Summer has arrived in the city, as blue skies see beer gardens overflowing with young and old, all revelling in this glorious weather sweeping across the country. Yet neither sunshine nor open-air pubs could deter fans flocking to the iconic Barrowland for the first of two sold-out nights celebrating the band’s landmark 30th anniversary tour of I Should Coco.
By the time London’s Sports Team took the stage, the venue was packed—what we’d hoped for when anticipating their live set. The band’s lineup features Alex Rice on lead vocals, Henry Young and Rob Knaggs on guitars (Knaggs also providing backing vocals), Oli Dewdney on bass, Ben Mack on keyboards, and Al Greenwood on drums.
The band delivered a packed set, treating the Barrowland audience to a dynamic opening with the brilliant ‘The Drop’, complete with energetic riffs and tight musicianship that immediately turned heads. They possess a commanding stage presence that chills yet makes a bold statement. Alex’s vocals are powerful and seize your attention as he gazes into the crowd, as though searching for a familiar face in the distance. Highlights of the set included the anthemic ‘Happy (Gods Own Country)’, the driving rhythms of ‘M5’ and the dark grooves of ‘Sensible’. They gave Glasgow a performance that showcased the band at their finest. They closed their show with the stunning ‘Maybe When We’re Thirty’. The band received a reception from the Glasgow crowd, who applauded enthusiastically and waved their goodbyes as the night drew to a close.
Next up, Supergrass brought the 30th anniversary tour of I Should Coco to the legendary venue for two sold-out nights. Part one of this celebration featured Gaz Coombes’ brilliant lead vocals, brother Rob Coombes on keyboards, Mick Quinn on bass and Danny Goffey on drums, as the band tore through their fan-favourite setlist with full-throttle energy.
The cavernous venue thrummed with fans of every generation to witness the band’s arrival on the iconic stage. As the lights dimmed, their signature intro music boomed through the PA, and the Glasgow crowd leapt to their feet, roaring in anticipation, ready to shower the band with thunderous applause.
The crowd erupted when Gaz Coombes confidently strode onto the stage, showering him with cheers as his fellow musicians settled into position. Their set opened with the brilliant “I’d Like to Know,” offering the audience an exhilarating first glimpse of Gaz’s rich, timeless vocals—just as powerful now as they were thirty years ago. The stage lights pulsed in sync with their infectious rhythms, amplifying the electric atmosphere. As they roll through the setlist, Gaz pauses between songs to engage the audience: “Here’s track four on the album—the one you’ve all been waiting for. This is ‘Alright.’”
The I Should Coco album spawned five hit singles—“Caught by the Fuzz,” “Mansize Rooster,” “Lose It,” “Lenny,” and “Alright.” It remains one of the band’s most powerful releases, and hearing it live is sheer exhilaration. The opening of the set featured a handful of standout tracks beyond the singles, including “Strange One,” “Time,” and “She’s So Loose.” These deep cuts were album favourites that rarely made the live rotation, so when they finally appeared on stage, the Glasgow crowd erupted. Even after 30 years, the songs sounded every bit as fresh—and the reaction proved they still resonate as strongly today as when they first dropped.
The Band closed the anniversary portion of the set with the dazzling Time To Go. It was a wonderfully special moment for Glasgow, as the album’s many highlights unfolded seamlessly and delivered the thrill of hearing it back-to-back, live in the city for the first time.
It was time for a singalong as the ensemble cranked up the celebration with their signature anthems, kicking off with Richard III that sent the venue into full-throated chorus, and you could spot delight lighting Gaz’s face before they launched into Moving. Glasgow then experienced a live debut from the Life On Other Planets album: Grace. The unexpected treat proved a genuine crowd-pleaser, sustaining the audience’s energy until they gracefully filed out when the lights dimmed and the group briefly exited the stage in anticipation of the encore.
Returning for their encore, the band brought the house down as fans leapt into the air, singing every word of Sun Hits the Sky. Gaz, visibly overwhelmed by the roaring reception, paused to express his heartfelt thanks to Glasgow for its relentless support. To cap off night one of the two sell-out Glasgow shows, there was only one way to turn off the lights: with the triumphant Pumping on Your Stereo. The crowd’s volume surged to an ear-splitting crescendo as they jumped, danced, and chanted along with the band.
As the final chords faded, each band member strode forward to thank the crowd, bidding a heartfelt farewell to night one at the iconic venue. From the opening riff to the encore, tonight’s performance soared beyond expectations, delivering electrifying energy and unforgettable moments. If you already hold tickets for this tour, prepare yourself for a truly memorable experience. If you haven’t secured seats yet, now’s the perfect time to join the excitement—this is one show you absolutely cannot afford to miss.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
