Billy Ocean - Kelvingrove Bandstand 13th August 2025

You knew it was going to be great, and Billy Ocean absolutely delivered.

The atmosphere was electric before the show had even truly begun. As the unmistakable opening notes of "Love Really Hurts Without You" filled the air, people were already dancing in the beautiful evening light on Kelvin Way - a perfect moment that set the tone for the entire night.

The hits came thick and fast. My personal favourite, "Red Light Spells Danger," was a majestic highlight. I was so convinced it would be the set closer, but when it started, I ran from the back of the crowd right to the front. Billy Ocean engaged perfectly with the audience, giving us the first few words of each line - as if anyone in the park needed them. Everyone knew every word, and the powerful sing-along went on for ages, a truly special moment.

As the show rolled on, he continued to pull out classics. From the joy of "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" to his signature dance moves, it was clear this was a show for the ages. When an artist rattles out their biggest hits from the start, you know youre in for something truly special, and thats exactly what this was.

He brought the tempo down beautifully with "What Is the Colour of Love." The saxophone solos were impeccable, with Billy still dancing away, proving hes still got the moves. A great moment and a beautiful nod to Bob Marley came with "No Woman, No Cry" as the sun set over the park and the lights came on. It was a stunning sing-along moment that will stay with me.

The energy ramped back up with the funky rhythm of "Mystery" before flowing into "Suddenly" and into "Loverboy." The set concluded with the absolute anthemic crowd-pleaser, "When the Going Gets Tough," a song that had everyone singing along at the top of their lungs.

Towards the end, Billy Ocean introduced his fantastic band, including his daughter, a backing vocalist, who was celebrating her birthday. It was a lovely, personal touch.

Stewart, doing photos, wanted to know how many people were outside, and we headed to the gates to find out. The sheer volume of people who were listening from the outside proved that this show could have sold out two times over - a testament to the amazing respect and love people have for this man.

The night felt like a trip back to a sun-soaked holiday. As he sang, "I wanna take you to a place with beautiful beaches / With beautiful rum," it was an intoxicating end to a perfect show. For a moment, with the Caribbean vibes and pure joy, I felt like I was back in Turks and Caicos. What a class act.


1. One World
2. Love Really Hurts
3. Nights
4. Stay the Night
5. Red Light
6. Car
7. Colour of Love
8. No Woman No Cry
9. Mystery
10. Suddenly
11. Lover Boy
12. Tough
13. Daylight
14. Queen

Review by Craig McGee, photography by Stewart Fullerton.

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