Clutch - O2 Academy

A reaffirmation of why rock music still matters

There are bands that tour constantly, and then theres Clutch - a group that treats every live show as a reaffirmation of why rock music still matters. Their stop at Glasgows O2 Academy was not just another date on the calendar, it was a reminder of the bands enduring power and the citys reputation as one of the most passionate live music destinations in the UK.

Neil Fallon emerged with the easy confidence of a frontman who knows exactly what he's about to unleash. There were no theatrics, no distractions, no bullshit - just four musicians locking into a groove to a bouncing crowd.

Tim Sults guitar tone was thick and snarling, equal parts blues grit and metallic weight, while Dan Maines bass rolled through the venue like a controlled demolition. Anchoring it all was Jean-Paul Gaster, whose drumming remains one of Clutchs greatest weapons.

The setlist struck a perfect balance between career defining staples, but also newer material. Early highlights like Spacegrass and The Regulator ignited the crowd into full voice, with choruses echoed back at the band in a wall of sound that only a Glasgow audience can accomplish. Deeper cuts landed with surprising force, proving that Clutchs newer songs like Slaughter Beach and Cypress Grove stand shoulder to shoulder with their classics in a live setting.

Fallon peppered the performance with his trademark dry humour and preacher-like delivery, guiding the crowd through tales of rebellion, and groove-laden swagger. The connection between band and audience felt totally genuine as if the venue itself was part of the performance.

As the night pushed toward its conclusion, the energy only intensified. The encore arrived not as a victory lap, but as a final, defiant surge - Electric Worry had the crowd bouncing as well as heavy riffs, pounding drums, and a crowd determined to squeeze every last drop from the experience. When the final notes rang out, the Academy was left buzzing and thoroughly satisfied.

Clutchs Glasgow performance was the kind that reinforces their status as one of the most reliable and compelling live bands of their generation. For those in attendance, it wasnt just a gig - it was an approval of faith in the enduring force of rock music.

Until next time Clutch.

Review and Photography by Stewart Fullerton.

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