A significant date in the Scottish music scene is upon us, as Stiff Little Fingers make their return to the iconic Barrowland venue for their legendary St. Patrick’s Day shows. Tonight serves as a warm-up for the main event happening tomorrow.
As fans of all ages congregated outside, proudly wearing their Stiff Little Fingers t-shirts, excitement filled the air as they eagerly awaited a glimpse of their idols. Adding to the anticipation, the highly discussed band The Meffs was set to open the shows on this tour, making it even more special.
As the lights dimmed and the electrifying music of The Meffs filled the air, the atmosphere in the venue shifted dramatically, signalling the much-anticipated arrival of Lilly and Lewis. The crowd buzzed with excitement, and it was clear from the expressions on their faces that the duo was thrilled to step onto this iconic stage. Hailing from the southern regions of England, Lilly and Lewis wasted no time in making their presence felt; they launched into their performance with an exhilarating energy that captivated everyone in attendance.
From the very first note, Lilly commanded the stage with a magnetic presence, effortlessly drawing in the audience at the front of the venue. Her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals set the tone for an unforgettable night. Meanwhile, Lewis complemented her with a skilful blend of instrumentation that added depth and richness to their sound. Together, they created a powerful musical experience that resonated with the crowd, highlighting not only their talent but also the unique chemistry that defines their artistry.
The duo’s music is something truly special, marked by a compelling combination of catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Each song they performed seemed to resonate deeply with their audience, reflecting both their passion and the raw energy of their sound. As the night progressed, it became increasingly clear that Lilly and Lewis were not just another act; they were a force to be reckoned with in the music scene, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to witness their performance.
One of the standout moments of the night was undoubtedly the band’s electrifying cover of The Prodigy’s iconic track, “Breathe.” As the first notes echoed through the venue, the crowd was instantly captivated, their faces reflecting a mix of awe and excitement. The energy in the room reached a fever pitch, creating an electric sense of connection between the performers and the audience.
In addition to this unforgettable cover, the band highlighted their latest single, “Business,” which is currently making waves in the music scene. With its catchy hooks and dynamic beats, “Business” is a track worth spinning on repeat.
The setlist also featured fan favourites such as “Like Gravity,” which resonated deeply with the audience, and the thought-provoking anthem “Broken Britain, Broken Brains.” This song sparked a wave of emotion, as its powerful lyrics and compelling melody left an impression on everyone present. Overall, the performance was a masterful blend of nostalgia and fresh sounds, ensuring that the night would be remembered for a long time to come.
The band attracted a new fanbase, and as Lilly shared with the audience, her mother had flown in for these two performances, including the iconic St. Patrick’s Day show. The band exited the stage beaming, leaving the Glasgow crowd energised and excited to discover their new favourite band. The Meffs made a significant impact on the Glasgow audience with a fiery performance. For 45 minutes, they delivered fantastic music and an engaging stage presence that had the fans in Glasgow cheering for more.
Coming up next is Stiff Little Fingers from Belfast. The atmosphere in the packed venue was electric as the eager crowd anticipated the lights dimming and the band taking the stage.
As the stage lights dimmed, the opening sequence of “Go For It” illuminated the venue, creating an electric atmosphere that reverberated through the crowd in Glasgow. The audience, fuelled by excitement, began singing along, their voices rising in a harmonious chorus that elevated the energy in the room to new heights. It was clear that this night was going to be special as the anticipation built just before the band made their grand entrance.
When the first glimpses of Ian McCallum and Steve Grantley appeared on stage, the noise level surged, a massive wave of enthusiasm washing over the crowd. The excitement reached a fever pitch as Jake Burns and Ali McMordie joined them, all while the captivating intro played on, teasing the audience with what was to come.
Then, without missing a beat, the band launched into a powerful opening set that featured the iconic tracks “Tin Soldiers,” “Nobody’s Hero,” and “Roots, Radicals, Rockers, and Reggae.” Each song was greeted with roars of approval from the Glasgow audience, who were clearly ready to embrace every moment of the night. The energy was infectious, and it was evident that the crowd was fully engaged, ready to sing, dance, and celebrate with the band.
In a city known for its vibrant music scene and enthusiastic fans, this was precisely the kind of enthusiasm one would expect from Glasgow, where the spirit of rock and roll thrives and the connection between the band and the audience is electric. This night was shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, filled with the raw energy and camaraderie that only a live concert can deliver.
Jake Burns informs the audience that the upcoming song is a new addition to the tour, titled “Raise Your Heart.” This track features powerful lyrics and is expected to become a staple in future setlists. The performance also took the audience on a nostalgic journey with classic songs from the “Guitar and Drum” album, including the outstanding “Walking Dynamite,” and further back to early songs with “Back To Front” and “State of Emergency.
Jake reminisces about departing from Belfast and the foundry where he and his father worked, setting off for London. He recalls his dad warning him that he would not succeed there. One day, while the band was performing “At the Edge” on Top of the Pops, Jake received a call from his dad. His father had seen the performance and complimented the song, jokingly claiming that half the lyrics were things he had said, so Jake owed him half the royalties.
One song that never fails to tug at your heartstrings when performed live is the remarkable “Bits of Kids.” This track is a masterful blend of poignant lyrics and stirring melodies that resonate deeply with listeners. The emotional weight carried by the words is beautifully complemented by the music, creating an experience that envelops you in a wave of passion and nostalgia. Each note seems to echo with heartfelt sentiment, drawing you in and allowing you to immerse yourself in the raw emotions conveyed fully. Whether it is the singer’s voice or the powerful instrumental arrangement, “Bits of Kids” has a unique ability to connect with its audience, leaving an indelible mark long after the final chord has faded.
Jake was in high spirits, relishing every moment of the performance. He captivated the audience with anecdotes about various songs, weaving in a particularly memorable story about the iconic band The Specials and their track “Doesn’t Make It All Right.” With a twinkle in his eye, he recounted how Terry Hall, the legendary frontman of The Specials, once proclaimed the Stiff Little Fingers’ rendition of the song to be the definitive version. This insight resonated with the crowd, eliciting a lively response from the Glasgow audience, who clearly appreciated the blend of nostalgia and humour.
As the evening progressed, the band ramped up the energy, closing their set with an explosive series of songs that left the audience on a high note. They launched into “Just Fade Away,” followed by the anthemic “Wasted Life,” both performed with an intensity that had the crowd singing along fervently. The highlight of the closing segment was a dynamic rendition of “Gotta Gotta Getaway,” which had everyone on their feet, dancing, and cheering. They concluded the main part of their set with the powerful “Suspect Device,” a song that resonated deeply with the fans and highlighted the band’s raw energy and passion.
Following an exhilarating performance, the band stepped off the stage for a short intermission. However, the charged atmosphere remained, with the audience eagerly awaiting their comeback.
They came back with a stunning rendition of “Johnny Was” that truly captivated the audience, who were singing along with enthusiasm. The set concluded with the powerful “Alternative Ulster,” which exhausted every ounce of energy from the crowd as they poured their hearts into the performance. As the band exited the stage, they bid farewell to the venue, marking the first of their two nights.
Tonight was incredible – filled with energy, and the band delivered a stellar performance, giving Glasgow everything they had and more. There was an enormous cheer when Jake announced that Glasgow would be the first venue for their 50th Anniversary tour, with two nights scheduled for next year. This means fans who cannot make it to the second night can still look forward to returning next year. It is a night (or two) that you will not want to miss, featuring the outstanding talents of Jake Burns, Ali McMordie, Ian McCallum, and Steve Grantley – collectively known as Stiff Little Fingers.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
