On a rainy night in the city, the cold air nipped at everyone outside. However, that did not deter Gun fans from arriving early to line up for entry. The neon lights outside the venue illuminated the wet pavement, creating a vibrant scene. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, as many people declared that Christmas does not truly begin until Gun takes the stage at the Barrowland.
As the audience filed into the venue, they dispersed to secure their ideal viewing positions. Kicking off the night is Tijuana Bibles, a lively band from Coatbridge that blends Indie and Alternative sounds. With an impressive stage presence, lead singer Tony Costello commands the spotlight, captivating everyone in attendance. Their compelling songs and engaging lyrics pull listeners into their musical world. This is a band you definitely should not miss in a live setting; they promise an unforgettable experience.
While the stage crew prepared for Gun’s performance, we were all aware that it would not be long before the band took the stage for their annual Christmas show. The atmosphere in the venue was charged, filled to capacity with fans of every age.
As the lights dimmed, a video of the band with a snowy filter played on the backdrop of the stage, enhancing the venue’s ambiance. The sounds of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s “Delilah” resonated through the PA system. As the song came to an end, the band emerged on stage and launched into “Money (Everybody Loves Her),” igniting the crowd into a frenzy of singing and dancing.
The band, consisting of Dante Gizzi, Giuliano Gizzi, Paul McManus, Andy Carr, and Ruaraidh MacFarlane, was primed for an all-out performance at the Barrowland. They maintained their high energy with “Coming Home” and the fantastic “Welcome to the Real World.
Here are some key moments from the initial segment of the performance, featuring tracks like “All Fired Up,” “Lucky Guy,” and “Seems Like I’m Losing You” from the Swagger album. Dante expressed his apologies to fans who invested significantly in the original vinyl release, as the band has just reissued it this past Friday.
It was fantastic to experience the full band rendition of the classic “Taking on the World.” The audience was in high spirits, singing along perfectly with every word. The band elevated the energy even further with “Falling,” “Stand In Line,” and the outstanding “Seraphina.
As the final songs approached, it was clear that Gun would electrify the venue with “Take Me Back Home” and “Inside Out,” before really bringing the house down with the fantastic “Steal Your Fire,” which had the audience singing along enthusiastically. When the song concluded, the band exited the stage, allowing themselves and the Barrowland crowd a moment to catch their breath.
As the band stepped onto the stage for the encore, they kicked things off with the fantastic “The Only One,” a song that had not been performed live in quite some time, prompting the crowd to sing along enthusiastically. The encore wrapped up with “Better Days,” and they concluded the set with the outstanding “Shame on You.” As they bid farewell to the audience, it was evident that each member had thoroughly enjoyed the performance, with sweat pouring from them after an electrifying show.
Tonight was extraordinary. You attend a Gun concert, and you think it cannot possibly get any better, but they consistently elevate the experience, and this year they raised the bar even higher. This is how you engage a hometown audience; Gun truly knows how to deliver time and time again.
If you have not experienced Gun in Glasgow yet, you are truly missing out. Make sure to get your tickets early, as they are highly sought after. Keep in mind that next year, all you really want for Christmas is a Gun Barrowland Ticket!
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
