Teenage Fanclub at Kelvingrove Bandstand 2025

Glasgow basked in golden evening light as Teenage Fanclub took to the stage at the stunning Kelvingrove Bandstand last night. Framed by the leafy grandeur of the park, the beloved five-piece delivered a triumphant set that spanned their remarkable four-decade career, sounding as fresh and heartfelt as ever.

The Bandstand is an all-seated venue, but it really comes alive when people stand up. There were a couple of jobsworth stewards who did their best to prevent that happening last night. I was fairly near the front on Raymond's side and was told (quite abruptly) to sit down, despite the fact I was on the very last seat to that side and had no-one immediately behind me as there is a big walkway before the next block of seats.

I did get back up as the band played I Don't Want Control Of You and enjoyed the fact that others did too. The steward and his young colleague at the front didn't look happy. I sat down and had a joke with the guys behind me about it. 

A rare outing for Raymond's 120 Mins was another early standout, but it was the evergreen pure pop of What You Do To Me that changed the entire evening for the better, turning the night from a gig into an event.

The song got me to my feet and the three guys behind me followed me to the space in front of the stage. Other fans from around the venue did the same and before we knew it, there was quite a crowd of us bouncing along to the beats, guitars and Norman's beautiful voice.

What you do to me, I know, I can't believe

There's something about you, got me down on my knees

Neil Jung was glorious, Raymond and Norman's dueling guitars were set for stun, underpinned by some lovely work by Euros on keys. The crowd down the front had grown significantly and most of the venue was now up on their feet. The crowd had come alive and this brought the best out of the band.

Raymond brought out another gem from his catalogue, the welcome assurance of The World'll Be OK when we are living in truly f**ked up times.

The Fanclub then zipped through I'm In Love, a song I always love to see (and hear) them play live as they always seem determined to shave a few seconds off it every time.

Norman could sense the energy coming from the crowd and he took action, speaking to Dave, Francis, Euros and Raymond and changing the setlist. Alcoholiday wasn't down on the setlist (see below), but the band tore into it, causing some top pogo-ing action down the front and a hearty sing-a-long.

Raymond's My Uptight Life was another addition. One of the most beautiful songs in his catalogue, the way he takes it down at the end is stunning and the bandstand became a hushed choir to sing with him. A brilliant moment.

All my life

I felt so uptight

Now it's all alright

The band were beaming on stage and there were smiles all round the Bandstand. They grew wider as Norman thanked us all for coming and launched into The Concept. This song never fails to send warm shivers down my spine. The guitars and harmonies send me to happy places. The crowd were dancing, pogo-ing and singing in unison.

I didn't want to hurt you, oh yeah

Raymond started the encore with Middle of My Mind, when perhaps another change from the setlist for Your Love Is The Place ... might have fitted the occasion a little more. But hey, the band have a lot of songs to choose from ... and maybe they hadn't brought the xylophone!

Planets was hugely uplifting and then it was into Everything Flows, with Norman thanking everyone who came down the front and calling it a f**king brilliant decision. 

Guitars soared, squalled and screamed as many fellow fans in middle age were sent back to our teenage days to jump, hug and pogo along. Music is wonderful. Teenage Fanclub are amazing. The Teenage Fanclub Fanclub are brilliant.