Scottish music scene 2019

There is a lot to shout about in the Scottish music scene in early 2019. I struggle to think of a time in the history of this blog where it has felt so vibrant. The reasons for my positivity? Fantastic emerging and developing artists, strong audience figures, collaborations between artists and labels, established bands finding new ways to get their kicks, a strong DIY culture, 'veteran' bands like The Bluebells and The Skids finding an audience is awaiting and lots of creativity and ideas. The Bluebells Quay Sessions show displayed a band full of confidence and fun, I hope they announce some live shows in the near future.

Artists, bands and labels are adapting to a very new musical landscape. Gerry Cinnamon is blazing a brand new trail for an unsigned artist, a number of artists and bands are recognising the importance of crowdfunding and the incredible independence that can bring,  Mogwai's Rock Action Records are going from strength to strength with new signings The Twilight Sad and Kathryn Joseph, while Last Night From Glasgow have grown phenomenally in their short 3-year existence and enter 2019 with plans for at least 8 physical releases.

So this blog takes a look at some of the things on the Scottish music scene that I'm looking forward to in 2019 and also a few things that I'll certainly be keeping an eye on.

Of course, this is just my take on things. There is so much more to explore.

January - Celtic Connections .... and more
Glasgow's annual Celtic Connections gets bigger, better and more eclectic every year. The traditional late night folk sessions are alive and well, and the heart of Celtic Connections will always be there with folk and trad. This year I've got tickets for the Roaming Roots Revue taking on Abbey Road at 50 and for my sister Carla J Easton playing her biggest show to date at Oran Mor.

Other shows that catch my eye include Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab) at the Hug and Pint on Thursday 17th,  Mull Historical Society with Bernard Butler at the CCA, Blue Rose Code at the City Halls, Graham Nash at the Concert Hall, Ronnie Spector at the Old Fruitmarket (might still go to this, venue pictured below) and Siobhan Wilson at St Lukes.

There is also an incredible afternoon of music at The Glad Cafe on 19th January featuring The Spook School and Hairband.

Celtic Connections spills into February and you have Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert playing the gorgeous Old Fruitmarket, Andrew Wasylyk playing The Blue Arrow and Olive Grove Records showcasing at the Hug and Pint.

Outwith Celtic Connections, Dinosaur Jr's J Mascis plays the lovely St Lukes, while Sister John launch their second LP with a show at the Poetry Club and Withered Hand plays the Hug and Pint (as part of Celtic Connections) - all on 25th January!

King Tuts have their annual series of nights under the New Year's Revolution banner, but I am so out of touch that I don't know any of the bands playing! They do have Pete Wylie on later in the month though!

So there is plenty of potential for warm nights in cool venues with friends, a beer and great music.

Check the full Celtic Connections line-up HERE 

Big shows
Most of the shows I attend in Glasgow these days tend to be intimate basement or loft style gigs at the likes of The Hug and Pint, Sleazys, Broadcast, Stereo or the Old Hairdressers. With Mono and the Barrowland thrown in for very good measure. However 3 of my favourite shows from 2018 were at the Hydro. Arcade Fire played an extraordinary show at the huge venue, making it as intimate, raw and soulful as the Barras, James and The Charlatans played a double bill blinder and Paul McCartney rounded off the year in exceptional style.

The Hydro has already announced a load of shows, with The Chemical Brothers in November being high on my list. Look out for much, much more being announced in January and February.

Glasgow's Chvrches return to their home city for a huge show on Saturday 16th February.

Check listings and subscribe for e-news HERE

Intimate gigs
As mentioned, I love intimate shows and the Old Hairdressers has really become a favourite venue of mine. Indie veterans, although still remarkably young, BiS launch their new album on LNFG with a weekend of shows at the Old Hairdressers, the Glad Cafe and the Hug and Pint.

The latter venue have a fantastic selection of shows for Celtic Connections including one from Laetitia Sadier Source (formerly of Stereolab) and one from Withered Hand.

Watching a small gig with friends and a couple of beers is my idea of a perfect night out. I expect to be doing it a lot in 2019.

A real standout (at one of the larger basement venues) in early 2019 is Free Love with Bossy Love at Stereo on Saturday 2nd February. Get your tickets fast for this one.

DIY labels, collaborations and events
2018 saw LNFG organise a couple of pop-up record shops in the fantastic Doublet Bar and these are set to continue through 2019 with the next one taking place on 23rd February. Highly recommended for live music, chat and records.

The growing non-profit label has an incredible run of releases scheduled for this year and will celebrate its 3rd birthday with their annual party at Stereo with Sister John, Foundlings, Cloth and Annie Booth on the bill.

Sister John, Cloth, Domiciles, Bis, Medicine Men, Foundlings, Stephen Solo are all releasing albums on LNFG this year and the label is set to continue to collaborate and partner with other DIY labels.

Elsewhere Olive Grove Records launch 2019 with the aforementioned showcase at the Hug and Pint on 2nd February. The label is gaining strength and is set to release a string of EP's. I am particularly looking forward to releases from Chrissy Barnacle and Pocket Knife.

Scottish Fiction have informed me they have a very busy 2019 planned with some very special events set to be announced and I've already mentioned Rock Action Records who have the hotly anticipated new LP by The Twilight Sad coming out later this month.

There are so many more DIY labels to look out for including Monorail who released the debut EP by Hairband (pictured below) and Fuzzkill Records who have a great ear for garage guitar bands.

I'm looking forward to/keeping an eye on

Teenage Fanclub - post Gerry Love
2018 was a glorious year to be a Teenage Fanclub fan. I caught them live 5 times. Intimate shows at the Trades Club and the CCA, before 3 glorious nights in succession at the Barrowland as they played their classic Creation Records albums in full.

The shows were tinged with a touch of sadness as it was announced that Gerry wouldn't be continuing with the band as they announced considerable plans for touring across the world in 2019.

So who will replace Gerry? Will they play his songs? Rumours are that long-term friend of the band Euros Child will join to play keys and Dave will play bass. With shows in February, we'll find out soon enough.

Regardless, I hope they announce some Scottish dates for later in the year. Or maybe a wee secret warm-up to test the new line-up before heading to America?

Gerry Cinnamon
I blogged on the rise and rise of Gerry Cinnamon last summer and he has achieved even more since then, ending the year by playing Edinburgh's huge Hogmanay party after a string of sold out shows, including 4 in Glasgow.

What next? Well there are European tour dates for starters and I expect new music and a string of festivals. Will we get a single first?

Don't be surprised if the album comes out unexpectedly. Gerry doesn't play by the rules. As Gerry likes to play the Barrowland every year, his booking agent might need to consider taking out a residency to keep up with demand.

The Boaty Weekender
Belle and Sebastian announced, what seemed to me like, a very ambitious floating festival for this summer. The cruise would stop in various locations and aim to capture the spirit of their Bowlie Weekender on the 20th anniversary of their famous campsite takeover.

It is expensive and I've been keeping an eye on things, as, despite being a huge fan of the Belles, I did wonder if they had bitten off more than they could chew with this one.

Looks like I'm wrong. There has been heated online debates in relation to prices and to whether they couldn't just have booked a big campsite in Europe, but it looks like sales are strong. Certainly strong enough to announce a big supporting cast including Teenage Fanclub.

I'll be following events and activities online.

Carla J Easton
Of course I'm looking forward to seeing what my sister does through 2019! 3 albums in 3 years via her band TeenCanteen, under the alias of Ette and Impossible Stuff, her debut under her own name have really raised her profile. Recording with Howard Billerman, writing and recording with Belle and Sebastian and playing a string of shows with her band and solo have given her a huge confidence boost.

That confidence was further enhanced when the Banff Arts Centre asked her to come and be a resident on the songwriting retreat that she attended back in March 2017, sowing the seeds for her to return and record the album later that year.

So Carla is a resident along with Grammy Award winning songwriters, people who play with Beck and Jack White and she also gets time to write and record as well!

With a few songs under her belt, she may well have a new album completed by the summer. Carla starts the year with a big Celtic Connections show at Oran Mor.

Cloth
Signed to Last Night From Glasgow within a couple of days of their first song Demo Love coming out, Cloth have been finding their feet while releasing a string of single releases - largely digital with extremely limited 7-inch vinyl available. They enter 2019 hotly tipped by Vic Galloway, Huw Stephens and many more. Atmospheric, melodic, hushed, cinematic, electro, reverb-y songs with a hint of The XX are the reason why so many are excited.

Hairband
The aforementioned Hairband have the backing of the fabulous people at Monorail who put out their debut EP. Their song Flying is a favourite of mine and many people I know have told me that I have to make sure I catch them live. I intend to do that ASAP!

SAY Award
I love the debate that the SAY Award throws up and I love discovering new artists from the nominees, longest and shortlist. Happy Meals (now Free Love) and Andrew Wasylyk are two of the artists I have found via the SAY Award. Personally, I hope the award ceremony returns to Glasgow. No offence to Paisley, but Glasgow is the home of the Scottish music scene and I feel strongly that it should take place in one of the cities many fantastic venues.

Barraloadasoul
It's been a couple of years since I have attended the annual northern soul alldayer at the Barrowland and I hope to rectify that this year. Brilliant tunes, friendly atmosphere, the best venue in town and loads of cool and well dressed people. Tickets are on sale for the 11th May date.

Festival season and summer shows
Last year Scotland took festival and summer season to another level. Electric Fields, outdoor shows at SWG3 in the Galvanizers Yard, Nile Rodgers in Kelvingrove Park, TRNSMT, Bellahouston, Belladrum, Princess Street Gardens shows, Linlithgow Palace, European Championship shows in George Square .... and lots of other things too.

The Cure playing Bellahouston with local faves Mogwai and The Twilight Sad is bound to be popular. After pulling the biggest crowd at TRNSMT in 2018, will Gerry Cinnamon return to headline in 2019?

I've yet to find my replacement for Wickerman, but I enjoyed taking the kids to Linlithgow's Party at the Palace last summer and they loved Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5. I hope we can have a family outing or two to see them again.

Fave bands
I hope to see lots of my favourite bands; The Lemonheads play SWG3 in February, Embrace celebrate the 21st anniversary of their debut album at the Barrowland in March and I would love to see Teenage Fanclub, The Charlatans, James, The Bluebells, The Pastels, The Vaselines, BMX Bandits, Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5, Primal Scream, Chemical Brothers ....

And much, much more
Who knows what will happen in the Scottish music scene over the next 12-months? One things for sure, it won't be boring.

Prince and 3rdeyegirl at The Hydro

I was in London with work for 2-days so couldn't get to Prince at The Hydro. My friend Gordon Reid was there and kindly agreed to write a blog on his experience…

So the little purple genius and his band 3rdeyegirl were playing the Hydro. The general consensus was that tickets were not going to be cheap and demand was going to take supply round the back of the building and beat the living snot out of it . The consensus was pretty much spot on. At £148 for two standing tickets ( including booking fee ) its a hefty outlay but its Prince Rogers Nelson , Prince for Gods sake . On the day the tickets went on sale the good lady wife sat at the computer with bank card at the ready and three different links open to do the necessary . She failed miserably as by all accounts it sold out in 25 minutes .
Crap.

It would be a short review if that was the end of the story but thankfully it wasn`t as two weeks later we got a message from Alexander , a Prince daft friend , telling us that there had been a clampdown on people ordering too many tickets and the ones that had been claimed back had been put on sale . Even better he had purchased two and they were ours . Money was transferred rapidly and the funk was on ! Two last E-mails arrived , one telling us that no photography was allowed and the other requesting us to wear something purple . As I`m too old to be told what to do I refused on both counts but the Mrs was happy to go along with it.

We trooped on into the Hydro early doors knowing that there was no support act but we weren`t that surprised as Prince and the band were rumoured to be doing between 2 1/2 and 3 hours . The stage at the Hydro had a huge curtain draped in front and bathed with purple lights . It was apparent quite quickly that the no photographs rule was going to be enforced as security were demanding that people stop taking selfies , a little overkill if you ask me at this point in the evening .

Most of the crowd were wearing something purple as requested and the floor space filled up quickly and the atmosphere started to build from around 7.30pm . Due on stage at 8.00pm its another 20 minutess past that before the house lights went down and a voice boomed out “ Lets Go , Glasgow ” 3 times . The curtain vanishes as if a magician has whipped it away and we were off and running with “LETS GO CRAZY” . Its fair to say that the Hydro obliges .

Its obvious from early doors that Prince and 3rdeyegirl are absolutely ablaze as they belt out hit after hit . 3rdeyegirl consisted of Donna Grantis leading on guitar and sweet baby Jesus that woman can play . From supporting Prince to standing out front herself laying down the funk , the fact that she is drop dead gorgeous ( as are the other two) isn`t lost on anyone in the crowd. Ida Nielsen on bass hardly moves an inch all night but never misses a beat along with Hannah Ford on drums . They are all sorts of bands up there , funk , jazz and rock when the mood and song requires it of them . Watching Prince during the first part of the show is mesmerising . As he plays you see him winking at people in the crowd , blowing kisses and screwing up his face as he makes the guitar talk to everyone . Its all part of the showman and he is clearly having as much fun up there as everyone else in the arena . 

I honestly believe he would have the same passion if there were 12 people in the crowd never mind the 12,000 sell out.

He might be 55 years old but his voice has lost nothing in 30 years . This shows as he still goes through the range to hit those high notes in “KISS“ . The crowd are obedient in the no phone rules and its surprisingly refreshing , even I leave my camera in my pocket and those that know me know that's a bit of a wrench for me.

“FUNKNROLL” sees him bring up some backing dancers from the audience onto the stage . Those people aren`t going to forget that in a hurry and the security guy looks nervous trying to make sure they don`t get too close and still the hits come ; “WHEN DOVES CRY” , “SIGN OF THE TIMES” , “I WOULD DIE 4 U“ and then he`s off stage for the first time and we have a chance to catch our breath . For those of us who are a little older its a welcome relief as the sweat is pouring from us and we`ve been dancing since it kicked off . He comes back out to a wall of noise again and soon we`re partying like it's “1999” . This song is 30 years old but like a good whisky or wine it gets better with age . From there he slips easily into “LITTLE RED CORVETTE” and right there and then he has the whole arena in the palm of his hand . He continues to conduct the crowd throughout demanding that the house lights go up/down and that we sing . He`s toying with us as he enthrals the Hydro by singing “NOTHING COMPARES TO U” in a gospel style with the band slipping easily in to that mode . I actually watched people crying at parts of this , so much for the mean city persona of Glasgow. Even the seated area behind us are on their feet dancing away and at one point he goes over to talk to the ladies of 3rdeyegirl , points up to the higher levels and smiles .

He starts his most iconic song “PURPLE RAIN” on the piano , sings the first verse and leaves the stage on the right to allow the crowd to continue singing the harmony that he played along with the band , taking his time to let it build before casually strolling back in from the left hand side with guitar in hand . He conducts the crowd in one hell of a singalong . Its one of those gig moments that is almost impossible to put into words but you know is going to stay with you for a long time .He launches straight into a cover version of Wild Cherry`s “PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC WHITE BOY” and the whole place is off again . As he returns to the piano he asks the crowd “ Do you know how many hits I have , Scotland ? We could be here all night “. We could and not one person would have complained.

Almost 2 1/2 hours this genius and his band played and it didn`t feel long enough . No-one wants him to leave but everything comes to an end and so it does with “HOUSEQUAKE” . As he`s left the stage 3 times already nobody leaves just in case but the house lights come up and there seems to be a mixture of sadness that its over but sheer delight at what we have just witnessed . 

What a gig ! What a night ! What a musical genius he is . His ability on the guitar is up there with any of the greats who have wielded the instrument over time .

The time has gone by so quickly that it has been almost impossible to take it all in . To watch a master showman switch so easily between guitar and the piano solos as he played his way through such tunes as “THE BEAUTIFUL ONES” and “DIAMONDS AND PEARLS” like he`s been doing it all his life was beyond words of happiness . The joy he takes from what he does is clearly evident form the smile on his face for the whole time he is on that stage . Oh and I took my camera out when he said it would now be ok to do so.
Will it be the last time we see him in Glasgow ? I truly bloody hope not!

Controversy by Prince

Prince has announced a date at the Hydro on Thursday 22nd May.

I have recently been getting into a lot of Prince's earlier stuff. HIs back catalogue is extensive, eclectic and eccentric.

I was keen to attempt tickets, although slightly put off by the price, ranging from £65-£125. Pretty expensive for a night out when you take a few drinks etc into the equation, especially if you are going as a couple. You're talking £200-£300 for a night out!

That said, Prince doesn't tour very often and he is a bona-fide musical genius.

My own personal debate was solved by the fact that I am actually going to be down in London for 2-days when he is playing. So I'll save money but I will no doubt miss out on a sensational show.

This is my current favourite Prince tune - the 12 inch version of Controversy from the album of the same name that was released away back in 1981. This is incredible.

Good luck to those trying for tickets.

Del Amitri at The Hydro, Celtic Connections

The boys were back in town last night, their home town. Del Amitri turned in a sensational performance at the Hydro in Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections. It was a tight performance that showed off impeccable harmonies, first class musicianship, an amazing run of songs and a front man with a stunning voice.

It really was a show that made a mockery of the fact that they hadn't played together for umpteen years.

The Del's kicked off in style with a sensational double punch; 'The Last To Know' swiftly followed by 'Kiss This Thing Goodbye' (my own personal favourite Del's song).

The packed crowd lapped it up. I was quite taken aback, had they used up two of their best songs too soon?

Not a chance, 'The Ones That You Love Lead You Nowhere' was all driving and duelling guitars, the band gelling, the sound was outstanding throughout.

The band were not hanging around, firing off 3-minute guitar pop/rock gems for fun. Justin Currie bounded from one side of the stage to the other during the instrumentals and joked between songs about the size of the guest list, generously thanking a good friend who had bought 7 tickets and letting them know they shouldn't have.

'Not Where It's At' was beautiful, it is always a pleasure to see a band in top form and this was certainly one of those occasions; sharing mics, smiling, exchanging knowing glances.

I don't have my finger on the pulse of my generation

I just got my hand on my heart, I know no better location

After a ferocious 'Hammering Heart' the band decided to slow things down and show off the acoustic side of the band, inviting a friend on stage to play violin on a few songs. The close harmonies during this acoustic section were gloriously warm on a January night in Glasgow.

'This Side Of The Morning' was exquisite and drew a fantastic response from an audience who were recognising and relishing a brilliant show. 'Sleep Instead of Teardrops' and 'Be My Downfall' were beautiful, Currie's voice was strong, true and soulful.

Currie's love songs were greeted like long lost friends by the crowd. 'Tell Her This' was a highlight.

Tell her what was wrong

I sometimes think too much

But say nothing at all

'Nothing Ever Happens' was Dylan-esque in style and delivery, the crowd sang heartily, especially with the hook.

And we'll all be lonely tonight and lonely tomorrow

'Roll To Me', 'Driving With The Brakes On' and a stunning 'Spit In The Rain' (with Justin saying it is the favourite song of every Glasgow Taxi driver) continued a blinding run of songs. The bond between band and audience strengthening all the time.

A ferocious Ramones-esque 'Being Drunk In A Band' rounded things off before the inevitable encore.

We got a further 4-songs; 'In The Meantime', 'Here And Now', the disco funk of 'Just Before You Leave' and a blissful 'Move Away Jimmy Blue' sent the audience home in a good mood.

It was a glorious show, surely the reunion will continue with festivals and further show….

Scotland's Music Hall of Fame

Around 10-days ago I received an email inviting me to come along to King Tut's Wah Wah Hut for some food, beers and the opportunity to meet and chat with a guy called Ewan MacLeod, the curator of Scotland's Music Hall of Fame. They obviously knew how to get me!

The hall aims to open in late 2014 and has come to music fans attention recently thanks to some promo videos from artists like Belle & Sebastian, Franz Ferdinand and Biffy Clyro discussing the three artists they would like to nominate for inclusion.

So last night I was joined by Richy Muirhead from the brilliant Scottish Alternative Music Awards (the SAMA's) and a young girl called Heather who writes for a blog in Edinburgh called Indulge Sound.

The conversation flowed easily form the start, Ewan described his vision for Scotland's Music Hall of Fame with a high level of knowledge and passion. He had the stats, facts and stories about music in Scotland and a clear vision of how the nations love of music and the incredible talent that we have produced should be curated, displayed, honoured and promoted by the Hall.

It made sense in so many ways and as a music fan I quickly became excited about what the Hall could do for music in Scotland. The Hall will open in Glasgow, the UNESCO World Heritage Site for Music. That last sentence alone kind of tells you how silly it is that we don't have something. As someone who has been extremely fortunate to travel extensively, I've been to loads of UNESCO sites and they all seem to have a focal point. We have countless venues ranging from the classic King Tut's and the Barrowland, through to the modern day ABC and the Hydro, with long gone venues like the Apollo in between. But no focal point.

The fact that the SMHoF will have (and indeed already does have) an education wing is also extremely important and after a couple of beers I waxed lyrically about an education officer going into a school and speaking about bands like Orange Juice and Franz Ferdinand and inspiring a young kid to pick up a guitar.

Conversation came round to which 3 people/artists I would nominate for Scotland's Music Hall of Fame, so here they are;

1. Teenage Fanclub

I guess it goes without saying that I would nominate the Fannies. They came into my life when I was 15-years old and they have played a heavy part in the soundtrack of it ever since. They are consistently brilliant and with 3-songwriters in the form of Norman Blake, Gerry Love and Raymond McGinley they have produced some of the best guitar pop music ever. 

The fact that Teenage Fanclub are extremely well respected by journalists, DJ's and other bands all over the world also influences my decision. The band are fantastic ambassadors for Scotland; friendly, passionate and also very knowledgeable about music from all over.

2. Alan McGee

My second choice isn't an artist or a band, although I could certainly argue that Mr Alan McGee is just as creative. Alan is unique, a real one-off, someone who was bitten by the bug of punk music and has never been able to shake it off ever since - despite recently trying, he has come back with a new label 359music, staying true to his punk ethics but having incredible natural entrepreneurial resources.

Alan formed Creation Records and released albums by Scottish artists like Teenage Fanclub, Primal Scream, Jesus & Marychain as well as lesser known artists like The Diggers, Superstar and Momus. Not to mention non Scottish acts like Oasis, Ride and My Bloody Valentine.

Alan gets my nomination as he is a walking talking advert for the DIY punk ethic, someone who had a dream and went for it, someone with balls, someone with true passion and someone who could fill an entire room in the Hall of Fame with his stories.

3. Primal Scream - Bobby Gillespie and Andrew Innes

Primal Scream receive my third vote. The Scream are an incredible example of band who are not afraid to explore new sonic adventures or to work with a variety of different people to enable them to do just that. Andrew Weatherall, George Clinton, Robert Plant, the Chemical Brothers, Kate Moss and Kevin Shields are just a small number of people who have helped inspire the Scream to strive for more.

Like Alan (a dear friend of Bobby and Andrew's) the Scream are pure punk rock, yet they are capable of producing the most gorgeous tender ballads imaginable, blissful electronic music that will send you to a special place, out and out rock'n'roll stompers, psychedelic pop and white noise jazz.

They keep on keepin' on, they keep on keepin' strong. They have lived a life and would thoroughly deserve a place in Scotland's Music Hall of Fame.

Who would you nominate?

Stay tuned for more blogs about the Hall in the future.

Visiting The Hydro

Last weekend I took my little girl to Glasgow Barrowland as part of Doors Open Day. Now it was time to go all modern and visit the new kid in town - the Scottish Hydro Arena Glasgow, or the S.H.A.G as it was once affectionately known. It looks like it will be known simply as the Hydro - probably best for all concerned.

Building work commenced back in February 2011 and the venue will host its first show next week, with Rod Stewart breaking in the venue in style.

The venue bills itself as 'an entertainment experience for the 21st century' and from the outside I immediately through how futuristic/space-age it looks. That just continues when you venture inside.

We had managed to get tickets for a wee 'tester' day, coming the day after a V.I.P evening that featured Admiral Fallow playing - although they didn't actually play on the venue's proper stage. That honour is being saved for Rod the Mod.

We walked through the doors into the court behind the stands - there are loads of different kinds of food  stalls and bars. Plenty of variety to keep everyone fed and watered. We didn't hang around there for the time being, we wanted to see inside.

The futuristic vibe continued inside with banks of seats rising steeply to the ceiling - the ceiling itself is like a work of art, containing the lighting rigs. I immediately thought of the scenes from the parliament in Attack Of The Clones.

The Hydro is multi-purpose; music is the main focus, however it will be holding events for the Commonwealth Games and is capable of holding tennis matches and much, much, more.

It will go on to hold around 140 events per annum and it will bring Glasgow up into contention with the likes of Madison Square Garden and the O2 Arena (Millenium Dome) in London.

It was time for some food and the North Sea Haddock and Skinny Fries I had were excellent, with my wife going for some delicious noodles. 

Thanks to the fact that my brother works for the Hydro we managed to escape the masses and get up into the corporate boxes. They are very plush, you get your own bar and they open out on to the venue.    Unfortunately I was stuffed after my fish'n'chips so couldn't manage a cake!

We left the box to wander up into the second highest tier of the stands. I don't think there will be a bad seat in the house. Although that might not be the case for those who suffer from vertigo!

The Hydro is a fantastic modern arena that will enable Glasgow and Scotland to draw the best acts in the world - even more so than it currently does. I look forward to attending a show in the near future.