On a rainy evening in the city, crowds assemble outside the renowned venue for the much-anticipated return of Del Amitri. This evening, the London-based band Mandrake Handshake will open the show, showcasing their Indie art pop style. Although their sound is a bit unconventional, it’s expected to resonate well with the Glasgow music enthusiasts in attendance.
As the doors swung open, a wave of eager fans surged into the venue, making a beeline for the merchandise area before claiming their spots at the front of the stage, eagerly anticipating the start of the show. The festive spirit filled the air, with attendees donning Santa hats and shimmering, sparkling outfits. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as people engaged in lively discussions about the upcoming performance and reminisced about past shows.
Kicking off the night was London’s Mandrake Handshake, a captivating band led by the incredible Trinity Oksana, whose stunning vocals send chills down your spine. With her commanding stage presence, she enthrals the audience not only with her voice but also with her dynamic movements. The band is visually striking, creating a mesmerizing dreamscape that invites listeners on a journey through their enchanting sound. It’s hard to put into words the magic of this band; they transport you to another world and leave you eager for more. To truly appreciate Mandrake Handshake, you must see them live. Don’t miss the chance to catch them the next time they perform at a venue near you!
Next, Del Amitri returns for the first of two homecoming nights at the iconic Barrowland venue. Some fans remember their performance at this venue on December 18, 1990, when the space was magically transformed. During the show, in a festive celebration, two Christmas trees adorned with lights emerged through the famous ceiling, creating a memorable atmosphere as the band played on. As we anticipate tonight’s performance, the most important aspect for these fans is simply having the band back on stage.
As the venue’s lights dimmed and the intro music began to play, the band members made their entrance onto the stage. Iain Harvie, Andy Alston, and Kris Dollimore positioned themselves with their instruments, ready to captivate the crowd. The anticipation in the air was palpable, building up to the moment when Justin Currie appeared before the excited audience. The roar from the fans was deafening, filling the venue with an electrifying energy as they warmly welcomed the band. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, setting the stage for what promised to be an unforgettable performance.
The band kicked off their performance with the outstanding “Nation of Caners,” which set an atmospheric tone with captivating stage lights. Justin’s vocals resonated strongly as the Glasgow crowd joined in, creating an electrifying vibe. It was the ideal way to begin the show, establishing a significant presence right from the start.
The opening chords of “Opposite View” set the Barrowland ablaze, with the crowd dancing and eager to join in. It was a night of celebration as the band performed beloved tracks that have resonated throughout the venue, including “Kiss This Thing Goodbye,” “Always The Last To Know,” and the fantastic “Driving With The Brakes On.” Justin and the guys had their audience completely captivated.
From their latest album, *Fatal Mistakes*, the track “Lonely” and the exceptional “All Hail Blind Love” truly distinguished themselves during the live performance. The band energized the historic venue, wrapping up their set in spectacular fashion with “Move Away Jimmy Blue” and the outstanding “Stone Cold Sober.” The audience was fully immersed in the celebratory atmosphere. As the final chord resonated, the excitement in the venue was palpable while the band members exited the stage. It was clear that they would return, as this enthusiastic crowd would not allow them to leave without an encore.
The band made a triumphant return to the stage, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd as they kicked off the encore with the outstanding “Charlie’s Bar,” followed by “This City Loves You Back.” They then brought the house down with their iconic track “Nothing Ever Happens,” adding a delightful snippet of Wham’s “Last Christmas” that had the audience singing along exuberantly. The evening concluded with “Be My Downfall,” leaving the Glasgow Barrowland crowd in full voice.
This evening was a captivating blend of nostalgia and fresh experiences, showcasing the finest of Del Amitri in a live performance. As the band struck the final chord and the audience concluded their sing-along, they bid farewell to the venue on the first night. With heartfelt emotions and resounding applause, the band waved to their fans as they exited the stage.
Tonight’s performance was a remarkable showcase of Del Amitri’s vibrant energy and music on the iconic stage. Fans were all smiles and singing along as their favourite band treated them to an unforgettable set. If you have the opportunity to see them live, don’t miss it—they’re firing on all cylinders, delivering a mind-blowing experience. Justin and the band are revelling in the moment, seamlessly blending new hits with nostalgic favourites in a truly enjoyable way. Del Amitri at the Barrowland’s is always a treat, but a festive show elevates the experience to new heights.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
