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.

Camera Obscura at Kelvingrove Bandstand

Wednesday 5th June saw me race from a work meeting in Edinburgh back home to Uddingston to ditch the car, get changed, grab some dinner and hop a train to the Exhibition Centre. No, I wasn't going to see Lionel Ritchie like most of the other people in my carriage, I was heading into the stunning Kelvingrove Bandstand for a triple mini-festival style indie bill - Camera Obscura with support from The Vaselines and The Cords.

The Cords were the reason for my dash. They were scheduled to go on at 7pm, but thankfully they came on at 7.20pm, just after I had got in and secured a nice pint of IPA. £7 a pint! Ouch!

It's been so pleasing and heartwarming to see how more experienced bands have taken The Cords (Eva and Grace) under their wing, recognising their talent, potential and unbridled enthusiasm. Support slots in Glasgow and on tour have ensured that the young teenagers are road ready and experienced, while their debut album is recorded, mixed, mastered and ready to be unleashed later this year. I can't wait to hear it.

The Cords from up the back

Kelvingrove Bandstand was already reasonably full for them coming on. Eva's naturally melodic voice over raw guitar and beats has a wonderful charm to it. The melodies seem to come naturally and they will have won even more fans from the Bandstand and from their dates in London, Leeds and Liverpool supporting Camera Obscura. 

Next up were a 6-piece Vaselines band with Stevie Jackson from Belle & Sebastian guesting on 3rd guitar. What a glorious racket they created! The Vaselines absolutely blitzed through their set and while I missed the usual banter between Eugene and Frances, I was enthralled by the rocky sound of Dying For It (The Blues), one of my favourites, like a garage nuggets pop punk tribute to Motown.

I'd like to give a special mention to two songs that I think get better with every year and every listen. Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam is a three chord gem. Seemingly so simple, but so deep and moving. Eugene and Frances singing together is such a beautiful sound and the three guitars crashed and collided beautifully.

The Vaselines

And then we have Son Of A Gun, fuzzed up to be more like the Nirvana cover version thanks to the three electric guitars. Is this the best chorus by a Scottish band ever? It felt like it last night. Teenage love and poetry. Beautifully pure.

The sun shines in my bedroom, when you play

And the rain it always starts, when you go away

The verse is also like a chorus, super catchy, Eugene singing over a primal beat, building and leading to Frances singing the chorus. I hope The Vaselines get some more dates in the diary soon. I think I'll venture through to Dunfermline to see them in August.

On to the headliners. I was beginning to regret only wearing a t-shirt and light cagoule by the time Camera Obscura took to the stage! The skies had turned from blue to grey and there was a chill in the air. 

Traceyanne Campbell's voice could warm the coldest of days. I spoke with Lou (Mum of The Cords) about how beautifully she harmonises with Donna Maciocia on keyboards, while at others I marvel that it is just Tracyanne singing alone. Somehow it sounds like she is harmonising. What a voice!

Camera Obscura wisely played a couple of their 'hits' early on to get people down the front. Let's Get Out Of This Country and The Sweetest Thing sounded glorious, despite the grey skies overhead beginning to empty on top of the crowd.

Campbell did make a little joke about the £50 ticket price; 'you must be our rich fans', and it was a fair point. The Bandstand should have been sold out for a triumphant homecoming with excellent support. I have no doubt that it would have been if the tickets had been around the £35 mark. 

A couple of miles west, Lionel Ritchie would have been belting out Dancing On The Ceiling, while at Kelvingrove some die hards down the front were dancing in the rain, determined to not let the mini downpour dampen their spirits.

Bass player Gavin Dunbar had dressed for the occasion in a super sharp suit and white shoes, his riffs and grooves held everything together and allowed all kinds of flourishes over the top.

As the set and night progressed the rain eased and more people came down the front to dance, or they rose from their seats to let themselves loose. And no wonder. Who could stay seated to French Navy when the flowing chorus kicks in? 

I wanted to control it

But love I couldn't hold it 

Then we have Lloyd I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken, and was that still rain running down some peoples cheeks during Razzle Dazzle Rose? Or was it tears of emotion and joy? What a truly beautiful song that tugs on heartstrings in all the right ways. 

Camera Obscura formed in 1996, wouldn't it be nice if they returned to the Bandstand in glorious sunshine for their 30th anniversary next year?

2024 - Scottish music scene

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to my first blog of 2024.

At the time of writing my blog has been viewed over 971,000 times, so I'd like to thank everyone who has visited and I plan a little event later in the year to mark the 1,000,000 mark! 

The Scottish music scene continues to evolve and thrive with; new artists emerging, world class acts coming to Scotland to play to the best fans in the world, small venues promoting new music, legendary bands continuing to create and inspire and festivals like Glasgoes Pop and Tenement Trail growing and developing.

I'm kicking off my 2024 blogs with a list of things I'm looking forward to over the coming months; new artists, shows, albums, festivals and nights for dancing! Hope to see you along the way.

4 Scottish artists to look out for

Kerr Mercer - This young teenage singer-songwriter has been honing and toning his craft for a few years and during this time he has written hundreds of songs. Now, after a solid six months picking up support slots around Glasgow and Edinburgh, Kerr is ready to step forward for his debut  headline show at the Poetry Club on Friday 19th January. It's sold out and Kerr will be playing King Tuts on 20th March. Equally at home behind a guitar or piano, I'm really looking forward to Kerr's first release. Look out for an introducing blog later this month.

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Homework - see introducing blog from December 23. Homework saw in New Year with a show at Mono alongside Norman Blake. The 4-piece take their Fanclub-y/Pavement-y sound to King Tuts on 27th January. I really love their debut EP and look forward to hearing what they release next.

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Dillon Squire - see introducing blog from June 23. Squire and his band produce guitar pop with a nice raw edge, full of melodies and hooks as demonstrated on songs like Dark Circles and Bulldozer. After a string of releases and well received shows Dillon headlines King Tuts on 20th January and 2024 could be a big year for him.

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The Cords - Teenage duo The Cords (15 and 17) are being mentored by my sister Carla through a course at The Rig Arts Centre in Inverclyde. Eva (guitar and vocals) and Grace (drums) have raided their parents record collection and been inspired to write indie guitar pop songs that have a shyness, innocence and melodic edge that wouldn't be out of place on a C86 or Sarah Records compilation. Hopefully The Cords will release some singles through 2024.

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4 places/nights to get you (and me) dancing

Last year my New Year resolution was to go dancing once a quarter. I probably just about managed that. I intend to dance even more in 2024. It's great for the soul, your mental and physical health and fantastic for socialising. You get to listen to and discover fabulous music ... if you go to the right places.

The Admiral (Woods) 

The Waterloo Street pub kicks off 2024 with their annual Bowie Night on Saturday 20th January. Demand for tickets was high, with the basement section selling out in hours, resulting in owner Dave Ross closing his pub to make it a private Bowie party across both floors! I'm really looking forward to it.

The Admiral also plays host to DJ Gerry Lyons on a regular basis and he has 90's Britpop v 00's electro night on 2nd February. Gerry knows his music and his audience very well and pitches his nights as club nights for really old people. They run from 7.30pm-11.30pm meaning people can catch the last train and let the babysitters away!

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Simply Thrilled

Robert and Hugh who run Simply Thrilled have been putting on nights in the basement of The Admiral Woods, though Robert has promised something different for 2024. Lovely people, with very similar musical taste to me, I am intrigued to learn what they have planned.

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McChuills

Regular readers will know that McChuills is my favourite bar. Andrew Divine and Stevie Elements are just 2 of McChuills regular roster of DJ's with exceptional taste in music. The last time I was in, it was old Nick behind the bar playing tunes and it was brilliant - eclectic and it really got the place going. You can't go wrong with McChuills.

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The Old Hairdressers

The Old Hairdressers on Renfield Lane, slap band in Glasgow city centre, is like a pop-up dive bar with a scuzzy underground vibe. The loft upstairs is great for a gig or club night. So I'm putting on a night on Friday 8th March with Starboard Hazes and Broken by Rock playing live before DJ Phil Redfearn gets people dancing for a couple of hours at the end. TICKETS HERE

My sister Carla also regularly attends the Pull Shapes night that plays an eclectic mix of indie and pop music and I intend to hit that up sometime this year. 

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4 gigs I have tickets for

Kerr Mercer at The Poetry Club 

Young Scottish singer-songwriter Kerr Mercer is one to watch in 2024. I caught Kerr playing Saint Lukes as part of Tenement Trail in October and he blew me away. Every song sounded like it could be a single. Since then, Kerr has played a string of support slots in Glasgow and Edinburgh, including a show at The Barrowland with Calum Beattie. Kerr's Poetry Club show is long sold out, but you could get a ticket for his King Tuts show on 20th March. See you there.

Andrew Wasylk and Gerard Love at The Mackintosh Church

What a double bill this is. I first caught Andrew Wasylyk in this beautiful West End venue when he supported The Pastels a number of years ago. Andrew's arrangements are entrancing and he has been building a tremendous catalogue of music, pretty much releasing an album a year. Wasylyk is likely to have a 7 or 8 piece band with him to help layer sounds while he sits (and dances) at his piano and gives them nods to go for it or slow it down. 

Andrew is joined by Gerry Love who will (fingers and toes crossed) hopefully be completing and releasing his new album this year. It's still to be confirmed if this will be under his own name, or Lightships. Tickets here.

Steve Mason at Saint Lukes

Steve Mason released one of my favourite albums of 2023 and my friend Lorna caught him 3 times at the tail end of the year, including a trip to Hamburg! I've heard nothing but good reports about Mason's live shows where he works up grooves with his band and gets lost in the music. Mason has a wonderful ear for music, a deep desire to create and has a beautiful voice that is naturally melodic and soulful. Tickets here

This Is Memorial Device at The Tron Theatre

I've just started re-reading David Keenan's wonderful psychedelic tale of the post punk, new wave music scene in Airdrie, with Memorial Device at the heart of it. The book has various characters from the scene reminiscing about meeting each other, gigs, rehearsals, songs and releases - including the legendary Mushroom Giro Scene EP. Now adapted for the stage, with music by Stephen Pastel, you can catch performances at The Tron Theatre at the end of March. Will Mary Hanna show up?! Tickets here

4 albums I'm looking forward to

Gerard Love/Lightships

I'm not the only one (im)patiently awaiting news about when Gerry Love will be releasing his next album. Although one thing fellow fans have learned over the years is that it is always worth the wait.

Gerry has yet to confirm whether the album will come out under his own name or that of Lightships, the guise Gerard released an eponymous album under in 2012. 

It's coming on a year since Gerry and friends travelled to record with Bill Ryder-Jones in Merseyside and social media indicates that they have also recorded at CHEM19 in Blantyre. 

A summer / early Autumn release would be perfect for Gerry's dreamy melodies and beautifully layered soundscapes. Fingers crossed! 

Bill Ryder-Jones

Speaking of Bill Ryder-Jones, lechyd Da is out on 12th January. Ryder-Jones has spoken of working exceptionally hard to create this album that includes a children's choir and strings. And it is bound to tug on listeners heart-strings. Bill plays a solo instore show at Mono on 16th January before returning to Glasgow in March for a show with his band at Room 2. Tickets here Order the album from Monorail here

Gruff Rhys

Gruff Rhys is also releasing an album in January. Sadness Sets Me Free is out on Rough Trade on 26th. Incredibly, this will be the 25th abum of Gruff's career (individually, collaboratively and as a member of various bands) spanning 35-years. 

Singles to date showcase Rhys' sublime voice and knack for finding unique melodies. Strings soar and swirl and it all sounds beautifully grand, melancholic and cinematic at times. Gruff plays Saint Lukes on Monday 19th February.

J Mascis

J Mascis releases What Do We Do Now? on the legendary Sub Pop label on 2nd February. I'm a big fan of J's solo material like See You At The Movies and Wide Awake. It's not a million miles away from Dinosaur Jr, but there is a more mellow feel to his solo material. J plays acoustic a lot more, but can still let rip with an electric guitar solo over the top. J's melodies shine through and the singles released in advance have been excellent.

4 more albums I am looking forward to

What Now? by Brittany Howard - 2nd February

Where's My Utopia? by Yard Act - due at the end of February.

Glasgow Eyes by The Jesus and Mary Chain  - due at the start of March

Dua Lipa - title and date tbc. 

4 other things

Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand 

I always look forward to the line-up for the Bandstand shows being announced. I'm hoping that The Charlatans might play. Underworld would also be a great shout.

Summer Nights KGB Facebook

Glas-goes Pop

I've not been able to make the first 2 years due to family/holiday commitments. Booking my ticket and putting it on our kitchen calendar means I am going this year! This DIY festival has quickly developed a loyal fanbase who know that they'll get a quality bill of independent guitar pop acts from through the years.

Glas-goes pop tickets

Barrowland shows 

My first Barrowland show isn't scheduled until 11th May when Camera Obscura take to the stage. But I hope to maybe pick up a ticket for a couple of shows before then with my eye on The Bunnymen and Orbital in particular. And no doubt there will be loads of shows to come in Autumn.

Barrowland website

TENEMENT TRAIL 2024

I only briefly popped into Tenement Trail 2023 back in October. A storm was blowing and trains were cancelled, but that didn't stop music lovers from packing into venues of all sizes down the Gallowgate to catch new and up and coming bands. Walking around the Barrowland market was a buzz as people picked up wristbands, bands walked about carrying equipment and venues opened their doors and quickly filled up. Just being in that atmosphere gave me goosebumps and I vowed to return for the full day in 2024.

Tenement Trail website

Scottish music scene 2023

It could be my age, or it could be that the pandemic has just f**ked with my concept of time, but 2023 still sounds very futuristic to me. I mean, we are now 8-years after the future that Marty and Doc travelled to in Back To The Future II!

And what does the future hold? People have been predicting the end of time and doomsday for centuries. Now it feels like we really are at the crossroads and sadly it feels like too many people are still facing (and heading) in the wrong direction. 

Are we too far gone? Can we make the world a better place? Safer? Cleaner? More inclusive? Can we look after each other and our planet? Can we place that at the top of every priority list worldwide?

Is that too much to ask? Could we not put political and religious beliefs to one side, forget about profits and focus on people and the world as one. Humanism. We only have one planet.

2023 is now. The world is quite a scary place. I do believe the youth of today can turn things around. Maybe we should just hand power to them right now.

Music is more important than ever. I truly believe that it has saved people over the last few years. The sense of community it can bring (online and in person) and the beautiful escapism it offers ... we need it.

So here are a few things that I'm looking forward to in 2023 in the Scottish music scene. New acts, reforming bands, old favourites, touring bands, venues, festivals, music ... 

My new year resolution

My new year resolution is to go out dancing at least once a quarter! Not clubbing until all ours, but to bars that the likes of Andrew Divine, the Simply Thrilled lads, Holly Calder or Stevie Elements are DJ-ing in - playing good music, loud. McChuills being the most obvious choice. Also to ensure that any gigs I put on have a DJ playing a set after live music to ensure people have the opportunity to dance. 

Some of my best nights out post pandemic have been dancing with friends; to the Simply Thrilled lads at McChuills after Teenage Fanclub at the Barrowland, to Stevie Elements at McChuills last summer and to my friend Phil (pictured above) at La Chunky in October. It's pure escapism and joy.

New music - 3 Scottish acts to look out for

See this blog on Swim School, Lizzie Reid and Goliath

The return of The Delgados

My first gig of 2023 is likely to be The Delgados at The Barrowland on Burns Night. At their best, The Delgados are inventive, melodic and have a touch of psychedelia about them. The Great Eastern is an exceptional album. I'm sure this will be a real celebration of a very important Scottish band. Their fierce independence and paved a way for so many, taking learnings from labels like Postcard before them to form Chemikal Underground, releasing landmark Scottish singles and albums by the likes of BiS, Mogwai and Arab Strap. They also set up the CHEM19 recording studio. An inspirational band.

Brian Jonestown Massacre at The Barrowland

Talking of inspirational bands and fierce independence, the Brian Jonestown Massacre come into town to play The Barrowland in February. Two trips to the legendary venue within a couple of weeks. A great start to the year!

FRETS CONCERTS

The good people at FRETS always have something cooking. 2022 was an exceptional year for FRETS shows in Strathaven (and beyond). The night before Brian Jonestown Massacre play The Barrowland, FRETS have a night in the CCA for The Hungry Beat book that Douglas MacIntyre co-authored. There will be a Hungry Beat super group playing. Can I do 2-nights out in a row? Can my bank balance?!

FRETS shows in the Strathaven Hotel have been real highlights for me. The setting and stripped back vibe seems to bring out the best in performers. 

Butler, Blake & Grant return to Strathaven for 2-nights in February and there will be a lot more shows announced in the new year. Keep up to date with them all HERE

Starboard Hazes at The 13th Note

My own band Starboard Hazes play our second show to launch (assuming recording goes to plan!) our second EP! Forming this band was a real highlight of 2022 for me. After all, I have dreamed about forming a band for decades! To hear songs I wrote as a teenager and into my early 20's fleshed out has been incredible. I get a buzz from every practice session and to the rush from playing our first gig was exhilarating. Tickets are available HERE It would be lovely to see you there. 

Badly Drawn Boy at Saint Lukes

Badly Drawn Boy was one of the first acts that my wife and I went to see together. Silent Sigh was a big song for us and we still have a mix CD I made with that song on it. I think his first two albums in particular are works of a genius. Damon Gough could pluck a beautiful melody from a rubber band. This show is part of a tour to celebrate 25-years of releasing music. 

James celebrates 40-years with an orchestral tour

James are celebrating 40-years since their formation with an orchestral tour that includes 2-dates in Scotland; at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and the Armadillo in Glasgow. 

What a truly wonderful band. Never ones to do things by half, they are touring with a 22-piece orchestra and a gospel choir. I've been fortunate to catch James live a number of times over the years and they are always on it. Tim Booth is a sensational front man and he'll be conducting the crowd along with the orchestra.

Belle & Sebastian's Glasgow Bowlie?

Stuart Murdoch has hinted, to the extent that he has pretty much confirmed, that Belle and Sebastian will be hosting a Glasgow version of their legendary Bowlie weekender. The original version took place back in 1999 at Camber Sands Holiday Park.

What venues will they use? How many of those original bands will play? How many times will the Belles play?

I don't think we'll have too long to wait to find out. Hopefully Stuart is OK health wise. The band had to cancel end of year tours at home and in South America and he hasn't been tweeting for a while. 

Murdoch and his band are (in my humble opinion) responsible for one of the most golden periods any Scottish band has ever had. Their 3 albums and 4 EPs from 1996-99 are sublime evidence of a band and songwriter(s) totally in the zone.

Belle and Sebastian are celebrated everywhere they go, but if they pull this off I think they deserve extra acclaim and Stuart deserves a very special ovation for his exceptional creative energy and ideas.

Glasgow Goes Pop

Speaking of Belle & Sebastian .... Tita Geddes (wife of the Belles Chris) is someone I've got to know through a mutual love of Teenage Fanclub. We ended up dancing together in McChuills after the bands post pandemic comeback show at the Barrowland in 2021. One of the best nights out I've had in many a year!

In 2022 Tita and her friend decided to put on an 'indie pop happening' in Glasgow. A 2-day festival of independent guitar pop music that they love. It clashed with my cousin-in-laws wedding, so we missed what sounded like an incredible weekend.

The feedback was universally positive and as a result Glas-Goes Pop is back for round 2! Early bird tickets sold out, so keep an eye out for tickets going on sale.

Kelvingrove Bandstand shows

Edwyn Collins at Kelvingrove Bandstand, August 2022

I always look out for the Summer Nights shows at the Kelvingrove Bandstand being announced. Watching bands like Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian, Super Furry Animals, Primal Scream, Human League and legends like Brian Wilson playing in such a beautiful setting has been a pleasure and privilege over the years.

A Teenage Fanclub album?

Teenage Fanclub ended 2022 with a blistering intimate show in Dunfermline and a couple of festival gigs. The band really look like they are enjoying themselves and surely it won't be too long before we hear new material, following on from surprise single I Left A Light On which was dropped back in April 2022.

Hopefully there will be some more shows. After PJ Molloys in Dunfermline, I wonder if they could play some more intimate shows across Scotland?

A Lightships/Gerard Love album?

Watching Gerry Love gently reintroduce himself to the live music scene over the last 4-months of 2022 was an absolute joy. It sounds like Gerard is going to be recording a new album in February/March. Whether this comes out as a Lightships record, his own name, or another guise has yet to be confirmed. All I know is that I can't wait. Fingers crossed for more shows through the year.

Ride & The Charlatans co-headline tour?

Ride and The Charlatans are heading off on a joint American tour, with Ride playing their Nowhere album and The Charlatans playing Between 10th & 11th. Surely there will be some UK shows!

Just putting it out there - how about 2-nights at the Kelvingrove Bandstand? Alternating headline nights!

A Carla J Easton album?

My sister Carla has finished recording her next solo album. I've heard a number of songs and it's yet another strong body of work. Mixing should be completed through January and hopefully Carla will bring a couple of singles out through the year. Potentially the album as well. After a storming December show at The Glad Cafe, I also hope she lines up some gigs. Look out for some news on the Since Yesterday documentary coming soon.

Poster Paints - USA and ?

Speaking of my sister, Poster Paints are heading (all being well) to SXSW in March. The eponymous album that Carla & Simon created with the help of friends is a real gem. One of the great things about Poster Paints is that there was never any real plan. Things happened quite naturally. But after the response to their album and a Stateside trip, it might be time to make a plan. 

Doune The Rabbit Hole

My eldest daughter Zoe watching Teenage Fanclub at Doune 2022

I really enjoyed Doune The Rabbit Hole last year. And until just before Christmas, I was really looking forward to this year. Then things started to sound exceptionally dodgy - artist after artist started to confirm that they hadn't been paid for playing this year. News came out that Doune The Rabbit Hole was going into liquidation and changing owners, although it seems to be staying in the same family.

It's a real shit show. No artists or bookers should be confirming for this festival until all outstanding artist fees are paid. A festival isn't a festival without performers. And they need to be paid for their time and talent.

I'll be keeping a close eye on this and hope it gets sorted. At the time of writing, I'm not holding my breath that Doune will take place in 2023.

The Bootleg Beatles at The Barrowland

A few weeks before Christmas my friend Dougie sent a message to a group chat I'm in and asked if anyone was up for seeing The Bootleg Beatles at the Barrowland. I was immediately in!

Seeing The Bootlegs at The Royal Concert Hall was an annual experience for me for a number of years through the 90's and into the 00's. It's been a while since I've seen them and I suspect they'll take the roof off the Barrowland.

Edwyn Collins at Kelvingrove Bandstand

What a joy to watch Edwyn Collins, a master in the craft of songwriting, in such a beautiful setting last night. The gorgeous sunshine helped create a real festival vibe; t-shirts, shorts, summer dresses and shades had everyone smiling, the whole bandstand seemed to be glowing with positive vibes.

Clare Grogan, performing under the name of her band Altered Images, enhanced the vibe. Clearly delighted to be playing to a packed Bandstand, 2-years after she was initially scheduled to play with Edwyn.

Wearing a sparkly silver dress while tottering and dancing on high platforms, Grogan delighted the crowd with hits like I Could Be Happy, while mixing in new songs written with Bobby Bluebell and Bernard Butler from the forthcoming Altered Images album. The pure pop sound was blissful in the evening sun.

Don't Talk To me About Love got the whole Bandstand on their feet to dance and sing, an emotional Grogan was close to tears as she thanked everyone after. Released almost 40-years ago, Grogan highlighted that if you'd told her back then that she be playing it to 2,000 people in Kelvingrove Bandstand then she wouldn't have believed you.

Happy Birthday was beautiful, fun, catchy and euphoric pop music. And the crowd responded en mass again. Grogan wished everyone well and said she was off to get a drink to watch Edwyn, urging us to do the same.

At 9pm Edwyn's band took to the stage, followed by Collins himself, dressed in a super sharp suit and white shoes. Ever the mod. The crowd stood and cheered as one, a warm ovation for a truly beloved performer.

Collins directed his band straight into the pounding northern soul influenced Losing Sleep. We were standing in the very back row (before going down the front later) and I took a minute to just take it all in. What a setting for live music! Glasgow at it's very best.

Then it was into Falling & Laughing, the debut single by Orange Juice, released back in 1980 when Collins highlighted that he was 20. The Chic influenced groove is timeless, Collins poetry is beautiful

I'm not saying that we should build a city of tears

All I'm saying

Is I'm alone

Make Me Feel Again is one of my favourite songs by Edwyn. Ultra romantic, the way you turned your head, when I called your name. A sublime melody.

You can check the setlist below. Wheels Of Love was a real highlight, Dying Day was simply stunning, Simply Thrilled was simply thrilling and we decided to head to the front just in time for the start of Felicity with the crowd heartily singing the backing vocals.

Edwyn's son William came on stage to sing the brilliant pop song Into Your Eyes, another real favourite of mine. Edwyn sang the verses and then William came in to sing the soaring chorus. 

And if you wanna go

Then I'll let you go now, you don't have to stay

Sometimes I get tired

And I know you've got to find your own way

I see it in the sky

I see it in your eyes

Edwyn proudly gazed at his son and then the two of them locked eyes in a a father and son moment to cherish. I got a little emotional. What a song!

Rip It Up was an absolute delight, the atmosphere down the front was electric with an age range from teenagers to a couple who may well have been in their 70's. Everyone was dancing and singing, escaping reality for a blissful moment. Edwyn felt it too, rising to his feet and waving his walking stick.

Don't Shilly Shally went down so well that the crowd were still cheering as Edwyn introduced A Girl Like You, so he had to pause and introduce it again. The ferocious guitar riff over super cool bass and beats was like an electric bolt through the audience, everyone sang the riff.

Returning for a sublime slow burning Low Expectations and a rip roaring Blue Boy, Edwyn and his band took a well earned bow to rapturous applause. What a night! 

The Human League at Kelvingrove Bandstand

The Kelvingrove Bandstand in the leafy West End of Glasgow is a truly stunning setting a gig. I have witnessed some incredible shows since it reopened in 2014 and on Saturday night The Human League may have played the most euphoric to date.

A few hours prior to showtime Glasgow witnessed an exceptional rainstorm that thankfully cleared the skies and the Bandstand was dry, even slightly sunny and absolutely rammed by half eight. The DJ, Glasgow’s Tam Coyle, played some synth classics to get the crowd in the mood. By the time The Human League walked on to a sparse stage with only white keyboards and mic stands the venue was ready to party. 

And party the Bandstand did. Phil Oakey was on fire as a frontman, bounding from one side of the stage to the other and whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley looked and sounded fantastic. 

How can I sum up such a euphoric show?!

Well I'll try by saying that the highest compliment I can pay The Human League is that their electronic pop music sounds timeless. Some of it even sounds futuristic, maybe even from another planet. 

Yet many of the songs from the setlist were from the early to mid-80's. Such was the bands (dare I say it) pioneering use of synthesisers, many songs sounded like they wouldn't be out of place if they were released tomorrow via DFA Records on a white label.

The beats, riffs, grooves, melodies and hooks were sublime. This was, pardon the pun, daring pop music of the highest quality.

A drummer, two keyboard/synth players and a behind the curtains programmer backed the trio of singers superbly and everyone was on it from the start.

Bandstand crowds can sometimes take a while to warm up and venture to the standing area in front of the stage, but a well-oiled Saturday night crowd were there from the off and the whole place was standing, dancing and singing.

Mirror Man was an early highlight for me, swiftly followed by Heart Like A Wheel, a song I hadn't heard before yet I quickly fell for it. Pure pop.

Some songs had a darker edge to them, All I Ever Wanted, for example.  Oakey was magnificent, bounding to the edge of the stage centre, left and right to acknowledge his adoring fans. Or, in the case of penultimate song Being Boiled, he stood menacingly by the drums, regardless of what he did his presence and personality could not be ignored. 

The pop hits were sensational' Love Action, Tell Me When, Fascination and of course Don't You Want Me that started with all of the singers off stage for one of a few costume changes. They could have stayed off as the crowd sang this glorious pop hit through to the second verse before the singers came on and started everything again. It was utterly euphoric, an incredible moment to see the Bandstand going crazy.

The night ended with more pop perfection, the sublime Together In Electric Dreams. And together we were as we punched the air and sang the chorus back at the band. Oakey, Catherall and Sulley all acknowledged the Glasgow crowd - we would be nothing without you were Oakey's words as he departed the stage.

What a show! Energy, electronica, excitement and euphoria! This was only the second time I had seen The Human League live after catching them many years ago at the Wickerman Festival. I won't leave it as long next time!

Teenage Fanclub at Kelvingrove Bandstand July 2019

pic @thesarahniblock (Insta)

It did, at least to me, feel like the start of a new chapter for Teenage Fanclub last night. It was the bands first hometown show since Gerry Love left the band following the run of Creation Records show at the end of 2018.

After a lengthy world tour the Fanclub were more than road ready to blast out tunes ranging from their debut single to their most recent with the new line-up. And we had a new tune as well, Put My Faith In You sounds like classic Fannies.

Fans of the band found themselves checking every weather forecast going as heavy rain and thunder storms were predicted. There was some torrential rain falling from the Glasgow skies as the doors of the venue opened and I really felt for support act Nile Marr (son of Johnny) and hope he comes back to Glasgow soon. Sadly he didn't play to the crowd he could have as many, including myself, bunkered down in bars near to the Bandstand hoping the rain would pass.

It was fantastic to meet fellow TFC fans in The Doublet in nearby Park Road. The old Fanclub Forum is barely used these days as social media has taken over, but the Fanclub Fanclub Facebook Page is alive and well. The Doublet was packed with fans who had travelled from near and far for the show, including someone from Japan. It takes a special band to generate such devotion.

Fanclub Fanclub pre-show meet up in The Doublet

The rain eased and stopped just before 8pm, so it was time to finish drinks and head through beautiful Kelvingrove Park to the Bandstand. 

There were some hardy souls in ponchos soaked to the skin who highlighted how brilliant Nile Marr was, although he battled against the elements at times. The pre-show DJ, Glasgow's Tam Coyle, blasted out the sunshine pop of The Byrds and the sun even offered a glimpse through the clouds and the trees and in typical no fuss manner Norman was first to walk on stage.

The band played brilliantly, playing with smiles, super tight - but lovingly loose with it. God Knows It's True was a very pleasant surprise second song in and it caused one die hard to get up and pogo and dance down the front and tempting as it was to join him, I bided my time. It sounded glorious as the guitars fizzed and the band played with huge smiles on their faces.

It was interesting to see how the band split up the setlist. Raymond and Norman had more time than we are used to and the band delighted long term fans with the inclusion of the aforementioned GKIT and blast through Catholic Education.

Raymond's Only With You is a favourite of mine and it was rather beautiful last night, coming after the warm guitars of About You which received its usual brilliant response from the crowd.

Alcoholiday brought the masses to the front where they remained for the rest of the show. What a song! We then had a new song by Norman called Put My Faith In You which was full of chiming guitars and Blake's heavenly voice.

Pic by Simon Mason

Raymond McGinley's Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From is like a fine wine, maturing beautifully with every passing year. It sounds even more perfect when enjoyed in the company of 2,000+ fellow fans.

Did I Say is a Norman Blake masterpiece, it flows so beautifully and it was played with added zip and zest last night. The band were in full flow now, Verisimilitude was sublime, I Don't Want Control Of You reached skywards, I'm In Love was a joyful romp, pure guitar pop perfection, McGinley's guitar was stunning.

The band were in great form; McGinley making it look easy as he coaxed all kinds of gorgeous sounds, Blake sounding like an angel, Dave having the time of his life on bass, Francis driving it forwards and Euros providing harmonies at times and looking at home.

Pic by Simon Mason

Raymond provided the most poignant moment of the night with a tender My Uptight Life, the band dropped towards the end as McGinley sung the refrain again and again with fans joining in, it was stunning.

Pic by Simon Mason

The Concept was the sign for even more people to pile down the front to celebrate the band, the song, friendships and the glorious chiming guitars.

The band weren't off for long and played a four song encore; McGinley's I Was Beautiful When I Was Alive veered off into the glorious outro mantra and the band sounded superb, What You Do To Me is 2-minutes of life affirming pop, there was a surprise inclusion of Don't Cry No Tears and Everything Flows to close the show caused people to hug, punch the air and sing the chorus as loudly as possible.

Teenage Fanclub are alive and very, very well. On the evidence of last night they have the bit between their teeth, are enjoying playing live and there are new songs on the horizon.