The wait is finally over – tonight marks the launch of the year’s most electrifying tour! The opening night of the Afraid of the Dark tour transformed Glasgow’s OVO Hydro into a pulsating epicenter of anticipation and excitement. Fans streamed into the legendary arena, faces adorned with vivid makeup and band tees, every heartbeat echoing the thrill of what was to come. The venue buzzed with a contagious energy as a vibrant sea of mostly young fans laughed, sang, and counted down the moments before the doors swung open. This wasn’t just a concert; it was an immersive, exhilarating event destined to become a lifelong memory. With Motionless in White about to ignite the stage, everyone in the building knew they were on the verge of an unforgettable night – an evening where music, spectacle, and exhilaration would collide. The crowd stood ready to be swept away by their idols, certain that tonight’s memories would echo for years.
The festivities erupted with Australian metalcore giants Make Them Suffer, who stormed the stage and set the night ablaze with the ferocious opener, “Ghost of Me.” From the very first riff, the entire Hydro was electrified! Frontman Sean Harmanis commanded attention, unleashing guttural vocals with relentless force, hurling himself across the stage and whipping the pit into a euphoric frenzy. More than a performance, it was a whirlwind of raw power as Harmanis dared everyone to match his unstoppable momentum.
Providing a mesmerizing contrast, Alex Reade’s ethereal keytar melodies and soaring vocals enveloped the crowd, sounding nothing short of spellbinding within the cavernous venue. The synergy between Sean’s ferocity and Alex’s melodic radiance was pure alchemy – a dynamic interplay that held the audience rapt. Song after song landed with seismic impact, with the crowd erupting for the anthemic “Erase Me,” and reaching fever pitch during the crushing “Doomswitch.” Make Them Suffer didn’t just play a set; they orchestrated a breathtaking metalcore spectacle, pulling every soul in the Hydro into the irresistible force of their live show.
Next up, Dayseeker took the stage, ready to raise the bar with an irresistibly smooth and emotive performance. The wild chaos of Make Them Suffer faded, replaced by Rory Rodriguez’s cool confidence as he stepped out in sleek sunglasses and a sharp black trench coat. With the ambient opener, “Pale Moonlight,” the audience immediately surrendered to the band’s lush, atmospheric soundscape.
Dayseeker’s latest album, Creature in The Black Night, has cemented their place at the forefront of modern metal, enchanting listeners with lush synths, heartfelt melodies, and masterful guttural vocals. Rodriguez’s composed presence and emotive delivery guided the crowd through the band’s refined sonic journey. The group displayed expert musicianship, knowing exactly when to dial up the intensity for live impact. As “Bloodlust” ignited crackling energy across the room, mosh pits swirled, while the ethereal “Sleeptalk” inspired a wave of crowd surfers. Their set reached its emotional apex with “Neon Grave,” Rodriguez’s raw and poignant tribute to his father – a breathtaking finale that left Glasgow clamoring for more.
As the arena lights lifted, fans seized the chance to catch their breath, the air crackling with anticipation as they caught glimpses of the elaborate stage setup. The energy didn’t wane – instead, it built steadily as the crowd sang along to tracks booming through the PA, everyone counting the moments until the headliners stormed the stage.
Suddenly, the house lights dropped. The intro music thundered to life. It was time. A deafening roar welcomed the Pennsylvanian five-piece as they unleashed the explosive “Meltdown” from their chart-topping album Scoring the End of the World. True to the song’s name, jets of fire erupted, sending waves of heat all the way to the back of the arena – the perfect visual to match Motionless in White’s incendiary sound.
But this was only the beginning. The intensity soared as The Cherry Bombs joined the revelry, delivering a visual feast of flamethrowers and showers of sparks from spinning grinders, each effect choreographed to perfection. Having witnessed their show at the O2 Academy last year, it was clear the spectacle had levelled up – this was arena theatrics at its finest!
During a rare, heartfelt pause, frontman Chris Motionless addressed the crowd, reflecting on the band’s journey to bring their grandest shows to European fans. With candid determination, he declared, “fuck it,” and shared their resolve to launch arena tours abroad – a gamble that, judging by tonight’s packed house, paid off in spectacular fashion.
The band then threw a curveball, unveiling a debut performance for European fans with “City Lights” from their first album, Creatures. While many expected a familiar favourite, the choice of this deep cut thrilled longtime followers – myself included, as it’s a cherished track from their early years. The surprises kept coming with the resurrection of “America,” a song not heard live in the UK in over a decade. Amidst today’s turbulent times, the anthem’s revival struck a chord, culminating in a euphoric singalong as 14,000 fans chanted “A.M.E.R.I.C.A.” in unison. Further amplifying the night’s spirit, the band boldly displayed a progressive pride flag, standing arm-in-arm with the community and sending a powerful message of love over hate.
As often happens in massive crowds, the night took a few unexpected turns, with the music pausing to assist those in need. Both the band and Hydro’s security demonstrated unwavering professionalism and empathy, quickly ensuring everyone’s safety before reigniting the show’s momentum. The finale brought an unforgettable moment: as “Eternally Yours” echoed across the venue, both Motionless in White and The Cherry Bombs showered the audience with roses, transforming the space into a tableau of romance and longing. Couples embraced, friends cheered, and even lone fans wiped away tears as the song’s yearning melody resonated deeply.
Tonight was a triumph – an opening night that more than delivered on every promise. The energy, the spectacle, and the music together forged an experience that will be talked about for years. Motionless in White proved themselves an unstoppable force, and Glasgow was left utterly
Review & Photographs by James Edmond Photography
