A chilly evening in the capital as fans line up outside the Corn Exchange, filled with anticipation before The Stranglers take the stage. It’s been 51 years since the band first performed, and they’re still going strong. Opening for them tonight is none other than the Buzzcocks. The atmosphere is electric, with fans clad in leather and black t-shirts proudly displaying the logos of the bands performing and others. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night of music.
As the lights dimmed, the moment arrived for the Buzzcocks to hit the stage. With the band taking their positions, Steve Diggle emerged on vocals, warmly welcoming the audience while joining in on the harmonica. They launched into a greatest-hits set to energise the crowd.
The set opened with “What Do I Get?”, getting the fans singing along from the first note. Highlights included “Promises,” “Sick City,” “Sometimes”, and “Orgasm Addict.” The band were on top form, enjoyment written on their faces — the perfect opening from the Mancunian outfit before they raised the roof with their anthem “Ever Fallen In Love.” The crowd sang every word, and Diggle could have stepped back and let them take over. They closed with the excellent “Harmony in My Head,” leaving as heroes after Edinburgh gave them a perfect reception.
As the lights dimmed and their intro filled the venue, The Stranglers prepared to take the stage. JJ Burnel appeared first, followed by Baz Warne, and the Edinburgh crowd greeted them with rapturous applause. Baz told the audience it was good to be back in Edinburgh, prompting even louder cheers.
The set exploded into life, sending the crowd singing along as they opened with “Goodbye Toulouse” before charging into the classic “Straighten Out.” Baz’s powerful vocals rode a thumping bassline while JJ Burnel beamed, clearly relishing the atmosphere. Astonishingly, the band have been gracing stages for 51 years, yet they play with undiminished passion and pride. Early highlights included “Skin Deep,” “Tramp,” “Strange Little Girl,” and the brilliant “Golden Brown.
The audience leaned toward older men, but there were plenty of women and youths who’d grown up on their dads’ vinyl and CDs. Every face in the venue lit up with enjoyment. As the band prepared to unleash their biggest anthems, the crowd braced itself for pure exhilaration.
The Men in Black dug into their archives, pulling songs from across their album catalogue. Highlights like “Pin Up,” “Mercury Rising”, and “Dead Ringer” had the audience on their feet, dancing and singing along. They closed out the set with the powerful “Breathe,” leaving fans savouring every moment.
The sound from the stage was excellent, feeling every chord through your chest, and the powerful vocals from Baz just echoed through your head. The band, after 51 years, still knows how to put on a show. They have it just down to a tee, and band and fans would have it no other way.
The show’s finale kicked off with the exhilarating “Something Better Change,” then roared into the classic “Duchess,” cranking the volume to eleven and sending the Edinburgh crowd dancing and bouncing. To close the night, they delivered “Hanging Around,” earning a well-deserved standing ovation from the enthusiastic audience.
This wasn’t a mere nostalgia act—it was a master class from a band whose skills have only sharpened over five decades. After 51 years, punk isn’t dead; it just rocks bigger amps and delivers its message with unwavering precision. If you have the opportunity to see The Stranglers live, don’t hesitate. You’ll witness one of rock’s true legends. As the opening notes of “Something Better Change” filled the air, the crowd made one thing clear: after all this time, nothing about their sound needs changing.
Review & Photographs by James Edmond Photography
