The city is alive with holiday spirit, adorned in twinkling fairy lights that illuminate the windows and Christmas trees placed outside Saint Luke’s venue. As crowds assemble outside, eager to get into the sold-out performance, excitement fills the air. This evening’s lineup boasts an impressive supporting cast, featuring Pat Hamilton and Abbie Gordon. Those fans who arrived early are sure to enjoy a delightful experience from the opening acts.
As they descended, it was Abbie Gordon’s turn to take the stage, accompanied by a partner on keyboard and acoustic guitar. The Glasgow audience welcomed her enthusiastically, and she gave a captivating performance. Among the standout moments of her set were “Hot Headed” and the fantastic “Pretty Face.” Abbie expressed her gratitude to Shay for inviting her to support him at the event.
Abbie’s music revolves around life experiences, focusing on themes of relationships and breakups. A significant portion of the audience joined in, singing along with her. She possesses a powerful voice and has written captivating songs that draw you in, including “Fuck You For a Lovely Night” and the outstanding “The Ruiner .
She delivered a brief yet impactful performance that engaged the audience, allowing them to join in singing with her. As she finished her set, the crowd at Saint Luke’s responded with enthusiastic applause.
Next up was the talented Pat Hamilton, who kicked off his set with the piano ballad “Love and a Lie.” The crowd at Saint Luke’s eagerly joined in, singing along to the lyrics they knew. It was clear from his expression that he was deeply moved by their enthusiasm. Pat possesses a strong voice, effortlessly delivering the song’s lyrics. He shared with the audience that he had only written one love song, and that was “Minutes are Lifetime.” This heartfelt piece showcased his vocals beautifully. By this point, he had the audience completely captivated, and the remainder of his set flowed seamlessly. Highlights included “Fools Gold” and an outstanding cover of Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer,” which had the crowd at Saint Luke’s singing every word. Pat is definitely an artist to keep an eye on, with his powerful voice and compelling songs already making a significant impact. If you have the opportunity to see him live, don’t miss it – you won’t be disappointed!
Next in line was the headline artist, a name buzzing through the Scottish music scene. He recently clinched the title of Breakthrough Artist of the Year at this year’s Scottish Music Awards. Tonight’s performance was particularly noteworthy after his sold-out show at King Tut’s; now it was Saint Luke’s turn to host a full house. As the lights dimmed, Shay’s intro music began to play, and his band took their positions, ready to greet the Glasgow audience as they anticipated Shay’s entrance onto the stage.
In just a few moments, the rear door of the stage swung open, and Shay stepped forward, eliciting an enthusiastic response from the packed audience. He kicked off the set with the fantastic “The Kid I Am,” exuding confidence and showcasing his reputation as a prominent figure in the Scottish music scene. With a powerful voice, he poured genuine emotion into each song.
The expression on his face clearly showed that he was enjoying every moment as the fans joined in singing his songs. He captivated the audience with a new track titled “Time and Space.” This powerful song resonated with his fans and generated a wonderful atmosphere in the venue.
The show featured several standout moments, including performances of “First Life Too” and “Since We Divided.” The audience was pleasantly surprised when he delivered a stunning rendition of The Pogues’ classic “A Fairy Tale in New York,” which truly energized the venue. A poignant moment unfolded as he wrapped up his set with the fantastic “Now or Never” before stepping off the stage for a brief intermission before the encore.
As he comes back for the encore, the audience’s response is electrifying as he performs a two-song set that includes “Saying It Now” before wrapping up with the stunning “Normal People.” When the final notes fade, it’s clear that Shay is deeply moved by the enthusiastic reaction from the crowd at Saint Luke’s.
Tonight was a remarkable evening for Shay, and he has great potential for 2026. Be sure to keep an eye on him if he’s performing in your city or at a nearby venue.
Review and Photographs by James Edmond Photography
