Glasgow eagerly awaited the homecoming of Franz Ferdinand on the final night of their The Human Fear tour. As Alex Kapranos and Bob Hardy returned to the renowned venue for the tour’s closing show, fans lined up outside, eager to get inside.
The opening act tonight was the outstanding Master Peace from London, who did a fantastic job of warming up the Glasgow crowd with their infectious pop tunes and energetic beats. Peace Okezie’s vocals were truly mesmerizing, sending shivers down your spine. Some standout moments from the set included Save Me, Stoopid Kids, and I Might Be Fake. The band fully embraced the venue and ultimately won over the audience, who showed their appreciation by singing and clapping along. This was especially evident during the final song Home, when the band encouraged the crowd to join in. As the set came to a close, they captured the moment by taking a selfie from the stage—commemorating the special night they played the iconic Barrowland venue.
It was time for the local boys to take the stage, and the crowd at Barrowland gave a roaring welcome to Alex Kapranos, Bob Hardy, and the rest of the band. The noise was deafening, and the energy in the venue was electric. The band burst onto the stage, kicking things off with the outstanding Bar Lonely, before launching into The Dark of the Matinée, which had the entire audience singing and dancing along. Alex moved across nearly every inch of the stage, his dynamic dance moves sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The performance was a dynamic mix of both classic and new tracks, featuring songs like Night and Day, Everydaydreamer, Audacious, and the remarkable Black Eyelashes. The older hits still had their time to shine, as the crowd enthusiastically sang, danced, and celebrated alongside the band to tracks such as 40’, Michael, and Love Illumination, leading up to the electrifying Take Me Out.
The band invited Master Peace back on stage to join them in performing the fantastic Hooked from their new album. They then wrapped up the set with Outsiders before stepping offstage for a well-earned break.
The band stepped back onto the stage to a rapturous Glasgow welcome, kicking off the final night of the tour with Jacqueline from their self-titled album. The Glasgow crowd was treated to classics like Darts of Pleasure and The Fallen, nostalgic reminders of the band’s golden days. However, the past now merges with the future, as new tracks like The Doctor and Cats shine just as brightly, carrying the band’s legacy forward.
The boys appeared to be enjoying every moment, and as Alex mentioned, this was the show they had been eagerly anticipating. The band closed with the electrifying This Fire, which brought the venue to life, shaking its very foundations as the Glasgow crowd sang and danced along. It was clear that the band was relishing every second of the performance, and both they and the fans wished the night could have lasted longer.
However, all good things must come to an end. As the show wrapped up, the band gathered at the front of the stage to bid farewell, taking a bow and expressing their gratitude. Before leaving, they reassured the crowd, “We’ll see you all in August,” referencing their upcoming performance at SWG3 in the city’s west end.
Tonight’s concert was nothing short of extraordinary, marking a significant milestone for both the devoted fans and the talented band. Enthusiastic supporters journeyed from every corner of the UK and even from overseas, all converging to be part of this unforgettable event. As the night unfolded, the atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement.
The band delivered an unforgettable performance, leaving the audience in awe as they played their most beloved hits and showcased their musical prowess in an epic end-of-tour show. Each song was met with cheers and applause, as fans sang along, their faces illuminated with joy and elation.
For anyone who has yet to experience the magic of a live performance by this remarkable band, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize the opportunity. Attending one of their shows promises an exhilarating night filled with incredible music, unforgettable moments, and a sense of community among fellow fans. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something truly special!
Photographs & Review by James Edmond Photography
