The first of two nights at the iconic venue for Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known as Self Esteem, was a spectacle to behold as fans eagerly lined up around the block, buzzing with anticipation even before the doors opened. The palpable energy in the air was infectious, with concertgoers exchanging excited chatter and sharing their favourite songs, all united by a singular purpose: to secure the best possible spot for an unforgettable night. As the clock ticked down to showtime, the atmosphere transformed into a vibrant tapestry of enthusiasm, ready to be electrified by the empowering and innovative sounds of Self Esteem’s Complicated tour. With each passing moment, the excitement grew, foreshadowing a night that would leave a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to be there.
Opening the show from South Africa was the electrifying Moonchild Sanelly, who quite literally set the stage ablaze with her vibrant performance, emerging in a striking blue hue amid swirling dry ice that revealed her silhouette as the smoke dissipated. The talented artist kicked off the evening with an infectious mix of pop and alt-dance, effectively warming up the audience and creating a lively party atmosphere that had everyone singing along. While the titles of all her songs may not be confirmed, standout tracks such as “Sweet and Savage,” “To Kill a Single Girl (Tequila),” and “Demon,” performed alongside her skilled keyboard player, resonated deeply with the crowd, drawing enthusiastic cheers. She brought her set to a thrilling close with “In My Kitchen,” effortlessly twerking and dancing around the stage, solidifying her connection with the audience who were captivated from start to finish. The Glasgow crowd clearly loved her energy and presence, making it clear that those attending the tour should arrive early to experience her unforgettable performance.
As the stage lights dimmed, anticipation hung thick in the air, electrifying the atmosphere as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of Rebecca Lucy Taylor. The silhouettes of her band and backing singers emerged from the darkness, all adorned in sleek black outfits, their striking white headdresses lending an air of mystique. The fog from the dry ice swirled around the stage, creating an otherworldly ambiance that perfectly set the tone for the night ahead. With a palpable sense of excitement coursing through the crowd, the moment arrived when Rebecca made her entrance, stepping gracefully through the ethereal mist. She immediately captivated the audience with her spoken word rendition of the poignant “I Do and I Don’t Care,” establishing a deep emotional connection that would resonate throughout the evening.
With the stage now firmly in her grasp, Rebecca elevated the energy, transitioning seamlessly into her powerful tracks “Mother” and “Lies.” Each note resonated with raw emotion, showcasing her dynamic vocal range and poignant lyricism. As she performed, the audience swayed and sang along, united in a shared experience that felt both intimate and grand. Rebecca’s presence was magnetic, drawing everyone into her world, while her band provided a rich musical backdrop that enhanced every lyric and melody. It was a night of unfiltered expression, where the stage became a canvas for her artistry, and the audience found themselves captivated by the stories woven through her songs.
She knows how to grab a crowd’s attention, weaving a magical tapestry that draws everyone into her vibrant world through the power of music and dance. From the moment she steps onto the stage, her presence is electric, igniting a spark of excitement among the audience. With every beat, she expertly builds an atmosphere that feels both intimate and exhilarating, making each person feel as if they are part of something extraordinary. Her ability to connect with people transcends mere performance; it becomes a shared experience that resonates deeply, igniting memories and emotions through the rhythms that pulse through the air.
As she moves effortlessly through energetic routines, the audience is entranced, caught up in the infectious energy that radiates from her every move. Her songs serve as anthems, inviting fans to sing along, creating a chorus of voices that reverberates throughout the venue. The combination of her captivating choreography and heartfelt lyrics transforms the night into an unforgettable journey, leaving everyone craving more. It’s not just a performance; it’s a celebration of life and connection, allowing each person present to escape their everyday lives and lose themselves in the joy of the moment. As the final notes echo and the lights dim, the memory of the experience lingers, reminding everyone that they’ve just had the night of their lives.
The show was a vibrant celebration of talent, featuring standout performances such as “Logic, Bitch!,” “The Curse,” and “Fucking Wizardry,” each resonating with the audience in unique ways. However, the energy reached an electrifying peak when the host welcomed Moonchild Sanelly back on stage to perform “In Plain Sight.” As the two artists harmonized, the atmosphere transformed, with the crowd erupting in cheers that sent the noise level soaring to new heights. Their dynamic collaboration not only showcased their individual artistry but also created an unforgettable moment that left everyone in the venue buzzing with excitement.
As the final notes of her set reverberated through the venue, she closed with a bang that ignited the audience, who sang along passionately to “Cheers to Me, If Not Now, It’s Soon” and swayed in unison to the mesmerizing “The Deep Blue Okay.” The energy in the room was electric, a testament to the breathtaking performance she had delivered from start to finish. Yet, the fervour of the crowd was palpable, an unyielding demand for more as they cheered and clapped, their voices filling the air with anticipation. With the venue lights dimmed and the atmosphere thick with excitement, everyone knew it was only a matter of time before she would grace the stage once again, ready to unleash another wave of musical magic.
Rebecca returned to the stage for an electrifying encore, opening with “I Do This All The Time,” which had the Glasgow audience singing at full volume, creating an atmosphere brimming with energy and excitement. She then captivated them with her final number of the evening, “Focus Is Power,” leaving a lasting impression as the night ended. It’s astonishing to think that just a short time ago, she was performing on the lower stages at Connect Festival in Edinburgh and TRNSMT in Glasgow, yet here she was, commanding the spotlight at one of the city’s most renowned venues for not just one night, but two. If there’s one concert you must experience this year, it’s the outstanding performance by Self Esteem, a true testament to her rise in the music scene and a night that Glasgow won’t soon forget.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
