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.

Introducing - Fatale

What is it about you Uddy (Uddingston) boys and The Velvet Underground?

Back in mid-April, my friend Derek sent me a cryptic WhatsApp message, and then followed it up with soundcloud links to a young teenage band called Fatale . Del had produced and engineered demos for two songs; Moves You and a cover of The Velvets Femme Fatale.

Fatale soundcloud

Del was excited enough to also post in the Teenage Fanclub Fanclub Facebook group with the statement  - If you like Catholic Education era Teenage Fanclub then you'll love Fatale.

Fatale, as you might have guessed from Derek's comparisons, love electric guitars that crash, collide, chime, blur, reverberate and fuzz together in the glorious way that I have loved for over 3 decades.

Hailing from my home town of Uddingston (on the outskirts of Glasgow), I was determined to find out more about this young band that seem to be bursting with talent, taste, looks, great hair (I found out upon meeting them), energy and enthusiasm.

Moves You is the first song that they have released. The overdriven guitars are fired up beautifully, there is a sublime dreamy breakdown, before they burst back into life. Vocally, this is pure So Far Gone/God Knows It's True era Fanclub, raw and soulful harmonies, young romantic lyrics sung from the heart.

Would you find a price for all the stars that shine on you?

Meanwhile, their cover of Femme Fatale is gorgeously raw and warm, sounding like a lost Fanclub cover they recorded for Bandwagonesque era b-sides.

I caught up with guitarist Christopher Jollie to find out more in the interview below. It was also great to bump into the whole band after the BMX Bandits show on Friday night. During the gig they stood to the side, shaking their heads in time and singing-along, Chris wearing a Eugenius t-shirt. They looked like a real gang, tight friends, a band. 

I can't wait to see them live. Read on for info about how they formed, influences, writing and news about their next gig.

1. How did the band form? Where are you all from? How did you get to know each other?

Our singer Ben and lead guitarist Euan are cousins and both of them had came out of playing with other bands. Myself and our bassist Oscar had been school friends with Ben and had played in a drumless, gigless band just before Fatale. A total shambles. Euan and our drummer James had also been school pals but had never played in a band together. 

From James perspective Euan was playing songs with his wee cousin (he thought he was nine) and wanted him to drum with them. When we show up at his garage for a jam, to his surprise there’s three eighteen year old's with guitars. The band just took off from there.

2. How did you start creating music together? Does anyone take the lead on writing? Or do you jam ideas?

We started off with acoustic demos recorded by Ben and Euan, and built up from there. It’s a collaborative process we go for, with everyone coming in with their own songs, and fleshing them out in practice. I’d always hated showing folk my own songs, but I had Moves You as a demo on my phone from months before and tried to show it to the guys. I had to do that another twice before we sort of took it seriously as a song, and now we’re in the process of getting it recorded and produced. We do have very diverse influences, which allows us to do different things with each song.

3. What kind of music are you listening to at present? Have any bands influenced you?

I was just at the Barras seeing Dinosaur Jr. and wow. They’ve always been a band that I’m just in awe of. I’ve been listening to a lot of soul music and bands like Big Star, the Kinks. Apart from that I’ve been getting dead into Eugenius, who had sort of passed me by when I was discovering the Fanclub. Scottish music has shaped our sound unlike anything else. There’s just something inside a lot of Scottish bands that just can’t be replicated. We are very keen to keep that sort of thing going.

4. How did you get on playing McChuills at the start of May?

McChuills was our first gig together, and it was a sellout. We were opening for a very good Irish band, The Labourers, and playing alongside our good pals, Bogle, as part of the Vicar Street Social night. We were originally scheduled to play a Sunday Soundclash on the 4th of May but due to the football it was cancelled. 

That had left us without a gig until July, but thankfully our mate Ben Brown managed to pull some strings and get us a spot on VSS thanks to a demo recorded by Derek McKee. We played 7 songs, including covers of the Scream’s Velocity Girl and the Velvet’s Femme Fatale. Our closer, Moves You ended up getting played twice since we didn’t have another song and the crowd were wanting more. I had already plugged out my guitar when Ben tells me we’re replaying it. You can’t plan for the energy in the room, and everything came so naturally.

5. What do you have coming up in terms of gigs, recording and releasing?

Our next gig is a part of King Tut’s Summer Nights Festival. We’re opening for a band we know called The Violet’s on Sunday 20th July, so it should be another great night. TICKETS

We’re also looking at our options for getting Moves You recorded and released in the next month or two, to keep the excitement going. Del done a great job of our demo so we’ll be looking towards him for potentially recording some covers to put out over the summer. We’re also in the early stages of setting up a once or twice a month event, looking at platforming the sound of young Glasgow. It’s exciting times for us, but it’s just the start of something that we truly believe in.

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.

Instagram

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.

Instagram

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.

Instagram

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.

Instagram

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!

Instagram

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.

Instagram

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.

Instagram

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. 

Instagram

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

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.

Burt Bacharach at Kelvingrove Bandstand

Towards the end of Burt Bacharach’s set last night the lights dimmed on his band to leave Burt playing piano alone, singing Alfie, his voice, aged, cracked, soulful ... beautiful. You could have heard a pin drop, it was very moving.

The 91- year old genius had captivated a sold out Bandstand from the off by walking on stage and shaking the hands of the 3 photographers at the front. He stood in front of his piano and charmed every single person in the audience with wisecracks about getting his good side, stories about his songwriting, hits, shoulda been hits, artists he worked with and on a number of occasions he discussed politics. It was clear that Burt was hurting from the fact Trump is president of his country.

In between intro’s and stories, Bacharach had a wonderful band to play with and conduct for over 2-hours. There were medleys, that if honest perhaps skipped through some of his biggest songs a little too quickly. There were spine tingling moments a plenty. Burt’s 3 vocalists sang beautifully together or when they each took turns on lead.

Highlights for me were a beautiful opening What The World Needs Now, then This Guy’s In Love With You, Walk On By, Baby It’s You, My Little Red Book - Burt was impressed by how many people cheered for Love, The Look Of Love, the aforementioned Solo section, Making Love and the closing Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. It was all magical.

And oh how Glasgow shined as once again the audience wowed a superstar and his band. Towards the end people were standing, dancing and singing at the front and it was so beautiful to see and hear that the band brought their phones out to capture some of the magic in the air.

Bacharach and his band received a mighty ovation. A show that will live

long in the memory.

Introducing - Emme Woods

Photo by Brian Sweeney

Please meet Emme Woods, a 21-year old singer and songwriter who releases her debut 7-inch via Last Night From Glasgow Records tomorrow (Monday 25th July) when she also headlines King Tut's Wah Wah Hut as part of Summer Nights.

Emme used to perform under the guise of Something, Someone - a folky, rootsy and acoustic style won her a number of plaudits and fans. Things changed earlier on in 2016 when Emme bought her first electric guitar.

In came a slow, raw and bluesy style. Emme sent her first recording in this style to Ian Smith, just around the time we had set up Last Night From Glasgow. I think we were on our second or third meeting. 

Ian pressed play and the 6 of us sat round in silence, staring into space or at the speakers, enjoying the raw guitar sound, the slow and unrushed pace of the song and Emme's stunning vocals.

There was a moment of silence before Ian asked everyone for their thoughts. PJ Harvey was mentioned a couple of times before it was swiftly decided that this would be the second release on our fledgling label.

Rather a lot has happened since we launched the label at the end of March. One incredible thing (mentioned in my last label blog about Mark W Georgsson) is that acclaimed Scottish photographer Brian Sweeney is on board as Artistic Director!

Brian shot the beautiful cover for the 7-inch record (artwork above) and also the promo film below.

The black and white film fits the song perfectly and I think that when you watch it, the film enhances the song as they work so well together; Emme looks like a film star, its cinematic, sexy, edgy and evocative. As is the song.

Emme has bags of ability and is also full of ideas, I love the fact that she is exploring new sounds and wants to collaborate with others.  I look forward to watching her develop and to hear what she comes up with and I hope we can release something else on Last Night From Glasgow in the future.

I caught up with Emme for a quick online chat ahead of her Tut's show tomorrow.

EF -Has the move to electric guitar changed your writing style?

EW - It has a bit, it's kinda free'd me up to experiment more and to go a bit more mental. My playing style has transferred over to electric but has changed because some of the sounds you can get out of an acoustic are a bit different to the sounds on electric, but I'm feeling it.

EF - What do you hope to do/achieve over the next year or so? Are you writing with anyone?

EW - I'm still writing by myself a lot but I've recently started writing with an amazing musician and songwriter; Barrie James O'Neill. I've not long moved into a new house, it is a beautiful old Victorian house and the living room is amazing. It has great acoustics and a piano, so I just invite Barrie over and we write there. With the great space and me and Barrie bouncing ideas off each other it just feels such a creative space.

Over the next year I'm working towards getting an album out. Some tunes are coming together really nicely so I'm getting quite excited to hit the studio soon.

Kevin Harper at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, 29th July 2013

Last night I ventured out to the legendary King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow to catch Kevin Harper, one of my favourite artists, performing live as part of the venues Summer Nights run.

Summer Nights is a series of shows put on by Craig Johnstone of DF Concerts during the festival season, showcasing some of the best unsigned and DIY music from across the country.

I've been following Kev since I discovered his old band Little Eskimos. Kev's passion for music is evident through his recordings and performances, his talent is all too clear to see and when you meet him, or catch him live, then you can't fail to fall for his sense of humour. That also comes across on Social Media!

Kev took to the Tut's stage alone and I was initially a little disappointed that he didn't have a band backing him. That feeling soon evaporated as Kev booted up his laptop to back him and his guitar and launched into a little tirade about 'how f**king hard it is to sell tickets for a show on a Monday night'.

The crowd was pretty quiet but the sound of music soon sent people scurrying up the stairs from the bar below and before you knew it there was a decent crowd.

Kev performed a mixture of solo material from his album 'Kingdom of Wires' (reviewed here) (BUY HERE), some Little Eskimo's tunes and 'a cover of a traditional American folk song' that turned out to be The Pixies 'Monkey Gone To Heaven.'

After the opening blast of 'Couch' Kev seemed generally startled by the response from the audience and they easily met his encouragement to step forward to the stage, immediately making the gig seem incredibly intimate.

'Legs' from Little Eskimos was treated as long lost friends, both by Kev and a few delighted female followers in the audience who Kev described as his eskimo-ettes. 

'Start It Up' (also a Little Eskimos song) was delivered with ferocious passion, while 'Kingdom of Wires' was a real highlight, tugging on the heart strings.

'Jacqueline' closed proceedings (after the aformentioned Pixies cover) to roars of approval that caused Kev to admit to being genuinely taken back, the show was over. Sadly the chants for 'mmmmooorrrreee' and 'one more tune' were politely declined.

I hope there will be another show soon. Kevin Harper is a warm and natural performer - perfect for those quiet Monday nights and any other day of the week.