One of the most iconic bands to emerge from the Madchester scene of the ’90s, Happy Mondays left an indelible mark on the decade. Tonight, they return to Glasgow to perform their legendary album Pills ’n’ Thrills and Bellyaches in full, celebrating its 35th anniversary. This show marks the first of three sold-out nights at the renowned venue. Fans filled the space early, eager to catch support from fellow ’90s stalwarts The Farm. With anticipation in the air, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of music.
The speakers pumped out iconic hits from the decade, energizing the venue as the crowd sang along to every song.
The moment had arrived to welcome Peter Hooton and The Farm, with the band taking the stage first and launching into the intro of “Groovy Train” before Peter joined them to sing the classic hit. Their set was brief but energetic, featuring a mix of old favourites and newer tracks, along with a standout cover of The Clash’s “Bankrobber.” Inviting the crowd to sing along if they knew the words, Peter was met with an enthusiastic response – Glasgow certainly didn’t disappoint.
Peter reminisced about his time performing at the legendary venue during the Spartacus tour back in February 1991. The band played a new track from their recent album, Let the Music Take Control, delivering an outstanding rendition of “Moment in Time.” They closed their set in unforgettable fashion. Before the finale, Peter shared a brief story about their previous show at Barrowland in 1991, recalling how, even after the band left the stage, the audience continued singing the chorus of “Altogether Now” for another ten minutes, their voices echoing throughout the famous venue. Tonight was no different – the crowd was in full voice, singing along passionately. At one point, Peter handed the mic to the audience, and it was clear from the expressions of the band members that they were truly moved. This was a powerful set from
The Farm, and the Barrowland crowd savoured every moment. The band received a tremendous reception as they exited the stage.
The anticipation was building as Shaun Ryder and Happy Mondays prepared to kick off the first of their three-night run at the venue. The crowd, a diverse mix of ages, filled the space, all eager to celebrate the legendary album together.
As the lights dimmed, the noise in the venue surged while the band made their entrance and Firouzeh Berry stepped onto the Barrowland stage. She surveyed the eager faces in the front rows, setting the scene for the arrival of Shaun Ryder and Bez, who joined her to deliver an electrifying performance of the classic “Kinky Afro.
They received an enthusiastic welcome as Bez commanded the entire stage with his unmistakable dancing. Glasgow was clearly up for it, and you could feel the electric energy in the room as they tore through the classic album. Tonight promised to be something extraordinary, hearing the album performed live in its entirety – and at the Barrowland, that magic was only amplified.
Bez took the mic and expressed how fantastic it was to return to Scotland. Early highlights of the set featured electrifying renditions of God’s Cop, Grandbags Funeral, and the outstanding Loose Fit. The venue was alive, with the crowd singing, dancing, and fully immersed in the music. It was the ideal setting, with band and audience perfectly in sync, coming together to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Many bands claim that nothing tops the Barrowland but tonight proved exactly why this venue is so extraordinary.
The crowd erupted for Step On, then soared even higher as full vocals rang out for the iconic Hallelujah. And this was just the first night – on a school night, no less. One can only imagine how electrifying the next two nights at the venue will be.
The band wrapped up their set with electrifying energy, leaving everyone in awe of how Bez managed to maintain his relentless dancing throughout. They brought the house down with a rousing rendition of 24-Hour Party People, followed by the anthemic Wrote for Luck, which nearly lifted the roof off the venue. The band bid farewell in their signature style, as the crowd responded with a roaring ovation, perfectly capping off an unforgettable night of music.
Tonight was truly special – the band’s return to the venue brought an electric energy, and the Glasgow fans delivered their trademark passion, never letting the band or the venue down. An unforgettable night overall, and one that’s essential for anyone hoping to catch the band live on the remaining dates of the tour. You will not be disappointed.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
