As winter gradually settles into Glasgow, a damp chill permeates the air outside, but inside the venue, a vibrant atmosphere is brewing. Crowds are gathering eagerly for the first of three nights of Loyle Carner’s “Hopefully!” tour. The O2 Academy is alive with energy, attracting a diverse audience spanning various ages. Tonight’s support act, the talented Rejjie Snow from Dublin, Ireland, is set to warm up the stage, promising an unforgettable evening filled with exceptional music.
The venue was buzzing with energy as Rejjie Snow stepped onto the stage, instantly commanding the crowd’s attention from the very first chords. His masterful rapping resonated throughout the room, effortlessly captivating the audience, many of whom joined in, singing along with fervour. The stage was perfectly set for his performance, with impeccable lighting and sound that heightened the experience. Rejjie’s charisma and stage presence ensured he had the Glasgow audience firmly in the palm of his hand.
The crowd was singing along, and Rejjie must have felt like he was performing for a hometown audience, as they relished every moment of his short set. He genuinely seemed to be enjoying himself tonight, especially knowing he had two more shows at the venue ahead. He had them dancing, waving, and a significant number were belting out the lyrics right along with him. He undoubtedly left his mark and won over plenty of new fans. It’s clear he’s an artist worth experiencing; he delivers an outstanding performance.
Next up is Loyle Carner, and the air is thick with anticipation as the stage crew meticulously prepares for the performance. You can sense the energy in the crowd, each moment building towards an unforgettable show.
As the lights dimmed and the anticipation in the air thickened, the intro music began to swell, enveloping the crowd in an electrifying atmosphere. One by one, the band members took their positions on stage, the mic stand poised at centre stage, adorned with a vibrant green scarf that danced gently with the rhythm of the sound. With a flourish, the band launched into the opening notes of “All I Need.” Moments later, Loyle emerged from the shadows, his hoodie pulled up high, obscuring most of his features. Only his intense gaze was visible as he confidently strode to the front, ready to captivate the audience.
As he captivated the audience, the energy in the venue soared, a palpable excitement merging with the stage as the slow rap began, setting the scene before the song erupted into life. Playing tracks from his album *Hopefully*, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. The moment fans recognized the sultry saxophone intro to his 2017 hit “Ain’t Nothing Changed,” they were on their feet, dancing and singing along with Loyle, creating an electric connection. He showed Glasgow tremendous respect, frequently praising the staff and the venue while expressing his genuine enthusiasm for performing in this vibrant city.
Some of the standout tracks from the first part of the show included “Damselfly,” “Homerton,” and the outstanding “Nobody Knows (Ladas Road).” Although he is often labelled a rapper, he is so much more than that; he knows how to elevate a performance and truly engage his audience. The setlist seamlessly transitions through his earlier albums while beautifully incorporating selections from his latest release, which the tour is named after. It was a night to remember, and we can only hope for more experiences like this in the future!
Before it wrapped up, he delivered a powerful set that left the audience humming his melodies long after they departed. He closed the show with the captivating “Speed of Plight,” followed by a stunning rendition of “About Time,” a gem from the “Not Waving but Drowning” album. He ended the evening on a high note, with the crowd joining in for “A Last Place” from the “Hugo” album – an unforgettable introduction for many to Loyle’s unique sound.
Fans, both seasoned and new, have just experienced a truly remarkable performance by Loyle Carner on this opening night of a run of three at the venue. For those who didn’t secure tickets for the second or third nights, you can bet they’ll be scouring for options right now. Loyle Carner is riding a phenomenal wave of energy, and you’ll want to catch him live soon. While it may be rap, it offers a unique twist that you won’t want to miss…
Review & Photographs by James Edmond Photography
