Kerr Mercer at the Garage

 

There were a few moments last night at The Garage where Kerr Mercer tilted his head back, or slightly to the side, and just let rip, taking his already exceptionally rich, emotional, soulful and powerful voice to new levels.

It's quite the sight. Quite the sonic experience. 

Whenever this happened, my wife and I would exchange a little nod or glance in appreciation. However, there was one particular moment, during Kerr's song Soldier, when even his guitarist Adam Frame looked up in awe as his friend's voice soared beautifully. It was so nice to catch this.

Only 18-years old, Kerr Mercer has been building a head of steam for over a year, picking up some excellent support/opening slots for established artists to build his fanbase and hitting the road on his own mini tours. 

There was a real sense of occasion around last nights sold out show at The Garage. The venue looked incredible! Has it had a makeover? Or do I just always think back to when I was attending club nights as a teenager before getting a late (and very long) bus home to Carluke?

Perhaps there was a greater anticipation around the show after a fantastic feature was published on the BBC Scotland news page on Sunday morning. Journalist Jonathan Geddes brought out Kerr's humour, family values and humility in the interview. 

This is something Kerr naturally brings out on stage - whether forgetting to put his guitar on for a song, mentioning how his Mum brought him down to earth when he was hoping for a Glasgow aftershow (as any 18-year old would after a big hometown show) but had to get up at 5am for a flight to Europe to begin a tour supporting Only The Poets, or consistently thanking the audience and expressing his amazement that people showed up to see him - 'my knees are knocking backstage before every show as I don't think anyone will turn up.'

People turned up last night. I overheard a Dad talking to his daughter behind us. She had caught Kerr supporting someone and had brought her Dad along to The Garage. Dad approved - 'Aye, he's got something. What a voice!' I like to think that Dad and daughter will be having more bonding trips over Kerr Mercer gigs in the future. I hope to take our eldest to the next one after she turns 14 in June.

Anyway, on to the songs. Kerr Mercer showcased an exceptional talent for music (playing electric piano or acoustic/electric guitar), songwriting and singing. 

Setlist

1. Hurts
2. Love to Lose
3. Her
4. Best of Me
5. One in a Million
6. Never Be You
7. Jealous
8. Soldier
9. Waves
10. Handbags & Gladrags (Rod Stewart cover version)
11. Alcohol

The sense of occasion was heightened by the fact that Kerr was playing with a full band for the first time. Previous shows have seen Kerr performing solo (guitar/keyboard), or with Adam on guitar. Adam let rip on a couple of songs, relishing the opportunity to play electric guitar.

Mercer's and his band wasted no time in showing what they could do with an opening number entitled Hurts that reminded me a little of Michael Kiwanuka. With the addition of drums, Mercer said that he wanted the crowd to have the opportunity to dance, as well as enjoy his slow piano ballads. The backbeat was cool, as was the song.

Love to Lose slowed things back down, Her had one of those choruses that take off, aching with love, angst, heartache and heartbreak.

One in a Million was a stunner. Pre-show someone had handed out pieces of heart-shaped cards displaying the song title. People started holding them up after Kerr introduced the song and his band played the intro. It took Kerr a verse to realise what everyone was doing and he laughed to say he was wondering what they were and knew who probably brought them. One in a Million is a beautiful song, I fully expect it to be playing on the radio before too long.

I think it was during Never Be You that Kerr displayed some outstanding piano skills and then there was a fantastic run of 3 songs that I've got to know over the last year of catching him live.

Jealous is a heart tugging gem with Kerr pouring his heart out (as he does on every song, but the lyrics go pretty deep here). It's so well written and arranged that you could be forgiven for thinking tht it is an old classic. Soldier is soulful with Kerr really going for it and Waves seems to have been adopted as a real fan favourite. 

Kerr likes to play a cover in his sets and he opted for an older song than usual, playing Rod Stewart's Handbags & Gladrags (I've only just found out this isn't a Rod original! It was written by Mike d'Abo of Manfred Mann and originally recorded by Chris Farlowe), although Kerr discovered the song through a later day version by The Stereophonics. Regardless of who wrote it or originally recorded it, Mercer delivered it with raw emotion, like messrs Stewart and Jones. The song suited him perfectly and allowed him to attack his piano as he sang. Stunning! 

Closing with Alcohol, Kerr teased that it might be his debut single, there was no encore. Not to worry, there is A LOT more to come from this young man. 

Kerr Mercer plays TRNSMT 2025 on Sunday 13th July. Keep an eye on his Instagram for regular story updates about his shows, songwriting and plans.

Eric Cantona at The Garage

Last night I attended the most surreal gig I have ever been to. Never, in my wildest dreams could I have imagined Eric Cantona playing The Garage in Glasgow! 

King Eric, the man who strode into Old Trafford with his shoulders stretched, chest puffed out and collar pulled up, born to play in the Theatre of Dreams. King Eric, who was instrumental in United winning the 1992/93 title, their first in 26-years! United only lost twice following his arrival in November 92, with Cantona scoring 9 goals.

I was expecting the majority of this blog to be about football, but then Eric has always had a knack for drawing people in, surpassing expectations and putting on a show.

Cantona may have previously been flanked by the likes of Giggs, Kanchelskis and Beckham while he pulled the strings, but last night he had two exceptionally talented musicians either side of him - a pianist and cello player who looped his bass with strings - super cool.

Eric, resplendent in suit, white shirt, super cool glasses and hat, was centre stage, pouring his heart and soul into his songs and performace. 

After getting through the 'what the heck is going on here?' questions to each other during the first couple of songs, my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. The musicians were absolutely outstanding and Eric ... was Eric. As my friend Phil said earlier today as we reflected on the show - it was the essence of Eric.

Cantona has to be really into something to do it. This is the guy who walked away from professional football at the age of 30 because he had lost his passion for the game.

He was really into it last night, swigging from a tartan hip flask, arms raised, fingers pointing, theatrical movements and singing of love, war, freedom, kissing and flowers. A new song declared FREE PALESTINE to loud cheers, while Eric also other in Spanish and French.

A jaunty number I Want To See You saw Eric repeat the refrain and point at people in the crowd. The piano became quite house-y and I found myself standing up and punching the air, encouraging my friend to join me. No-one did! But Eric noticed me, smiled, pointed at me and sang I Want To See You.  

Later on everyone was standing and clapping along. Cantona was beaming, radiating positive energy. I can't recall him ever looking so happy, even when lifting trophies. That all seemed matter of fact. and Eric had a constant air of coolness about him. This ... was personal. Cantona was laying himself bare.

Last night was weird and wonderful. I can't say that I'll be listening to Eric's songs in the house, but they did hit the mark live. His two-piece band were wonderful, creating some truly beautiful music, while Eric sang about love, life, death and the universe.

Read on for some football stuff!

So where was I? Oh yes, Cantona arrived at United in November 92. The story goes that Fergie was sitting with Martin Edwards when Howard Wilkinson called to enquire about buying Dennis Irwin. Irwin wasn't for sale, but Fergie nudged Edwards and said 'ask him about Cantona'. 

Cantona signed for £1 million and helped United to their first title in 26-years! 

The following season, United won the double, with Eric conducting electrifying football and bagging 25 goals. 1994/95 is a season that holds Cantona's biggest regret in football. What was it? On 25th January, away to Crystal Palace, Eric was sent off and was abused by supporter Matthew Simmons en route to the dressing room. Cantona launched into the crowd with a Kung Fu kick, following it up with a swift punch.

His regret? He didn't hit him hard enough.

To say that the country went crazy would be an understatement. Yet one person remained super cool, calm and collected. Even if he was fuming in private.

In a press conference, Cantona strolled into a packed room, sat down, began to speak, took a sip of water, finished his sentence and then left the room. His words.

When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.

One of my favourite Alex Ferguson stories is of him lying in his bed with his wife Cathy. Eric had told Fergie he was quitting and had flown to Paris. Sir Alex, for once, seemed to have accepted this was the end. A pep talk from Cathy saw Fergie contact Eric and arrange to meet him. Cantona booked a restaurant out and arranged for a motor cycle taxi to collect his boss from the airport and zip him through the Paris streets. 

Oh to know what was said over dinner and wine. For me, this is a film in the making. Eric ... if you somehow read this. You're the man to make it!

Eric returned (with a brilliant apology advert) after a long ban and led a new team with Neville, Beckham and Scholes to the double, with Cantona scoring a majestic volley in the 1996 FA Cup Final against Liverpool. 

In typical Cantona fashion, he did the unpredictable, announcing his retirement at the end of the 1996/97 season after winning another title, his 4th in 5-seasons at United. He was only 30.

Since then, Eric has, as always, danced to the beat of his own drum; playing beach football, being a Nike ambassador, campaigned  and acted -check out Ken Loach's soulful Looking For Eric and the superb Inhuman Resources. Cantona has also starred in Liam Gallagher's Once promotional film, even a hard blue nose appreciates the King. 

And now ... Eric has released an EP and a live album and is touring! And based on last night, he is continuing to write songs. 

Cantona is a passionate artist with a creative soul and energy. May his flame continue to burn.