Shack at Saint Luke's Glasgow

As someone who has been attending gigs in Glasgow for over 30-years, you kind of know when you're witnessing something special. Last night was special. Grown men shed tears as they watched brothers Michael and John Head perform together as Shack, the legendary Liverpool band that emerged from the ashes of The Pale Fountains, played the wonderful Saint Luke's in the East End of Glasgow. 

Shack have reunited for a quartet of shows in Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and London. Their first shows since 2010.

Gerry Love played a beautiful stripped back show in support. Playing as a 3-piece with Noel O'Donnell on acoustic guitar and harmonies, and Tom Crossley on keys, effects and xylophone, the trio delivered some gorgeous dreamy versions of songs that included Sweetness In Her Spark, Star Sign, Don't Look Back and Ain't That Enough. Gerry also played a new song that I've heard a few times over the last couple of years, a tantalising glimpse from his long awaited album.

Star Sign was particularly stunning with Gerry using a phaser pedal for a lovely warm psychedelic fuzz feeling. I hope someone captured this.

On to Shack!

I don't think I have ever seen Saint Luke's so busy. There was a heady sense of anticipation as people crammed in to every nook and cranny. Thankfully we had got in early to secure a space upstairs on the balcony, to Michael Head's left. 

What a band. The rhythm section were super tight and cool. Peter Wilkinson (who joined at the age of 19 , has also played with Echo and the Bunnymen and was a founder member of (and is still in) Cast) on bass, holding it all together, keeping the groove. Ian Skelly (The Coral) on drums was super light and loose, cracking his snare when he needed to inject some extra pace, or change the timing, something that Shack (much like their heroes Love) can do with style and ease. Skelly is new to the band, original drummer Iain Templeton died in 2022. 

John Head was on lead guitar, often a gorgeous red semi acoustic, and he made it look easy. Playing fluid and melodic lines and riffs, bending strings at times, shaking his guitar for extra effect at others. 

Michael (Mick) Head was on acoustic rhythm and from our vantage point (almost directly) above I got a brilliant view of his unique style. No plectrum. Using his thumb on the downstroke and either picking on the up, or using 2 or 3 fingers for extra effect. Sometimes he almost banged his strings like percussion. 

As a (very amateur in comparison!) guitar player, I was pretty enthralled by both. They never looked to be playing anything too complex, but it sounded majestic. The way electric and acoustic combine is a sound I'll never tire of. 

Nathaniel Laurence (who plays with Mick in his Red Elastic Band) flushed out the sound, standing behind Wilkinson and adding extra deft touches/effects or rhythm to the Head brothers guitars. 

The 5-piece became 6 at times when they were joined by a Martin Smith on trumpet. Smith may well have been having a better time than anyone else in the room! When he wasn't playing, he was dancing and singing at the back of the stage. It was so lovely to watch.

So what made last night so special. What makes Shack so special?

Well, the songs, the storytelling, the twists and turns in the structure and timing, the hooks and the way that Michael Head’s voice, that natural mix of weariness and melody connects with people.

Add in the fact that the band are super tight ... it was magical. They really connected with the audience and took them on a wonderful trip through highlights from their catalogue, with some of the instrumental sections sounding like heaven - psychedelic and shimmering.

Meant To Be was euphoric, with the passionate crowd (a joyful mix of Glaswegians and Scousers) singing-a-long to the trumpet in the instrumental section, things then slow and soar as they come out of it, there is a sublime example of the acoustic and electric combining.

Jamer's on the run

Shooting stuff for fun

All in all his melody

Comedy was my song of the night, it bursts into life and feels so natural, so uplifting and beautiful. I'd played it in the car earlier on and my 77-year old Mum loved it! 

It's a great song on record, but live, it goes to another level. The whole room sang the hook along with Mick and it was incredible. Emotional.

When you cry it pulls me through

Streets of Kenny was emotionally charged and then Shack came back on for an encore of Love's A House Is Not A Motel. that was just perfect, as their sound owes so much to their love of Love.

Surely Shack will announce a bigger Autumn tour! 

I hope so.