At 6:30pm, the vast OVO Hydro lights up the dark Glasgow skyline. Outside, the queues snake neatly at the arena doors as a mostly young audience huddles together against the fierce wind, buzzing with anticipation.
Tonight, English indie rock stalwarts The Kooks bring their latest album ‘Never/Know’ to Glasgow and the excitement is palpable. Nearly two decades on from their breakout debut ‘Inside In / Inside Out’, the band’s influence and fanbase show no signs of fading. Their mix of jangly guitars and melodic indie pop continues to resonate, and their return to Scotland has clearly struck a chord.
The evening begins early with Day We Ran, who warm up a respectably sizeable crowd with their polished, risk-free pop sound. Their short set may not have pushed boundaries, but it was received warmly by those already filling the floor.
Next up, ‘The K’s’ take to the stage as main support and the reaction is electric. Fresh off the success of their chart-topping album ‘Pretty on the Internet’, the Merseysiders deliver a confident, high-energy set that confirms their growing reputation. Tight musicianship, infectious hooks, and a genuine rapport with the audience make them a perfect fit ahead of the headliners.
The lights dim, the cheers rise, and The Kooks waste no time launching into ‘Sofa Song’ followed by ‘Always Where I Need to Be’. Frontman Luke Pritchard, in leather trousers and a black shirt open to the waist, commands the stage with effortless charisma — strutting and preening like a true frontman.
Known for their energetic and engaging performances, the Brighton band deliver a 26-song set – fantastic value for money! While a few tracks feel like filler, the overall energy never dips. The mix of old favourites and new material keeps the crowd in constant motion — dancing, singing, and waving homemade placards in the air. Shoulder rides even make a comeback among the sea of fans.
Although parts of the seating area are curtained off, massively reducing the venue’s capacity, the atmosphere feels anything but diminished. The roar of the crowd fills every corner of the Hydro and with the lights lowered it was nigh on impossible to tell.
Classic hits like ‘Naïve’ and ‘She Moves in Her Own Way’ prompt euphoric singalongs, while new tracks such as ‘Sunny Baby’ and ‘If They Could Only Know’ prove that The Kooks still have plenty to offer.
Three strong bands, an enthusiastic audience, and a frontman who knows exactly how to hold a crowd — it all added up to a thoroughly satisfying night. Another successful and entertaining evening comes to the inevitable climax as thousands of fans spill into the damp Glasgow night, smiling, singing, and already talking about the next time.
Photographs and Review by John Brown Photography
