Amy Macdonald is back on the road to promote her latest record. Released in July 2025, Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For? is her sixth release and she rounded off the UK leg of her promotional tour for two homecoming shows at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow before a Christmas break, and gave her army of fans an evening to remember.
On the first of two nights another up and coming Scottish artist Cammy Barnes was drafted in on support duties. The 34-year-old from Fife first came to prominence in the public eye when he finished fifth on the 2023 Britain’s Got Talent television show. He has since built up a bit of a following with his brand of Scottish infused country rock and pop music, and in his half hour slot tonight he wowed the audience with songs such as Guiding Light, Reach Out and an emotional track dedicated to the recent birth of his daughter, aptly named Bonnie’s Song. His set was warmly received by the crowd, and set the tone for the rest of the evening.
After a quick turnaround it was soon time for the headliner. Armed with her trusty acoustic guitar, Amy Macdonald took to the stage to a deafening roar from the packed arena, keen to see their favourite in action on home soil. Opening with the title track of the latest album, the setlist for the evening would cover all bases, showcasing 4 tracks from the new album, a few older album tracks and no less than 12 of her singles from an illustrious career. Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For? was the perfect opener and had the crowd on their toes from the off. Dream On and The Hudson carried the energy on through the opening three tracks.
Selling out one night at the cavernous arena is no mean feat for any artist but to do it twice over two nights is more than impressive and the atmosphere was reaching fever pitch as the music continued. The familiar intro to the singer’s biggest chart hit Mr Rock & Roll filtered thru the PA system as cannons exploded into the air above the audience showering them with blue and white confetti, with next track Fire dedicated to the Scotland football team’s efforts in the recent world cup qualifiers, with the stage bathed in blue spotlights.
The 2007 debut single Poison Prince, written as an ode to troubled Babyshambles singer Pete Doherty saw the stage lights now turn bright red with sparklers providing a curtain of fire effect in front of the stage. No pyro, no party anyone?
Barrowland Ballroom had images of the great Glasgow venue projected onto the huge curtain backdrop behind the band, including the famous neon lights from the building which was great to see, before possibly the singers greatest track and highlight of the evening This Is the Life closed the first act, with the masses joining in on vocals with the singer.
Three more left for the encore now. We Survive from the latest record saw Amy on stage on her own for the first time this evening again only sporting her acoustic guitar before the rest of her band joined her at the front of the stage for The Glen. After thanking the audience and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, the singer closed things off nicely with Let’s Start a Band and a final bang from the confetti cannons, this time showering the crowd with all the colours of the rainbow. A nice effect.
This was a triumphant first night back in Glasgow for the singer from Bishopbriggs. Selling over 26,000 over two nights gives proof of her popularity and the singer certainly knows how to play to her crowd. Visually the show was bright and colourful, with the visuals depicted on the curtains around the stage, plus the pyro and confetti adding to the experience. Musically Amy Macdonald’s talents are without question and tonight she was on fine form. All the hits were there, plus newer tracks and older classics too. For her adoring fans what else could you say other than this is the life!
Review & Photographys by Stephen Wilson Photography
