Strolling along the banks of the River Clyde toward the Armadillo on a stunning evening, as a heatwave sweeps across the UK. A queue is already forming, snaking around the venue as eager fans wait for early entry. Tonight’s support act is the duo Scenius, whose performance we are especially excited to witness.
As the venue doors swung open, eager fans streamed into the stunning space, browsing merchandise and picking up refreshments ahead of the show. The audience settled into their seats, anticipation mounting as they waited for the support act to take the stage. When the lights dimmed, it was time to welcome Steve Whitfield and Fabrice Nau – collectively known as ‘Scenius’ – to perform.
The duo deliver what they call ‘alternative electronic’, infused with dark ambient undertones. They played a concise yet compelling set that captivated the Glasgow crowd, particularly with standout tracks like “Cookie Cutter”, “Funny Sky”, and “Swift As Light”. Announcing it as their first time in the city, they expressed genuine appreciation for what they described as a beautiful place. As they launched into their final track, “Chinese Room”, it was clear that they were thoroughly enjoying themselves, leaving the stage to enthusiastic applause from the Glasgow audience.
After a brief intermission, anticipation mounted as the time to welcome Midge Ure back home approached. As the venue lights dimmed and the intro music swelled, Midge’s silhouette emerged, striding purposefully toward his synth. He began to play the opening notes of “A Different View”, soon joined by the other band members who appeared one by one, enveloping the stage in a gentle constructive interaction as they performed the stunning first track from the new album, A Man Of Two Worlds. The live rendition was electrifying, filling the room with a powerful energy and creating an immersive atmosphere that drew the audience in completely. This opening number was a true showstopper, heightening the excitement for what the rest of the evening might hold. As the final notes faded, the band seamlessly transitioned to their positions, launching straight into Visage’s “Again We Love”, before delighting fans with a dynamic performance of the superb “Call of The Wild”.
Before the show began, an announcement appeared on the big screen, informing the audience that a 45-minute performance was about to commence. The performance itself was outstanding – uninterrupted, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next. Highlights included Ultravox’s “The Ascent”, “Your Name (Has Slipped My Mind Again)”, the brilliant “Wastelands”, and Ultravox’s “Man Of Two Worlds”. You were left speechless by the way they all worked together, their collaboration truly remarkable.
The beautiful “Lament” perfectly captured the atmosphere within the venue, as the Glasgow audience sang along in full voice to the classic. The expressions on the faces of Midge and Cole Stacey showed they were relishing every moment of the show.
It was a delight to hear “Monster” from the Move Me album – a real treat, especially as Midge joked about the security guards stationed in the aisles, ensuring no one dashed to the front of the stage. He remarked that this was a first for him. Despite nursing a sore throat, Midge expressed his relief at making it through “Vienna”, noting that his voice managed to hold up. He then asked the audience if they were ready to dance and sing along as he launched into the big hits: “Reap The Wild Wind”, “If I Was”, “The Voice”, and “Fade to Grey”, before closing the main set with an exhilarating rendition of “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes” that had the crowd singing at the top of their lungs. After this, Midge bid a brief goodbye as he and the band left the stage, only to return moments later with a rousing performance of the Phil Lynott track “Yellow Pearl”, a classic that once featured on Top of the Pops. The band brought the evening to a triumphant close, with the Glasgow audience in full voice, singing along to the brilliant “Hymn”. As the final notes faded, the band offered their heartfelt farewells and waved to the crowd before leaving the stage.
Tonight was truly a wow moment – it was incredible from start to finish, with a wonderful blend of songs and instrumentals. There was something for everyone, and the energy throughout the venue was electric. This evening was genuinely special, and I am so grateful to have experienced such an outstanding performance.
If you have the opportunity to see Midge Ure perform at a nearby venue, seize it – he is at his absolute best, delivering a set that will truly blow you away.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
