It was a stunning day in Glasgow as a legendary Gothic artist arrived to perform at the Kelvingrove Bandstand, part of the Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival. With the show sold out, it promised to be a remarkable event, with trees framing the amphitheatre and stage, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Tonight’s support comes from Glasgow’s electro-pop artist, Elisabeth Elektra, who commands attention from the moment she steps onto the stage. With a sense of intrigue, she enchants the audience with her powerful vocals and ethereal music that transports listeners. As she moves about the stage, she engages with the crowd, especially those at the front, captivating them with her opening song.
Highlights of her set include her debut single “Sadie” and “Sanctuary,” both of which had a unique charm. She also shared a poignant moment by wearing a Palestinian scarf given to her by a neighbour, dedicating her song “Boys and Girls” to the children affected by conflict in Palestine. Expressing her excitement, Elisabeth mentioned how honoured she was when Andrew Eldritch invited her to support him at the Glasgow show, a proud moment for her as a long-time fan of The Sisters of Mercy. As she concluded her performance, the Glasgow audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
As the stage crew began clearing the area and preparing for The Sisters of Mercy, the venue was filled to capacity with eager fans of the gothic legends. As night descended upon the city, the atmosphere thickened, enhancing the energy within the amphitheatre.
Tonight marked a thrilling welcome for The Sisters of Mercy as they took to the stage. The audience’s reception was electrifying as the band kicked off the show with the fantastic tracks “Don’t Drive On Ice” and “Crash and Burn” from their 1990 album, *Vision Thing*. Over 35 years later, these songs still resonate with the same freshness as they did upon release. The current lineup, featuring Ben Christo, Kai, Andrew Eldritch, and Doktor Avalanche, comprises a formidable four-piece that radiates energy and captivates the audience. This was evident tonight, as the entire amphitheatre was on its feet, dancing and singing along.
Andrew commanded the stage, illuminated by the spotlight as he struck poses in sync with the music. His movements created a dramatic atmosphere that enhanced the overall impact of the performance.
The audience was a diverse mix of ages, mostly clad in black and leather, with some sporting white faces. This scene instantly transported you back to the post-punk, new wave era of the ’80s, but tonight was anything but nostalgic; it felt fresh and contemporary, as if it had been crafted specifically for today’s market. The band was electric, delivering a thrilling performance filled with both album cuts and classic tracks, with standout moments including “Doctor Jeep,” “Destination Boulevard,” “More,” “Alice,” and “Dominion / Mother Russia.” The crowd in Glasgow was revelling in every moment, and it was clear that the band was equally immersed in the experience, putting on a spectacular show for the audience.
One song that truly stood out was The Sisterhood’s cover of “Giving Ground,” which sounded incredible. By this point, darkness had set in, and although the dry ice wasn’t as thick as it would be indoors, it was still visible on stage, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the performance.
As the show approached its conclusion, it was thrilling to hear “Eyes of Caligula,” “On The Beach,” and “When I’m On Fire”—songs that we hadn’t experienced live in quite some time, yet they sounded incredible. As the set drew to a close, the familiar intro of a classic emerged through the music, and the audience began to dance in anticipation. When the song finally erupted, the venue erupted in cheers—it was “Temple of Love.” It was an unforgettable moment, with the passion and energy from both the stage and the crowd reaching new heights as everyone sang and danced along. As the song wrapped up, the band exited the stage, but we all knew they would be back after a brief interlude.
After a brief intermission, the band returned to deliver an outstanding encore of three songs that was nothing short of spectacular. They kicked off with “Never Land (A Fragment),” followed by “Lucretia My Reflection,” and concluded with the powerful “This Corrosion,” leaving the over 2,000 attendees feeling as though they had just experienced an unforgettable show. As the band soaked in the applause and bid farewell, they recognized that this night was truly special and would be remembered for years to come. The band and the Glasgow crowd shared in the moment, witnessing a performance filled with passion and energy.
If you have the opportunity to see this band live, don’t hesitate; they are currently on fire and you won’t be disappointed. The enthusiastic crowd of over 2,000 in Glasgow can attest to that.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photography’s by James Edmond Photography
