Latest news with #AMillionLoveSongs
Glasgow Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
I saw Gary Barlow perform in Glasgow's Armadillo
Singer Gary Barlow stripped it back to basics from the big production shows his fans are used to for an intimate set in Glasgow's Armadillo tonight - and the results were simply wonderful. The razzmatazz of the Take That shows was nowhere to be seen as he opted for a set featuring incredible musicians showing off their talent. Opening up with his 1997 solo track Open Road, the 54-year-old quickly switched things back to familiar territory with the Take That smash Greatest Day as confetti fell into the crowd. (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) Smiling from ear to ear, Barlow beamed: 'Good evening Glasgow 'It's always loud in Scotland.' And the screams echoed around the arena as he rearranged Take That classics Sure and Everything Changes. (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) The Piano star Brad Keller then joined Barlow on stage for a performance of A Million Love Songs with saxophonist Mike Stevens in tow, and it sounded just gorgeous. The Flood - the song which launched Robbie Williams' brief return to Take That in 2010 - was a moment to remember, with the crowd singing in unison with their arms in the air. (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) What's great about Barlow's solo gigs is that he gets to show his true self on stage. You can see glimpses of what he learned in his early career performing in the working men's clubs from the humour he honed from the comedians to encouragement of audience participation, it makes you feel part of the show - and it's something that can be easily lost the bigger the crowd, yet Barlow has mastered it. (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) Patience put Barlow's voice in the spotlight, and he sounded incredible. We know he can write songs, his talent is exceptional, but when he sings them on his own, you feel the meaning even more. This was the case during a piano performance of Forever Love, it was just beautiful. READ NEXT: I saw Take That at the Glasgow Hydro - my verdict READ NEXT: Review of Gary Barlow with Leona Lewis at the Glasgow Hydro READ NEXT: Review: Take That musical The Band at the King's Theatre (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) Shine delighted the crowd, let's face it that song just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, it's a complete mood lifter while Relight my Fire got the party started. The pop masterpiece Back for Good then delivered reminding fans of the beauty of Barlow's writing, it's pure genius and a song that's stood the test of time. (Image: Gary Barlow performs at Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) Finishing things off, Barlow flattered: 'The fact you've chosen to spend your evening with us means the world,' before performing Rule the World and Never Forget.
Press and Journal
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Gary Barlow at P&J Live: A Million Love Songs Later... the Take That star's 'still got it'
The closest I had ever come to Gary Barlow before last night's concert at P&J Live, was on the 400 posters covering every inch of my best friend's bedroom wall in the 90s. I've never managed to get tickets to a Take That concert, and despite sharing the same birthday as Jason Orange, which for a brief period in 1994 when I was obsessed with Mystic Meg made me feel quite special, I had yet to experience Mr B live. Well, I can't lie – it was absolutely brilliant. Teenage Lindsay was in her element. And middle-aged Lindsay, though an absolute newbie, was no less impressed. Accompanied by my dancing mother, who may as well have been on castors, I wasn't sure what to expect from a show covering three decades of music. Compared to much-publicised mega productions by Take That, it was clear from the outset that seeing the Songbook Tour show would be different. When the curtain lifted, a sequin-jacket wearing Barlow went straight into Open Road, led from his piano, with a swing-band set up around him. A backdrop of choreographed lighting, reacting to the music, was the only frill in this otherwise stripped-back show. But as was abundantly clear from the first bar, his pitch-perfect vocals need no gimmicks to showcase his extraordinary talent. The largely female audience waited not a single moment to relive their youth. On their feet and responding to every Barlow body gesture like he was conducting an adherent cult, it was clear that I may have been the only person in the arena not versed in GB etiquette. That said, it didn't stop me enjoying every second of the show. He jumped between the decades and styles with a swing version of Sure to a Mumford and Sons-esque Let Me Go. Then into a classic version – complete with perfect sax and flawless vocals – of A Million Love Songs. This only served to showcase Gary's undisputable talent. Oh, and a heap of teenage heartbreak memories too. Up tempo – he nailed it. Slow and pure – wow. Nae, wow-wee. And then, *cue screaming women by the thousand* – his dance routine to Pray. The self-deprecating Mr B may have joked: 'See, I've still got it', but nobody there would have disputed that. Looking so like his much younger self ala Do What You Like (okay, so he was fully clothed, and there was way less baby oil), I had to twice Google how old he is. Fifty-four years old. Not gonna lie, my 45-year-old knees were creaking just swaying alongside him and his band. Speaking of which – hats off to the trombone player, saxophonist and bassist who bopped along with ferocity all the night long. Superb energy and non-stop entertainment. His singers, musical director and wider band were no less phenomenal. His quip about being 'heavily rehearsed' was surely more fact than fiction. High-energy performances, stunning musicality, and no break? INSANE. My personal highlights were Relight My Fire, his new country style tune 'If There's Not a Song About It' and Never Forget, in the finale. Yes Mr B, it may have taken me 30 years to get to see you live, but I'm very glad I got there in the end. Brilliant night made all the more memorable by being there with my now-hoarse mum.
