as demonstrated in the band’s latest album, *Wake Up, Shut Up, Work.*
She gave a speech ahead of the outstanding Me Too song, reaffirming her support for the campaign. Some highlights of her performance included the remarkable tracks Broken Records, Windows, Glitter Mix, and the powerful Silent Screams. Millie’s passion and emotion resonated with the Glasgow audience throughout the set. Her music addresses important mental health issues, encouraging open conversations and bringing them into the spotlight.
The set concluded with an explosion of bubbles, enthusiasm, and even more enjoyment, highlighted by a bubble display during the lively track “Fun Sponge.” Fans enthusiastically sang along throughout the majority of the night, clearly eager to celebrate alongside the band. However, as with all great experiences, it had to come to an end. The band wrapped up their performance with “Not Okay” before bidding farewell to Glasgow with a classic from the “Breaking Truths, Breaking Ties” album, “Your Story.” This provided a perfect finale to what had been an outstanding show. The band was met with an enthusiastic response from the Glasgow audience, and Millie informed them she would be at the merchandise stand after the performance.
This evening, Glasgow experienced an incredible performance from two fantastic bands. Millie Manders and The Shutup delivered an energetic and passionate show filled with powerful lyrics and music. Wrex also impressed the audience with their performance. If you have the opportunity to see any of these bands, make sure to go out and show them your support!
Review and Photographs by James Edmond Photography
