As crowds begin to gather at the iconic Kelvingrove Bandstand, an air of excitement mingles with the day’s unpredictable weather. The stage is set for another memorable evening at the Big Nights Out Festival. Tonight’s headline act features none other than Glasgow’s very own Midge Ure, whose legendary status promises a performance to remember. Adding to the anticipation, talented singer-songwriter Emma Dunlop will open the night, ensuring that music fans are treated to a diverse and unforgettable experience beneath the open sky.
Bellshill’s Emma Dunlop opened the show, delivering a powerful performance that immediately warmed up the Kelvingrove audience. Her set blended a striking electronic style with stunning vocals, leaving the Glasgow crowd in awe of her impressive vocal range and magnetic stage presence. Although her set was short, it was impactful, featuring songs such as the opener “Run,” “Flags,” “Between The Lines,” and closing with the excellent “What Do You Say?”. Emma’s engaging banter and connection with the audience—having previously supported Midge in Glasgow—added to the atmosphere, and she expressed her gratitude for the invitation to return. The crowd responded enthusiastically as she left the stage. Emma Dunlop is definitely an artist to watch—her music on Spotify is well worth a listen.
Next on stage was Midge Ure, accompanied by his band members Cole Stacey, Joseph O’Keefe, and Russell Field. As the lights dimmed and the intro music played, the atmosphere was set for their performance at the Kelvingrove stage. They kicked off the set with the fantastic track “If I Was” from Ure’s solo album, *The Gift*, which had the audience at the Kelvingrove Bandstand on their feet, singing along. The performance featured an impressive start that included “Passing Strangers” and “Reep The Wild Wind.
Midge reminisced about a song he had always wished he could claim as his own after watching a performance of the outstanding Tom Rush track “No Regrets” on Top of the Pops. Eventually, in the early eighties, he decided to record it himself. This was followed by a memorable moment when Midge captivated the audience with an impressive rendition of Peter Green Splinter Group’s “Supernatural,” which the crowd adored. As the song concluded, the audience expressed their appreciation enthusiastically.
Midge playfully jokes with the audience about how we’re all aging and could use a break. It’s easy to see why, given his energetic movements across the stage as he switches between guitar and synth. When the band gathered on the riser for an acoustic rendition of the outstanding “Breathe,” it created a truly special moment. Soon after, the atmosphere shifted as the party kicked into high gear, with everyone dancing and singing along. The set reached an unforgettable climax with Ultravox’s “Vienna,” which still sends chills down your spine, before the energy soared with Visage’s “Fade to Grey,” followed by Ultravox’s “Love’s Great Adventure” and the powerful “Hymn.
Midge reflects on the Live Aid Concert that took place 40 years ago this year at Wembley, recalling how each artist was given just 18 minutes to perform. Midge and the band chose to showcase their remarkable song “One Small Day.” During the performance, Midge delivered a captivating guitar solo of “Flower of Scotland” before concluding their set with the outstanding “Dancing With Tears in My Eyes,” which had the audience singing and dancing enthusiastically. The band wrapped up their performance with this song, leaving the Glasgow crowd wanting more as they exited the stage.
Before long, the band and Midge returned to the stage, where the crew had set up electronic drums and keyboards at the center. As they arrived, Midge addressed the audience, saying, “I don’t know why we have all this equipment behind us when we can play the set with this.” The band concluded their performance with the fantastic “The Voice,” which had the crowd singing and dancing. It was a joy to watch Midge and the band perform in such a small space at the front of the stage, clearly enjoying themselves with the drums and keys. When the song wrapped up, the band bid farewell to Glasgow after an incredible night of music with the city’s beloved son.
If you get the chance to catch Midge Ure on tour, don’t pass it up—you’re guaranteed a spectacular night of music. It was an unforgettable evening for both fans and the band alike.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
