The highly anticipated day has finally come for Teddy Swims’ “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy” tour to hit the city. The show, which has been sold out for some time, has now added extra production tickets, ensuring that the OVO Hydro will be filled to capacity. Joining him tonight is the talented Cork-born singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot, as enthusiastic fans from Glasgow arrive early to enjoy the complete experience.
Kicking off the show, the talented Cian Ducrot captivated the Glasgow audience with his impressive vocals, performing his popular songs that had everyone singing along. Some highlights of his set included “Heaven,” “All For You,” “Shalala,” and the stunning “I’ll Be Waiting.” Cian expressed his excitement for the performance, telling the crowd, “Glasgow, you never let me down.” He wrapped up his set with “Little Dreaming,” delivering a brief yet passionate performance that showcased the Irish singer’s artistry.
The moment has arrived for Teddy Swims, with the venue packed to capacity and the energy palpable as the Glasgow crowd eagerly anticipates the “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy” tour. As the lights dim, the intro music fills the air, and the massive curtain falls to unveil the band. The audience catches their first glimpse of Teddy perched high on the side stage, donning a leopard-print long coat, a matching kilt, and a pink baseball cap.
He kicked off the performance with the fantastic “Not Your Man,” which had the OVO Hydro singing along enthusiastically. Expressing his excitement to be back in Glasgow, he shared his anticipation for the show. He then engaged the audience by asking if they enjoyed drinking, introducing the next song, “Apple Juice,” which is all about that theme.
Teddy delivered a stellar performance, captivating the Glasgow audience from the very first chord with his incredible vocals. It was clear that both he and the band were relishing every moment of the show. During “Devil in a Dress,” the venue erupted into song and dance, transforming the atmosphere into a lively celebration. As the track concluded, Teddy took a brief moment for a costume change, returning in a striking white suit and cowboy hat. He then dazzled the crowd with a powerful rendition of “Bad Dreams,” enhanced by dramatic dry ice effects that created swirling clouds and theatrical lighting that mimicked lightning.
Teddy introduced the next track, titled “It Ain’t Easy,” describing it as a powerful new addition that fit seamlessly into the setlist. He concluded the full band portion with the outstanding song “Black & White,” sharing the story behind its creation, emphasizing that relationships transcend race. This performance featured a duet with backing vocalist Rjemila, whose exceptional voice complemented Teddy’s powerful delivery, enhancing the song’s impact. Following this, the band gathered at the centre of the stage to present stripped-down versions of “If You Ever Change Your Mind,” “All That Really Matters,” and the brilliant “Some Things I’ll Never Know.” Before kicking off the first song, the show paused briefly while security attended to an audience member who had fallen ill. Thankfully, everything was resolved, and the performance resumed. Teddy took a moment to emphasize the importance of looking out for one another. He also shared the exciting news that he is expecting a baby boy in June and expressed his anticipation for this new chapter. Teddy expressed heartfelt gratitude to the fans, explaining how their support had been life-saving during a difficult time in his life, and he reassured everyone that he is doing well now.
After a swift change of stage attire, Teddy returned to the spotlight as the stage lights illuminated a stunning representation of the northern lights. He captivated the audience with a remarkable performance of the song bearing the same name. The combination of his powerful vocals and the ethereal mist created a breathtaking ambiance, perfectly complemented by the spectacular visual effects behind him. It was evident that both Teddy and the band were thoroughly enjoying the performance as they delivered excellent renditions of “Guilty” and “Tell Me.”
Teddy then invited two audience members to choose either a number or a letter to activate the on-screen jukebox, allowing them to select a song for him and the band to cover. He shared with the crowd that he performs a different song each night, and tonight’s choice was the Kings of Leon classic “Use Somebody.” This moment was truly special, highlighting Teddy Swims’ remarkable talent in delivering a random song each night on this tour.
They concluded the set with the huge hit that propelled him to his current status, the outstanding “Lose Control,” which had the OVO Hydro crowd going wild. Teddy’s expression said it all as the audience sang along, their voices loud and powerful, before he encouraged them to take over the vocals. It was the ideal moment to wrap up the set, allowing both the band and Teddy, as well as the audience, a few minutes to catch their breath.
After a brief intermission, Teddy came back dressed in a striking black and gold suit paired with a black cowboy hat to perform “Bed On Fire,” a song reminiscent of his early work, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The show concluded on a high note with “Goodbye’s Been Good To You,” followed by the final number, “The Door,” which gave the OVO Hydro crowd one last opportunity to sing along. The audience was dancing and joining in, creating a perfect finale to the performance.
As Teddy and the band bid farewell, the joy on their faces was evident after what had been an incredible performance. As they exited the stage to a hero’s welcome, the PA system began playing ABBA, keeping the audience singing as they departed the venue.
Tonight’s performance was extraordinary, capable of competing with the best. Teddy’s voice possesses incredible power and an impressive range. If you have the opportunity to see Teddy live, don’t miss it—it’s a delightful evening filled with music from one of the most talented singers who effortlessly adapts to any vocal style. This evening was truly special and will be remembered as one of the standout gigs of the year.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
