Attending night two of Wet Leg’s sold-out O2 Academy stint in Glasgow, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of pride. It’s wild to think that only four years ago the Isle of Wight outfit were selling out the 120-capacity McChuills in the city centre – talk about a glow-up.
With night one selling out almost instantly, fans were thrilled when the band announced a second Glasgow date. Support came from the brilliantly eccentric duo Faux Real, who had the crowd hooked early with their wacky, immersive performance, even ending their set by jumping into the crowd and performing on the floor.
I’d avoided spoilers and setlist teases, so just after 9 pm, when the lights dimmed to the point I could barely see the stage, the excitement kicked in for the audience. Out of the smoky haze emerged Rhian Teasdale, launching straight into “Catch These Fists,” “Wet Dream,” “Oh No,” “Supermarket,” and “Liquidize,” before guitarist Joshua finally addressed the crowd. I love that approach, let the music speak first, then take a moment to say hello.
Wet Leg’s no-nonsense attitude to live shows really works for them. The lighting design was spectacular: strobes, smoke, shifting colours, and even a bubble machine halfway through. Rhian’s vocals were pitch-perfect from start to finish – even during “Being in Love,” which she performed crouched on all fours, without missing a note. Incredible.
Moisturizer was one of the standout album drops of the summer, and the band’s TRNSMT appearance the same weekend only added to the excitement. Hearing the new songs live gave them a fresh dimension – “Don’t Speak,” “Davina McCall,” “Pillow Talk,” and “Mangetout” all landed brilliantly with the crowd.
Another highlight of the night was the sheer variety of people in the audience. Wet Leg clearly cut across ages and genders, and the atmosphere reflected that – pure collective joy. “Chaise Longue” had everyone dancing, followed by an energetic “CPR.”
“I can spot some faces in the crowd that were here last night – thank you for supporting us,” Rhian said, smiling.
This was my first Wet Leg concert, and their blend of tongue-in-cheek lyrics, jittery energy, and playful stage presence was a joy to watch. They know their sound, they lean into their quirks, and the result is a show that feels entirely their own. Even the ending was on-brand: they finished “Mangetout,” walked off, and that was that – no theatrics, just confidence.
Over the last few years, we’ve watched them rise through Glasgow’s venues, headline festivals, and win Grammys. Next month, they’ll headline Concert in the Gardens at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on 31 December 2025, alongside Hamish Hawk and Lucia & the Best Boys.
It’s full steam ahead for Wet Leg, and if last night is anything to go by, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them playing the OVO Hydro next year.
Tickets for Wet Leg’s Hogmanay show with Hamish Hawk and Lucia & the Best Boys are available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com
Review by Lauren Page
Photographs by John Brown Photography
