A chilly, damp night settled over the city, but that didn’t stop fans from lining up early outside the O2 Academy, eager to secure their spot for an up-close view of the show. The evening promised an electrifying takeover by the Dropkick Murphys, bringing their signature Boston Irish flair to the stage, with lively support from Gogol Bordello. The buzz outside the venue was infectious, as everyone anticipated an unforgettable night of music.
Kicking off the evening in Glasgow was the phenomenal Gogol Bordello, a band hailing from New York, USA, known for their high-energy performances and party vibes. Led by the charismatic Eugene Hütz, who commands the stage with his larger-than-life presence, the group delivered an electrifying set. The line-up also features Erica Mancini, Gill Alexandre, Korey Kingston, Pedro Erazo, Loe Mintek, and Sergey Ryabtsev, all contributing to the band’s dynamic and unforgettable performance.
The band kicked off their set with the outstanding track I Would Never Wanna Be Young Again, during which Eugene and Pedro urged the crowd to clear the floor for a circle pit. From the very start, the band was in top form, making it clear how thrilled they were to be back in Glasgow.
The band definitely knew how to throw a party and create an electrifying atmosphere. Glasgow lived up to expectations, with the crowd singing and dancing along with the band. Highlights of their performance included “Dance Around The Fire,” “Wonderlust King,” and “Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher).
Eugene handed the lead to Sergey Ryabtsev for the next song, and Sergey captivated the audience as he performed the outstanding “Start Wearing Purple.” It was truly a “wow” moment, as it marked the first time in years that a support band had the entire venue singing, dancing, and fully immersed in every second of their performance. Their 45-minute set was high-energy and left the crowd thrilled, showcasing the passion and emotion embedded in the band’s music. They wrapped up their set with a final song, “Pala Tute,” which featured an impressive accordion solo by Erica.
The set came to an end, and the band bid farewell to thunderous applause after delivering an unforgettable performance in Glasgow. As the house lights illuminated the venue, the air buzzed with excitement and amazement at just how incredible Gogol Bordello had been. They undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the city.
The Dropkick Murphys were up next, featuring Ken Casey, Matt Kelly, Kevin Rheault, James Lynch, Tim Brennan, and Jeff DaRosa. The night promised to be a special one, as the Glasgow audience was clearly energized, a fact already evident from the enthusiastic reception given to the support band. The intro music set the tone, starting with Sham 69’s classic If the Kids Are United, followed by Sinead O’Connor and The Chieftains’ rendition of the Charles O’Neill classic Foggy Dew, which had the Glasgow crowd singing along in unison. As the song concluded, the Dropkick Murphys took the stage, kicking off with the outstanding Captain Kelly’s Kitchen. The crowd’s singing was so powerful it practically raised the roof of the venue.
Ken Casey was all over the stage, engaging with the audience as he moved to the platform in front, connecting with fans in the first few rows near the barrier. The band launched straight into the electrifying “The Boys Are Back,” thrilling the Glasgow crowd. Ken expressed his excitement, telling the audience how great it was to be back in Glasgow.
Some of the standout moments early on included Mick Jones Nicked My Pudding, Bastards on Parade, James Connolly, and the outstanding Sirens. The venue was alive, buzzing with energy, and filled with powerful voices. The connection between the band and the audience was undeniable—a perfect harmony that generated the electrifying atmosphere within the space.
The band delivered an unforgettable performance, treating Glasgow to their iconic “Middle Finger” before diving into The Pogues’ “The Body of an American,” which had the crowd buzzing with excitement. . It was a truly magical moment, with Glasgow in full voice, singing along passionately. The expressions on the band’s faces, especially Ken’s, made it clear this was a night to remember.
As the set neared its end, the heat in the venue was intense, with sweat trickling down your back. Despite the sweltering atmosphere, the band maintained their high-energy pace, delivering performances of The Hardest Mile and Walk Away.
As the set neared its conclusion, the band delivered outstanding performances of Rose Tattoo and The Irish Rover before wrapping up with Until the Next Time. After this, they exited the stage, giving the Glasgow audience a chance to catch their breath—much needed as the venue was sweltering.
As the band came back on stage for an encore, they were met with an incredible reception at the O2 Academy. They expressed their gratitude to the crowd, sharing how thrilled they were to be back in Glasgow, before performing two final songs: I’m Shipping Up to Boston and the outstanding Workers Song. The audience was phenomenal, bursting with energy throughout the entire set, matching the band’s intensity and giving it their all right to the end.
As the band bid their farewells, it was the perfect moment to reflect on the incredible show we had just experienced and been part of. Tonight felt truly special, with Gogol Bordello kicking off the party with a short yet electrifying set, followed by the Dropkick Murphys bringing their signature high-energy performance. The audience undoubtedly shed a few pounds dancing and singing along, making it a night to remember with two outstanding bands at the top of their game.
If this tour is coming to your area, make sure to grab a ticket if possible—this is a night you won’t want to miss, featuring both the incredible Dropkick Murphys and the brilliant Gogol Bordello. They truly made the night their own.
Review and Photographs by James Edmond Photography
