Tonight is a momentous occasion in Glasgow as she takes the stage for her largest headline show yet. This sold-out event is poised to be a dream realized for her. A diverse crowd of all ages has gathered outside the venue, eager to be captivated by Brooke’s live performance.
As the Barrowland filled up, the first support band took the stage. James Emmanuel, or simply James, introduced himself to the Glasgow crowd as the James Emmanuel Band. With a powerful and soulful voice, he captivated the hearts of many in the venue. The Edinburgh singer appeared unfazed by the significance of the iconic venue, effortlessly winning over the audience. His music, infused with a soulful essence and a touch of Motown flair, is definitely worth paying attention to, as he delivers a compelling performance. To wrap up his set, he engaged the crowd, encouraging them to wave their hands in the air. As he concluded his brief performance, he was met with an enthusiastic response from the Glasgow audience.
Next up was The Joy Hotel, a Glasgow band led by Emma Woods, with Luke Boyce sharing vocal duties. They showcased their distinctive alt-rock sound, effectively warming up the Glasgow audience with a mix of both old and new songs that had everyone dancing and singing along. Their performance was powerful, and their strong stage presence captivated the crowd. Although their set was brief, they possessed all the right qualities to command attention on stage. This band is making a name for themselves, and I have no doubt you’ll see them at various festivals this summer—definitely worth a listen. As they left the stage, the Barrowland was packed, and they received an enthusiastic response from their hometown fans.
The energy in the venue was electric as everyone eagerly anticipated Brooke’s entrance onto the iconic stage. You could sense the excitement in the air, with the audience buzzing with enthusiasm. St. Andrews cross flags adorned the barriers, proudly displaying Brooke’s name, and fans of all ages were ready and waiting for her performance.
This evening marks the final night of her remarkable Dancing at the Edge of the World tour, and there’s no better way to conclude it than in this iconic venue. As the lights dimmed, the band gradually approached the stage, pausing for what appeared to be a photo opportunity at the foot of the stairs, illuminated by the flashing camera lights at the back of the venue to the side of the stage.
As the band began to play the Prelude, the crowd eagerly anticipated their first glimpse of Brooke. Their wait was short, as she soon appeared on stage, draped in a St. Andrews cross flag. Her opening words to the audience were, “Glasgie, are you ready?” From that moment on, she never looked back.
You could see her and the band gazing out at a vast crowd, all there to witness her performance. It must have been an incredible feeling for them, perhaps slightly daunting, yet she appeared completely at ease. Embracing the moment, she delivered an unforgettable night for the Barrowland audience.
Some of the standout moments early in the performance featured “Shaken By The Wind,” “Lanewood Pines,” and “A-Game,” which had the audience singing and dancing enthusiastically. From the very first song, she had the Glasgow Barrowland crowd completely captivated, providing them with an unforgettable evening. You could see her engaging with the front rows, smiling and pointing at the fans.
Brooke’s band sounded incredible, showcasing their best performance yet. The interaction was lively, with Brooke engaging with the audience between songs while switching guitars. Fans were thrilled by her renditions of tracks like “Black Is the New Gold” and the outstanding “Butterfly.” The crowd was fully engaged as she performed “Are You With Me” and the album title track “Dancing at the Edge of the World.” Tonight, she captivated the Barrowland audience with her powerful and passionate delivery. To top off the evening, Brooke and her band took a final photo with the crowd, marking a night where one of her dreams came to life.
Brooke is a passionate artist whose energy shines in every performance. If you have the chance to see her live, you won’t want to miss it—her music and stage presence are truly captivating, and she always greets her audience with a warm smile. This summer, Brooke will be performing at several festivals, so if you’re attending any, be sure to check her schedule and make time to experience her show.
A night when dreams became reality at a packed Glasgow Barrowland.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
