On a winter’s day in Glasgow, snowflakes danced down as fans lined up for 14 hours before the doors opened, eager to secure the best view of their idols’ performance. The devoted fans were captured on camera as the queue stretched in front of the venue and down the street, all in anticipation of the event.
The audience in Glasgow arrived at the venue eager to experience the performances of the supporting acts, Permanent (Joy) and Gurriers. Kicking off the evening was Permanent (Joy), hailing from Liverpool and led by frontman Alex Davison. They delivered a brief yet captivating set that had the crowd hooked from the very first song. With a unique sound that draws you in, Alex’s powerful vocals truly command attention.
Here are some highlights from their performance, featuring their earlier singles “Josephine” and the outstanding “Aeroplane.” The band’s stage presence was captivating, engaging the audience and delivering a memorable set. They explored their darker side with a spoken word piece, culminating in what I believe is their latest single, “I Wanna Go Home.” This is definitely a band to keep an eye on, as the crowd at the O2 Academy thoroughly enjoyed their music, which resonated with everyone present. Be sure to catch Permanent (Joy) at a venue near you!
Dublin’s Gurriers took the stage next, delivering a high-energy post-punk performance that immediately captivated the crowd, led by frontman Dan Hoff. The band owned the stage, with Mark MacCormack rocking a kilt and showcasing his guitar skills. Standout moments from their brief set included “Top Of The Bill,” “Sign Of The Times,” and the fantastic “Come And See,” which got the Glasgow audience singing along. It was an impactful performance that resonated strongly with the crowd.
The main band was next, and the energy from the younger crowd was so intense that it felt like the roof might come off the venue. This was going to be a memorable night, as it marked the first of their two performances in Glasgow.
As the venue lights dimmed, Dublin’s finest were set to hit the stage, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the Glasgow crowd eagerly awaited. The moment Elijah Hewson appeared, the energy surged, causing the venue to vibrate, while Robert Keating, Josh Jenkinson, and Ryan McMahon took their places on stage.
The band kicked off the night with the fantastic “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” followed by “Your House,” which had the Glasgow audience singing at the top of their lungs. As the song wrapped up, Elijah informed the crowd that he would need their assistance that evening since he was losing his voice and struggling with the high notes. The audience erupted in support, clearly there for both him and the band. He also mentioned that Robert was unwell, but assured everyone that the show would go on.
The band is currently touring to promote their album “Open Wide,” showcasing some standout tracks from the new release, including “A Question of You,” “Billy (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah),” “Eddie in the Darkness,” and the fantastic “Little Things.” Despite not feeling their best, the band delivered an outstanding performance.
The boys completely owned the stage, showcasing an incredible presence as they engaged with the fans at the front. When they noticed security rushing into the crowd, they paused their set to ensure everyone was safe. “My King Will Be Kind” remains a highlight for me, and the audience’s singing truly supported Elijah during this performance. He even went down into the crowd to greet fans and let them sing into the mic, creating a special moment for a girl from Stirling.
They wrapped up their set with “Cheer Up Baby” before returning for an encore. Despite announcing that he had lost his voice over an hour earlier, Elijah continued to sing, hydrating frequently with water, aided by his friends from Glasgow.
The band came back to the stage after a brief intermission for an encore, kicking off with the title track from their new album, “Open Wide.” The audience sang along enthusiastically, providing great support for Elijah’s vocals. The next song, “Love Will Get You There,” held special significance as the Glasgow fans expressed their affection for the band, lending their voices to the performance. The show concluded with the fantastic “My Honest Face,” which had the crowd dancing, jumping, and singing one last time. The band expressed their gratitude to the audience, and Elijah promised to see everyone the following night for round two.
If you have the chance to see the band on this tour, be sure to grab a ticket while you can—it promises to be an unforgettable night featuring three fantastic bands. Don’t count on finding many tickets for night two in Glasgow, as there were hardly any available for night one.
Review by James Edmond
Mobile Phone Photographs by James Edmond
