On a drab evening in Glasgow with the threat of rain looming, the crowds have not been deterred from attending the event at the Glasgow outdoor venue, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Tonight, we have the pleasure of welcoming the exceptional Ziggy Alberts, direct from Australia, as part of his New Love world tour.
Support for tonight’s show comes from the talented Melbourne singer-songwriter Steph Strings. Taking to the stage with a quiet confidence, she positioned herself on a stool at the front, immediately captivating the audience with a mesmerizing instrumental opener that was nothing short of beautiful. Even as the heavens opened and rain began to pour, the weather did nothing to dampen the spirit of her performance.
Steph shared a charming anecdote with the audience, revealing that she had woken up that very morning on the tour bus, peeking out through a small window to catch her first glimpse of Glasgow. This sense of discovery and excitement seemed to infuse her performance as she delivered songs from her new EP, each one showcasing her angelic voice and heartfelt lyrics.
Between songs, Steph engaged the audience with stories from her journey, including a delightful tale about how she met Ziggy in a pub. She recounted how she had introduced herself to him, a meeting that would eventually lead to her joining him on this tour. Her storytelling added a personal and intimate touch to the evening, making the audience feel even more connected to her music and her journey.
During her performance of “This Love,” a brilliant double rainbow arched above the stage in the Glasgow sky. She introduced her next song, “Dusty Road,” inspired by Ziggy. She concluded her brief supporting set with the outstanding “Lion.” Before leaving the stage, she mentioned that she would return to Glasgow later in the year, albeit at smaller venues. The Glasgow audience gave her an incredible reception, and she truly made a lasting impression on the crowd. Keep an eye out for her later this year; she’s an artist we highly recommend you check out.
As the intro music began, it was time to welcome Ziggy Alberts to the stage. The noise level was incredible as he opened his set with “Days in the Sun,” leaving the crowd in awe. Ziggy’s powerful voice delivered his pop-folk songs beautifully. He greeted the audience, saying, “Welcome to the Ziggy Alberts show. Feel free to laugh at me; I’m the one with the moustache and the mullet.” It wasn’t his appearance that captivated the Glasgow crowd, but his infectious smile that sent them into a frenzy.
The set was an eclectic mix of old favourites and fresh tracks that had the Glasgow crowd singing their hearts out. Highlights of the opening included “Gone (The Pocahontas Song),” “Heaven,” and the exceptional “Getting Low.” Each song showcased his remarkable ability to craft poignant and evocative lyrics, beautifully paired with captivating melodies. You could feel the emotional pull of his words with every note, each song tugging at the audience’s heartstrings.
Ziggy had the Glasgow audience completely enthralled, demonstrating his prowess as a performer who knows precisely how to captivate and maintain their rapt attention. His stage presence was commanding yet intimate, creating a connection that made the evening unforgettable. The synergy between his lyrical depth and musical talent ensured that every moment of the performance resonated deeply with those in attendance.
During the show, the main performer extended a warm invitation to the support artist, Steph String, to join him on stage. The two musicians then performed together, creating a memorable moment that captivated the audience. Their harmonies were nothing short of spectacular, and the crowd was absolutely enthralled, savouring every second of their rendition of “Runaway.” This electrifying performance set the perfect tone before he concluded the set with an incredible version of “Love Me Now.” The energy in the venue was electric, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating more even as he took a short break.
Returning to the stage, he electrified the audience with his performance of “Singing for Country.” The crowd’s enthusiasm soared as he seamlessly transitioned into “New Love,” a song that resonated deeply with everyone present. The energy in the venue was electric, with fans swaying and singing along to every word. As the night drew to a close, he delivered a mesmerizing rendition of “Laps Around the Sun.” The atmosphere reached a fever pitch, with the crowd in full voice, dancing joyously and waving their hands in the air. It was a truly magical moment, a beautiful connection between the artist and the audience that would be remembered for years to come.
Tonight was truly unforgettable, marking the first time I had the privilege of witnessing Ziggy’s extraordinary talent live. His performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving me completely in awe. Ziggy’s masterful guitar playing and captivating music created an electrifying atmosphere that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.
If you have a passion for exceptional music and outstanding guitar artistry, I wholeheartedly recommend that you attend one of Ziggy’s shows. His ability to connect with the audience and deliver an unparalleled musical experience is something you simply cannot miss.
Moreover, keep an eye out for Steph Strings, another phenomenal artist who will be embarking on her tour later this year. Her unique style and skill promise to deliver an equally compelling performance. Don’t miss the chance to see both of these incredible musicians live; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the final note is played.
Review and Photographs by James Edmond Photography
