New York City’s acclaimed indie rock band, Vampire Weekend, is set to grace Glasgow with their presence as part of their highly anticipated “Only God Was Above Us” tour. This exciting event promises to be a memorable night for music lovers, especially with the addition of Glasgow’s very own Teenage Fanclub as special guests for the UK leg of the tour.
As fans began to arrive at the venue, many made sure to come early, eager to catch the opening act and soak in the vibrant atmosphere that was palpable in the air. The buzz of excitement grew steadily as the clock ticked closer to the moment when Teenage Fanclub would take the stage, igniting a sense of nostalgia and anticipation among long-time followers of the band. The crowd, a diverse mix of devoted fans and curious newcomers alike, eagerly chatted and exchanged stories, all while waiting for the lights to dim and the music to begin. It was clear that this concert would be a celebration of talent, camaraderie, and the shared love for live music.
As the lights dimmed and the Fanclub’s intro music began, the moment had arrived to welcome Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, Francis MacDonald, Dave McGowan, and Euros Childs to the stage. The band kicked off the performance with “I Can’t Find My Way Home” from their Howdy album, marking the beginning of a set that spanned their discography over the years.
Norman addresses the OVO Hydro crowd, introducing themselves as Teenage Fanclub and mentioning that they’ll be performing a brief set, so they’ll dive straight into the music. The band revisited their fantastic Grand Prix album, delivering the standout track “Start Again,” before taking it back to their classic Bandwagonesque, much to the audience’s delight, with the crowd singing along to the brilliant “About You.
A standout moment of their performance was “It’s A Bad World,” which had both long-time and new fans tapping their feet in rhythm. This dynamic track is from the band’s album “Songs From The Northern Britain.” They concluded their set with another crowd-pleaser, “Everything Flows.” As the last note rang out, the band bid farewell to the Glasgow audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause as the venue lights illuminated the room.
As the moment drew closer for the highly anticipated arrival of Chris Tomson, Chris Baio, and Ezra Koenig, the atmosphere in the venue pulsed with excitement. The lights dimmed dramatically, casting a shadow over the eager crowd, and a striking backdrop illuminated the stage with the words “Vampire Weekend” displayed in bold white letters.
The anticipation reached a fever pitch as the trio stepped onto the stage, greeted by a thunderous roar from the audience. The sound reverberated through the venue, creating an electric ambiance that could only be described as a true Glasgow welcome. Fans cheered, clapped, and whistled, their enthusiasm echoing off the walls as they prepared for an unforgettable night of music and energy. The stage was set, and the vibe was nothing short of exhilarating, promising a memorable performance from one of the most beloved bands of the era.
The band kicked off their electrifying set with the infectious rhythms of “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” instantly captivating the Glasgow audience, who enthusiastically joined in singing along to the lively tune. The energy soared even higher as they seamlessly transitioned into the upbeat anthem “Holiday,” which had the crowd dancing and cheering with delight.
However, it was during the third song, “One (Blake’s Got a New Face),” that the atmosphere took an intriguing turn. As the opening notes reverberated through the venue, the dramatic black backdrop emblazoned with the iconic Vampire Weekend logo suddenly dropped away. In a stunning reveal, the stage crew unveiled an impressive stage set, complete with vibrant visuals and dynamic lighting that perfectly complemented the band’s eclectic sound. This unexpected change added a new layer of excitement to the performance, leaving the audience in awe and eagerly anticipating what was to come next.
The setlist primarily featured tracks from their latest album, *Only God Was Above Us*, alongside popular songs from earlier releases. Notable moments during the opening segment included “Unbelievers,” “Sympathy,” “Gen-x Cops,” and the outstanding “A-Punk.
They concluded their outstanding performance with a thrilling finale featuring “Harmony Hall,” which had the audience dancing and singing along. The set wrapped up with the fantastic “Hope” from their new album. As the band struck the final chord and exited the stage, it was clear that they would return, as Glasgow was relishing every moment of the show.
Soon, the band returned to the stage, thrilling the audience with an encore of their favourite covers, featuring hits like “Hey Jude” (The Beatles), “Changes” (David Bowie), “Chop Suey!” (System of a Down), and “505” (Arctic Monkeys), among others. The crowd in Glasgow was energetic, singing and dancing enthusiastically. They concluded the set with the outstanding tracks “Campus” and “Walcott” from their self-titled album. As they exited, the band received a hero’s welcome, making the night truly memorable.
The audience in Glasgow was eager for more; I have no doubt they would have continued playing if it weren’t for the late hour calling them to head home and cherish the memories created that evening. If you have the opportunity to see Vampire Weekend, be sure not to miss it.
Review & Photographs by James Edmond Photography
