The Saw Doctors - Kelvingrove Bandstand 07/08/2024

The Kelvingrove Bandstand proved to be the perfect venue for such a memorable evening

On a delightful evening at the Kelvingrove Bandstand, the Irish band The Saw Doctors graced Glasgow with an unforgettable outdoor performance, deviating from their usual Barrowlands haunt. As the crowd gathered under the open sky, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

From the moment the band took the stage, the audience was treated to an evening of vibrant energy and beloved classics. The third song of the night, "Tommy K," set the tone for the evening with its infectious rhythm and sing-along chorus, drawing the crowd into a communal celebration.

One of the standout moments of the night came when the whole audience became a choir, taking away from the all-male choir of the band on the stage, leading the audience in a powerful rendition of the final verse of "Useta Love Her." The added "heys" to the backing vocals breathed new life into the song, showcasing the bands ability to evolve and keep their music fresh for longtime fans.

Amidst a backdrop of sociopolitical tension, with riots reportedly looming over Glasgow, the concert became a symbol of unity and solidarity. A Palestinian flag waved in the crowd, reflecting the diverse and inclusive spirit of the event. Leo Moran shared a charming anecdote about their dinner choice in Glasgow the previous night, humorously noting their preference for Indian cuisine, though they could have chosen any dish from any country, thats a testament to the inclusivity of Glasgow - which led seamlessly into a heartfelt performance of "Man in the Moon."

The night continued with a visually stunning rendition of "Red and Green of Mayo," where the stage was bathed in the colours of the countys flag, turning the performance into an anthemic highlight of the evening.

In a humorous aside, Moran quipped about the necessity of an accordion for Irish music, before launching into the lively "Joyce Country Ceilidh Band," a song that had everyone on their feet. It was a playful nod to their roots and a testament to their enduring charm. The Ceilidh is more than welcome in these parts!!!

The setlist was peppered with hits and fan favourites, and the encore did not disappoint. The penultimate song featured the line, "Ill always be your friend," a sentiment that resonated deeply with the Glasgow crowd. The show concluded with an exuberant cover of "Goodbye Baby," seamlessly flowing into the bands own "Thats What She Said," reminiscent of a prime E-Street Band performance.

As the final notes faded, the band paid homage to their heritage with a guitar solo of "The Soldiers Song," the Irish national anthem, bringing the night to a poignant close. The Saw Doctors left the stage to roaring applause, having delivered a performance that was not only musically superb but also rich in camaraderie and spirit. The Kelvingrove Bandstand proved to be the perfect venue for such a memorable evening, underlining the bands special connection with their Glasgow fans.

Review by Craig McGee

This article has been viewed 2002 times