Squeeze - Kelvingrove Bandstand 01/08/2024

The beautiful summer sky, and the band's harmonious tunes made for a truly magical night.

Under the beautiful summer sky of Glasgow, Squeeze graced the Kelvingrove Bandstand, delivering an unforgettable performance that spanned decades of their illustrious career. The band, known for their clever lyrics and catchy melodies, has long been a beloved fixture in the music scene, and their connection with the Glasgow audience was palpable from the first note to the last.

The evening kicked off with the customary opener "Take Me Im Yours," setting a nostalgic tone that resonated with the crowd. The band members, all suited up, brought a touch of class to the stage, with the keyboard player standing out in a resplendent tartan suit, adding a local flair to the ensemble.

"Up the Junction" was the first of the big singalongs, with the audience joyfully joining in on the iconic riffs. The band introduced several new songs, including "Beautiful Summer," a touching piece about falling in love at any age. This was followed by "It's Over," a track from their forthcoming album, capturing the bittersweet end of a relationship, a theme that likely struck a chord with many in attendance.

Squeeze treated the crowd to four new songs in a row, allowing the audience to sit and absorb the fresh material. Despite the newness of these tracks, the crowd remained receptive, appreciating the bands continuous evolution. The performance of "Labelled with Love" saw us wanting to open a new whisky bottle!

"Goodbye Girl" featured plenty of cowbell, much to the delight of the fans. "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)" had everyone up and dancing, a testament to the timeless appeal of Squeezes music. As the twilight deepened, "Tempted" played out against the backdrop of the stunning Kelvingrove Park, the perfect soundtrack to a Glasgow summer night.

Chris Diffords comment, "This is Glenn Tilbrook'he's so cool he could be Scottish," elicited cheers and laughter, in reference to a crowd members sign that said "Squeeze - you are so F*cking cool, you could be Scottish!" This reinforcing the bands warm rapport with the Glasgow crowd. From that straight into the anthem "Cool for Cats" which brought the harmonies of the entire band to the forefront, showcasing their vocal prowess and tight musicianship.

The evening also featured a standout slide guitar solo in "Now Shes Gone," and full band solos that highlighted the individual talents of each member. The audience was then treated to "Slap and Tickle," leaving everyone buzzing with excitement.

As the night drew to a close, the band performed "Coffee in Bed," wrapping up an evening of superb music, nostalgia, and new beginnings. Squeezes performance at the Kelvingrove Bandstand was a perfect blend of past and present, underlining why they remain such an enduring and beloved band. The Glasgow choir in full force, the beautiful summer sky, and the band's harmonious tunes made for a truly magical night.

Review and photography by Craig McGee.

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