As the weekend kicked off in Glasgow, excitement filled the air at Saint Luke’s venue where the legendary Neil Arthur and his band Blancmange were set to perform. Fans of the band had eagerly arrived early, staking out prime spots at the front of the stage or securing a vantage point on the balcony. The anticipation was heightened by the announcement of a special support act, The Remainders, featuring Neil Arthur alongside his latest project collaborators Finlay Shakespeare and Liam Hutton. This unique ensemble promised to deliver an unforgettable experience, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated evening of music.
As the venue lights dimmed and the band’s introductory music began, Finlay and Liam took to the stage, setting the atmosphere for the night. Neil then joined them, greeting the audience with a knowing smile and a cheeky remark, “I think you may know me.” The band launched into their performance, delivering an array of synth-based tracks that expertly blended the nostalgia of the past with a fresh, futuristic twist. One of the standout songs of the night was “Awake,” which captivated the audience with its haunting melodies and evocative lyrics. The early attendees were visibly moved by the performance, especially when Neil revealed that this was only the band’s second live show. As their opening set came to an end, Neil promised their return as Blancmange and encouraged the fans to grab a drink and prepare for more. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the crowd eagerly awaited the next chapter of the evening.
It was time for the main event as the lights went down and the bands intro music began, as Liam and Finlay took to their positions behind keyboard and electronic drums. As Neil took the stage he was greeted with a wall of sound from the Glasgow crowd’s appreciation of the artist. Tonight was a celebration of the music of Blancmange.
Neil’s connection with his fans was amazing as he engaged them in lively conversations about his music during the performance. His set list included popular tracks like Reduced Voltage, Feel Me, The Western, and the standout Game Above My Head, which were met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience. The atmosphere at the venue was charged with excitement, despite the sweltering heat that had persisted in Glasgow throughout the day. The sold-out crowd’s passionate singing and dancing only added to the intensity, making for an unforgettable night of live music and shared experiences between the artist and his fans.
The atmosphere at the Blancmange concert was electric as the band delivered a perfect blend of old and new songs. As Neil Arthur addressed the crowd, announcing “Last Night (I Dreamt I Had A Job),” the energy in the building surged to new heights. The fans responded with enthusiastic singing and dancing, fully immersing themselves in the experience. It was clear that everyone in attendance felt a deep connection to the music and to each other, united as part of the Blancmange family. The night was a celebration of the band’s enduring legacy and their continued relevance in the music world.
As the intro to the classic hit “Waves” played, the enthusiastic crowd at the Glasgow venue couldn’t help but dance along to the iconic song. The song’s incredible musical composition and poignant lyrics were evident in the way it was warmly embraced by the audience. The energy in the room continued to build as the band moved on to fan favourites “We Are The Chemicals” and “What’s The Time?” before reaching a fever pitch with the show-stopping “Living On A Ceiling.” The audience’s passionate singing and cheering were met with visible joy from the band members, who were clearly moved by the electric atmosphere in the packed venue.
The band concluded their performance with the energetic song “Blind Vision,” which had the audience singing and dancing along. As the song ended, it was time for the band to bid farewell to Glasgow. Neil and the band exited the stage amidst loud cheers and an electric atmosphere. However, the excitement wasn’t over yet as they soon returned for an encore. Neil promised the fans a meet-and-greet over a beer after the final song, “Don’t Tell Me,” which left the crowd in awe and provided the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable show. As the band expressed their final goodbyes, the fans were left to reminisce about the incredible performance they had just witnessed.
Tonight was truly a memorable experience as I had the pleasure of attending a live concert by Neil Arthur and his band, Blancmange. The atmosphere was electric, and the audience was buzzing with excitement as they took us on a nostalgic journey back to the synth music era of the 1980s. The band’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, breathing new life into their classic hits and leaving the crowd wanting more. If you have a fondness for the music from Blancmange, seeing them live will undoubtedly reignite your passion for the band and the synth music decade. It was a special night that reminded us all why Blancmange remains a beloved and influential group in the music industry.
