CG Games opening Ceremony - Belle and Sebastian, Kelvingrove Bandstand

The Bandstand should have never been left to rot. This was built for bands like Belle & Sebastian. Its such a welcome addition to Glasgows music scene.

Glasgow is buzzing. Tropical weather, beer gardens full, entertainment everywhere you look. The Commonwealth Games have arrived and you would be forgiven for thinking that this was the worlds largest music festival, not a sporting event.

Tonight at one of the opening parties, my own highlight. Belle and Sebastian are opening the Bandstand.

There was a real excitement in the air as the band took to the stage. Rapturous applause for a Glasgow band who havent played the city in 4 years. They have had massive success in the states and tonights show felt like we were in LA watching them in an outdoor pavilion, not 5 minutes walk from my door.

Starting with instrumental Judy is a Dick Slap the band emerged dressed in track suits ready to take part in the games. The crowd cheered as they then burst into the wonderfully quirky, Im a Cuckoo
Another Sunny Day followed and was almost a nod to the sun-kissed bandstand. Stars of Track and Field was probably the first song B&S put in their set list after signing up for this gig.
Personal favourite Expectations started to bring out the dancers.
In between songs, Stuart had the crowd laughing to comments he was making about the games. He was enjoying this as much as we were.

"Dog on Wheels" probably brought out the biggest cheer of the night.
Other hits Piazza New York Catcher, Too Much Love and A Summer Waiting made up part of the rest of the excellent set list.

The Bandstand should have never been left to rot. This was built for bands like Belle & Sebastian. Its such a welcome addition to Glasgows music scene.

The band interacted well with the crowd all night. At various points inviting audience members onstage and then politely asking them to leave. They later said there "was plenty of room up here to dance" causing a lot of people to step up onto the stage.

The Boy With The Arab Strap had everyone up dancing and singing along. It really is an indie anthem. Legal Man and Judy and the Dream of Horses finished the show on a massive high. The mass finger clicking in between those songs was special, the whole audience joining in with Murdochs rhythm. At the end, the band lapped up the applause and bowed to the crowd in pantomime fashion.

Glasgow crowds and their chanting are famous around the world, the famous "one more tune" cry went on for about 10 minutes. Sadly for Vic Galloway he was the bearer of the bad news and subsequent boos as the band werent allowed back on. He did handle it well though.

Sun, songs and catchy singalongs. Tonight Glasgow was the only place to be.

My friend turned to me at one point and said "this is a lovely gig."
I think everyone in the bandstand agreed with him.

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