A Night to Remember: Ben Walker Lights Up the Southside
All good things must come to an end—but for Ben Walker and his incredible band, this ending felt like just the beginning.
The Scottish-born up-and-coming singer-songwriter took to the stage under a sun-soaked Glasgow sky, kicking things off with his hit Run for the Hills. The crowd was instantly hooked, dancing and cheering along to the infectious tune.
From there, Ben kept the momentum going with a diverse setlist, including fan favourites Sixteen and Just a Boy. One of the most unforgettable moments came when guitarist Lewis Davie launched into the instrumental section of Sixteen—and then launched himself right into the crowd. It was unexpected, electric, and completely thrilling, adding a spontaneous edge to an already powerful performance.
The energy and enthusiasm from Ben and his band were palpable, shaking the Big Blue Tent to its core. Every song pulsed with passion and genuine emotion, making it clear that Ben isn’t just a boy—he’s a rising star chasing his dream with everything he’s got.
If you love live music that hits you in the heart and gets you on your feet, Ben Walker is one to watch. His performance was the perfect spark to ignite another unforgettable night in Glasgow’s vibrant Southside.
Next up on the lineup was rocker Laurie Wright, who hit the stage with his band and a dose of eclectic rock energy. The London-based singer did not disappoint, breathing life into rock ‘n’ roll with his infectious stage presence, dynamic guitar work, and boundless energy.
A standout moment? The seamless blend of harmonica and guitar riffs that ran throughout the set, elevated by punchy, retro-inspired lighting that lit up the stage like a classic rock revival.
With the crowd headbanging and fully immersed, the atmosphere was electric—making Laurie Wright’s set one of the most memorable of the night. If you’re a fan of gritty, high-octane rock ‘n’ roll, Laurie Wright and his band are a must-see.
On the bill are Glasvegas, a Glasgow rock band made up of James and Rab Allan, Paul Donoghue, and Ryan Ross. This four-piece are known for delivering a raw, powerful rock show — and they absolutely lived up to that reputation.
It felt like stepping back in time as they performed some of their biggest hits, including “Geraldine,” “Daddy’s Gone,” and “Flowers and Football Tops,” alongside many more fan favourites throughout the set. As the final warm-up act before the main event, Ocean Colour Scene, Glasvegas did exactly what was needed — they raised the energy and got the crowd fully in the mood for a party.
With hands clapping and voices cheering, the audience was completely hooked as the band delivered an incredible, emotional, and unforgettable performance. If you ever get the chance to see Glasvegas live, don’t miss it — they put on one hell of a show!
It’s time to catch the train with Ocean Colour Scene closing out a weekend full of music and sunshine.
As the alternative rock legends stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted with cheers and applause, buzzing with anticipation for the final set of the weekend. The energy skyrocketed as the band launched into their classic opener, “The Circle”—a powerful start that instantly lifted spirits and set the tone for a night to remember.
From there, it was a non-stop journey through hit after hit, with fan favourites like “One for the Road,” “Get Away,” and more igniting the atmosphere. The crowd was in full voice, singing along to every word, completely immersed in the magic of the moment.
A standout highlight came during their 1992 anthem “Profit in Peace,” when the entire audience joined in unison to sing “We ain’t gonna fight no more.” It was a moving, almost spiritual moment of unity—a perfect reflection of the weekend’s uplifting spirit and sense of connection between artist and audience.
The party continued with “The Riverboat Song,” another massive 1996 hit that had the crowd bouncing with unrelenting enthusiasm. With each note, Ocean Colour Scene played with passion and precision, elevating the energy right through to the final moments of their set.
The night—and the weekend—closed in spectacular fashion with the iconic “The Day We Caught the Train.” The reaction was electric, the crowd going wild, singing in unison with the band from start to finish. It was the ultimate high, a euphoric send-off that left everyone grinning, hearts full, and voices hoarse.
The connection between Ocean Colour Scene and their fans was nothing short of extraordinary. If you ever get the chance to see them live—take it. An Ocean Colour Scene gig is a musical experience you won’t want to miss.
Review & Photographs by Ashleigh Maitland Photography
