Glasgow was buzzing with excitement as it prepared to host the third night of the highly anticipated Yummy tour in the UK. This time, all eyes were on Glasgow as it took its turn to welcome the tour. Adding to the excitement was the fact that the tour was supported by the talented Razorlight, adding an extra layer of musical magic to the event. Fans of both bands were eager to experience the electrifying performances of Johnny Borrell and Razorlight as they made their triumphant return to the city. The atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly awaited the start of the show, ready to be swept away by the incredible music and energy that both bands were known for.
As the lights dimmed and the anticipation in the air grew, Johnny Borrell and his band Razorlight were ready to hit the stage in Glasgow. The crowd greeted them warmly as they launched into their set with the familiar and infectious tune of “In The Morning”, evoking memories of past performances in Glasgow’s various venues. The audience was fully engaged, singing along and dancing to the music.
Johnny Borrell, the charismatic frontman, kept the energy high without missing a beat. He saved the introduction of a new song, “Scared of Nothing”, for the end of their set. The track showcased powerful lyrics and a catchy melody, proving to be a hit with the Glasgow crowd. Johnny expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to Glasgow, reminiscing about their earlier shows at intimate venues like Nice n’ Sleazy and King Tuts. Playing on a larger stage was a thrilling experience for the band, and they were grateful for the enthusiastic reception from the Glasgow audience.
The band’s performance at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro was nothing short of spectacular, as they delivered a greatest hits set that had the crowd dancing and singing along to timeless classics like Golden Touch, Vice, and I Can’t Stop This Feeling I’ve Got. It was a thrill to see the band back on stage, and they were in top form throughout the show.
The energy in the room was electric, with the Swedish bass player engaging in some playful banter about Hendrick Larson that elicited cheers and boos from different sections of the audience. As the set drew to a close, the band treated fans to the breathtaking Somewhere Else before bidding farewell with the crowd-pleasing America, which had everyone singing at the top of their lungs.
Though the set was relatively short, it left a lasting impression and left fans eager for more. It’s clear that the band’s passion for performing live hasn’t waned, and there’s hope that they’ll embark on a tour of their own later in the year. The reception from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, and the smiles on the band members’ faces, particularly Johnny’s, spoke volumes about how much they enjoyed being back on stage.
The excitement was electric as the stage crew meticulously prepared the stage for the arrival of Tim Booth and James in Glasgow. The anticipation built as the band members took their positions, their silhouettes visible in the still-lit main hall. Then, finally, Tim Booth stepped onto the stage just before the lights dimmed, signalling the start of the show. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as the band launched into their hit single “She’s A Star” from 1997.
Tim’s voice filled the venue as he sang the poignant lyrics, “Whenever she’s feeling empty, whenever she’s feeling insecure”, and the audience joined in, singing along with passion and enthusiasm. The energy in the room was infectious as the Glasgow fans sang, danced, and cheered, creating a truly electric atmosphere. It was a magical moment as the music brought everyone together in a shared experience of joy and celebration.
This was followed with a lively performance of Tomorrow from the band’s 1994 album Wah Wah, setting the stage for the exciting new album Yummy. The crowd was captivated as the band belted out the beautiful track Our World, with the stage adorned with a myriad of TV screens that illuminated the venue. The fans couldn’t help but join in, singing along to the mesmerizing new song. The energy in the room was palpable as the band transitioned seamlessly into their latest single, “Life’s A Fucking Miracle”, and the audience was at full voice. The new songs breathed new life into the concert, creating a musical harmony between the crowd and the band. Frontman Tim even took a break from the stage, diving into the crowd and urging fans to immerse themselves in the moment, encouraging them to put away their mobile phones and simply enjoy the music. It was a standout moment that left everyone in awe.
The time had finally arrived for the highly anticipated party hits to take centre stage and elevate the night to a whole new level. It was no easy task, as the set began by shaking off the cobwebs of the venue and energizing the audience. The opening chords of Born Of Frustration reverberated through the venue, causing an explosion of excitement among the crowd. The sea of mobile phones illuminated the venue as fans eagerly captured the moment on camera.
The energy only continued to rise as the band transitioned into Waltzing Along, followed by the fan favourite Getting Away With It (All Messed Up). Tim, the lead singer, confidently declared that the band had been getting away with it for years, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of music and celebration.
The highlight of the performance came next with the breathtaking rendition of “Shadow of a Giant” from the album Yummy. This song is a true powerhouse, with lyrics that pierce the soul and vocals that send shivers down your spine. Tim’s vocals were nothing short of astounding, captivating the audience and leaving them in awe. The live version of the song was simply mesmerizing, showcasing the band’s incredible musical talent and skill. The combination of powerful lyrics, stunning vocals, and impressive musical accomplishments all came together to create a truly unforgettable moment that left the audience speechless. It was a performance that truly blew everyone away.
As the concert set began to wind down, Tim, the lead singer, addressed the audience and encouraged everyone to take out their mobile phones for the upcoming song, “Mobile God.” This particular song had a surprise element that the band didn’t want to spoil for the fans, especially after the incredible reaction they received during their performance in Glasgow.
The set concluded with the crowd-favourite, “Sometimes,” which had everyone in the venue singing along and raising the roof with their enthusiasm. The energy in the room was electric as the band and the audience connected through music.
As the final notes of the song faded away, the band exited the stage, leaving the audience wanting more. The stage lights remained on, creating a sense of anticipation for what was to come next.
After a brief intermission, the band returned to the stage to deliver an electrifying encore performance. Kicking things off with the infectious “Way Over Your Head” from their album “Yummy,” the crowd was immediately captivated. The energy only intensified as they launched into the fan-favourite “Beautiful Beaches,” setting the stage ablaze and filling the large screens with smoke. It was a truly epic moment that left the audience in awe.
The nostalgia kicked in as they delved into the 1990 hit “Come Home” from their album “Gold Mother,” prompting the entire venue to sing and dance along in unison. As the final song approached, no one wanted the night to end – it had been a concert to remember. The setlist was flawless, seamlessly blending old classics with new hits, and the sound quality in the venue was top-notch.
Closing out the night with the title track from their fifth album “Laid,” the crowd erupted into a frenzy of dancing and singing. The OVO Hydro was alive with energy as fans savoured every last moment of the performance. As the song came to a close, the band was met with a thunderous round of applause, a testament to the magic they had created that evening. It was a truly unforgettable night that left everyone in attendance feeling grateful to have experienced it.
After their electrifying performance, the band gracefully exited the stage, visibly elated and grateful for the enthusiastic reception from the Glasgow crowd. Every member seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, waving and smiling at the audience. It was truly a spectacular night, leaving the audience in awe.
If you have the opportunity to catch this band on tour or at any other time, do not miss out on the chance for a memorable evening filled with exceptional music and songs performed by the talented members of James, including Tim Booth, Jim Glennie, David Baynton-Power, Saul Davies, Mark Hunter, Andy Diagram, Adrian Oxaal, Chloe Alper, and Debbie Knox-Hewson.
Have you had the chance to listen to the latest album, Yummy? If not, you are truly missing out! This album is a must-have for any music lover. Once you start listening to it, you won’t be able to stop. The catchy beats and captivating lyrics will have you hooked from the very first track. Don’t wait any longer, get your hands on the album Yummy now and let the music take you on a journey you won’t forget.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond
