It’s been a long time coming to see Drew Baldridge headline a UK tour, and standing in the sold-out crowd at Glasgow’s Òran Mòr on the second-to-last night felt genuinely special. Watching fans soak up every moment of pure country greatness was a heart-bursting moment of pride.
Òran Mòr is one of those rare venues that magnifies the true power of a voice, and that was immediately clear with opening act Sophia Scott. I’ve followed Sophia for a while now, and whether she’s delivering a heartfelt ballad or a full-blown party anthem, she commands attention from start to finish.
It’s wild to think Lifeboat was released ten years ago. Her authenticity hasn’t dimmed for a second – if anything, it’s grown stronger. With the venue already packed out from the moment she stepped on stage, it felt like a clear message: Scotland is more than ready for a headline Sophia Scott show again.
You always hear people describe crowds as ‘roaring’ when an artist walks onstage, but that’s genuinely what happened when Drew Baldridge appeared. Òran Mòr’s acoustics wrapped around every note, and from the very first line, it was obvious the crowd had settled in for a night of high-energy, raw country emotion.
Early in the set, Drew shared how surreal the moment felt: “I never expected to be playing a headline show in Glasgow – never mind a sold-out one.” That sense of gratitude ran through the entire performance.
Drew is a natural storyteller. Whether he’s pulling from his own life or crafting lyrics that feel universal, his voice filled the room with grit and melody. The lyrics did the heavy lifting, and the crowd carried the songs from start to finish – especially when a nostalgic 90s-style melody kicked in, turning a Sunday night into a full-blown country party.
Even during the quieter, more reflective moments, Drew kept the energy lifted. He spoke about the past few years, especially the COVID era, when he played backyard shows while venues were shut – receiving over 20,000 requests and performing more than 400 shows across the US. If there’s one thing you take away from a Baldridge show, it’s this: that man works relentlessly, and it shows.
Highlights included Tough People, a song that helped open doors for Drew and showcased his belief in himself – something that’s genuinely inspiring to witness. Call Me If You Get One, written about his hunting-loving grandpa, brought a touching personal moment, while Can She Have This Dance, written for his mother on his wedding day, added another layer of heart to the set. Every song came with a story, and that’s what made the whole performance feel so rich and meaningful.
One of the most unforgettable moments came when Drew took the show right into the heart of the room, stepping away from the stage with just his guitar and mic for an acoustic request section. Hearing Burnt Toast like that was an absolute treat.
Sophia Scott returned to the stage for a pitch-perfect cover of Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places, and the entire room sang every word. Honestly, it might be my favourite live version of that song I’ve ever heard – a straight 10/10, no notes.
From start to finish, the night felt like catching up with an old friend: new songs, old favourites, stories, throwbacks, inspiration, and pure connection – exactly what a live show should be, and something that sticks with you long after the final note.
The set closed with Drew’s latest release, Rebel, a track that challenges what we celebrate in society and what it really means to stand up for what you believe is right. Hearing it live gave the song an entirely new depth.
And, of course, the final song was Daughter – the track that changed everything. It’s one of the most beautiful songs you’ll ever hear, and it had me in tears. Drew’s perseverance in this industry is nothing short of inspiring, and witnessing a packed-out Òran Mòr for his first sold-out Glasgow headline show felt like a genuine privilege.
From start to finish, the audience soaked up every second. If this night proved anything, it’s that both Drew Baldridge and Sophia Scott need to be back – and in a bigger venue.
Review by Lauren Page
Photographs by Lynsey Wyllie
