The annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is a highly anticipated event, especially for fans of Stiff Little Fingers, who flock to the Barrowland Ballroom for their legendary show. People from all over the United Kingdom make the journey to Glasgow for this special occasion, and this year was no exception; there were even a few dedicated fans who travelled all the way from Germany to be there. Despite the typical rainy weather outside, the atmosphere inside the venue was electric as the sold-out crowd eagerly awaited the band’s performance.
The venue was buzzing with excitement as the crowd filled up the space, reaching about three-quarters capacity. The lights dimmed, signalling the arrival of the legendary original Sex Pistols bassist, Glen Matlock, and his band. As soon as he took to the stage, the atmosphere was electrifying. Matlock kicked off the show with a powerful performance of “Won’t Put the Brakes on Me,” immediately grabbing the attention of everyone in the venue.
With each song, starting with “Consequences Coming,” Matlock continued to captivate the audience, drawing them into his world of music. His stage presence was undeniable, commanding the attention of everyone in the room with his every move. It was a performance that left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
His band was truly in their element, savouring every moment of the occasion while also delivering a performance that was nothing short of powerful. Glen transported the audience back to a time when the Rich Kids graced the stage in Glasgow alongside Midge Ure, Steve New, and Rusty Egan. It was a nostalgic journey with Burning Sounds, and Glen kept the Glasgow venue captivated throughout the night. The crowd was thrilled with the electrifying rendition of Magic Carpet Ride, a track that had 70’s glam sound, a departure from the usual rock n’ roll vibe, yet the Glasgow audience embraced it wholeheartedly, dancing along with infectious energy.
Matlock then treated the crowd to a reimagined version of KD Lang’s hit Constant Craving, infusing it with a heavier, more robust sound with the addition of guitars and drums. The revamped rendition did justice to the original while also adding a new dimension that resonated with the audience at Barrowland. The band continued to impress with their cover of Richard Hell and The Voidoids’ Blank Generation, followed by the classic Can’t Be Myself With You, showcasing their versatility and skill in interpreting iconic tracks with a fresh twist. The night was a testament to the band’s talent and ability to captivate and enthral audiences with their music.
The crowd erupted as the familiar chords of the Sex Pistols classic “Pretty Vacant” filled the venue, instantly energising the atmosphere and sweeping away any lingering cobwebs in the Barrowland. The performance continued to impress with the final song, “Head On A Stick,” serving as the perfect conclusion to Glen Matlock’s set. Matlock’s ability to effortlessly span decades of music was evident throughout the performance, showcasing his versatility and skill as a musician. Not only did he deliver a memorable performance, but he also recently completed a tour with Lust for List, featuring Blondie drummer Clem Burke. If you have the chance to see Glen Matlock live, don’t miss it, as his talent and stage presence are truly remarkable.
As the lights slowly brightened and the familiar tunes of the old classics filled the air, concertgoers took a moment to catch their breath before the highly anticipated headliners, Stiff Little Fingers, graced the stage. The energy in the venue was amazing, with a sea of Stiff Little Fingers T-shirts and the new special Saint Patrick’s Day edition on display throughout the crowd.
Suddenly, a shift in the music caught everyone’s attention as the upbeat sounds of Abba began to play through the PA system. The audience couldn’t resist joining in, singing along to the infectious hits. The impromptu sing-along lasted for three songs, turning the venue into a lively dance floor with groups of people moving and singing in unison. It was an unexpected but welcomed interlude between acts, adding to the already festive atmosphere of the night.
The lights dimmed as the powerful drum beats of Go For It reverberated through the PA system, building anticipation in the crowd. The stage lights flashed in perfect synchronisation as the band members took their positions, ready to rock the audience. As the final beat of the intro faded, the unmistakable opening chords of Suspect Device filled the venue, sending fans into a frenzy of dancing, jumping, and singing along. The energy in the room only intensified as the band launched into the classic State of Emergency, captivating the audience with their raw, punk rock sound. The infectious energy carried on seamlessly into Fly the Flag, a crowd favourite that had everyone in the venue singing at the top of their lungs and bouncing along to the echoing guitars. Roaring applause and cheers met the band’s performance, leaving the audience thrilled and wanting more.
Jake Burns took a moment to address the enthusiastic crowd, kicking off the set with a cheerful St. Patrick’s Day greeting. The upcoming song, titled “Hate Has No Home Here,” is a powerful reflection on the issues of hate speech, racism, and bigotry. The band’s upcoming album will feature this track, making it a standout in future performances.
The band treated the audience to energetic performances of hits like “At the Edge” and “Silver Lining.” The band even surprised fans with a rare throwback, a cover of John Hurley’s classic “Love of the Common People,” famously covered by Paul Young in the eighties. Jake Burns pointed out that it’s the singer, not just the song, that makes a hit, referencing Young’s success with the timeless track.
The set continued with the band’s popular track “Just Fade Away,” leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement for what was to come.
The crowd was thrilled to have the opportunity to hear a classic song from the band’s Hope Street album, “Last Train From the Wasteland.” He described the song as a powerful tribute to Belfast following the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Its poignant lyrics and captivating melody make it a standout track that deserves a spot on the band’s set list. However, there are also plenty of other songs that fans would love to hear again.
Next up on the setlist was the band’s cover of Bunny Wailer’s iconic track, “Root, Radica, Rockers, Reggae.” This reggae-infused song always gets the crowd moving and showcases the band’s versatile musical talents. The audience eagerly awaited this performance, knowing that it would be a highlight of the night’s show.
Jake stood on stage at the sold-out Barrowland, a venue filled with eager fans hanging on his every word. With a mischievous grin, he leaned into the microphone and revealed a juicy secret to the crowd: It was actually Steve Grantley, the band’s drummer, who was behind the unexpected Abba songs that had been playing between sets. The audience erupted in laughter and cheers, clearly enjoying the unexpected twist.
As the band launched into the next song, Jake introduced it as one of Steve’s creations. He described it as a track that would make the band sound like Motorhead, much to the delight of the roaring crowd. The energy in the room was electric as the music filled the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of rock and roll.
All the band’s big hits entered the setlist, but the surprise return of “Get a Life” was the real highlight of the evening. The crowd went wild as the familiar chords filled the venue, a wave of nostalgia washing over both the band and their devoted fans. It was clear that this song held a special place in the hearts of everyone in the room.
Taking a break between songs, Jake addressed the crowd with a mix of humour and sincerity. He joked about the band getting older and needing to cut back on their touring schedule, but reassured the audience that he would always come back to Glasgow, as long as he could still pick up his guitar and play. The mention of returning on St. Patrick’s Day brought a cheer from the crowd, who were clearly eager for more unforgettable nights with their favourite band.
The time had come for Jake to reminisce about the past, as he took a moment to share his experience of seeing The Clash for the very first time. He spoke passionately about the profound influence that the legendary Joe Strummer had on both him and the band. This nostalgic reflection marked the beginning of Strummerville, with the crowd echoing the lyrics of Clash City Rockers as the song came to a close.
The atmosphere shifted as the band launched into a set filled with fan favourites, including Nobody’s Hero, Time Soldiers, and the epic Gotta Gettaway. The energy in the venue was electric as the audience danced and sang along, fully immersed in the music.
As the final notes rang out and the band left the stage, there was no formal goodbye—just a sense of anticipation for their inevitable return. It was clear to all in attendance that this was not the end, but merely a brief intermission before the party would continue.
After a brief intermission, the band returned to the stage with a powerful rendition of The Specials’ classic hit, “Doesn’t Make It Alright,” which had the lively Barrowland crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. The energy in the venue was electric as the band delivered an unforgettable performance. As the night drew to a close, they saved their best for last with the iconic song “Alternative Ulster,” causing the entire venue to erupt in excitement and joy.
It was clear to everyone in attendance that performing at the renowned venue was a special experience for the band, especially on the annual St. Patrick’s weekend. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie and celebration, making the night one to remember for both the band and the audience. The band’s passion and talent shone through, creating a memorable and unforgettable evening for all.
If you are lucky enough to snag a ticket for the highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day show, consider yourself fortunate, as these tickets sell out in record time. This is a night that you’ll want to mark on your calendar and not miss out on. And if you have the opportunity to attend a show on this tour that is in close proximity to you, don’t hesitate to go because the band is performing at their absolute best and ready to rock the venue near you. Don’t miss out on a chance to see them in action!
