Latest news with #CalumBuchan
Scotsman
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
'I saw Pulp on their tour's opening night and I didn't want it to end'
Asking an audience of 14,000 people to imagine they are sitting in a living room listening to their favourite band 'jamming on the settee' opposite them is quite a stretch - especially when you're playing Scotland's largest arena. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... And yet there's something about the way Jarvis Cocker spoke to his fans while he meandered around on stage throwing chocolates to those in the front row as he kicked off Pulp's tour at Glasgow's OVO Hydro that made it feel like an intimate exchange between friends - even when he was sunbathing in a spotlight, reclining in a leather armchair under a chandelier and sharing the stage with flailing air dancers. Despite the frontman's easy-osey approach to performing - admitting he can no longer hit a high note and chatting candidly about how he used to be unable to talk about love - the show has been planned meticulously in order to make it less of a gritty gig and more of a theatrical experience. The show was played in two parts, with the band appearing from behind a grand red curtain alongside a string ensemble and backing singers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Opening the show with three back-to-back tracks from the band's new album More, which was released just a day before, was a ballsy move but Spike Island, Grown Ups and Slow Jam set the tone for the night with the crowd hanging on every word and every note - a testament to how true-to-the-band the new record is. Pulp in Glasgow | Calum Buchan Old favourites came thick and fast after that, with everyone getting to their feet for Disco 2000, which was sandwiched between Sorted for E's & Wizz and F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. The remainder of the first act saw a peppering of new tracks Tina and Farmers Market, played between the likes of Help the Aged - the first time the band has played it live in more than a decade - This is Hardcore and Sunrise. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad An unorthodox 15 minute intermission came next and it's hard not to imagine that Cocker requested the interval purely to let him have a sit down and enjoy a cup of green tea and some grapes but, regardless of the reason, it worked well. Far from dampening the mood, the audience were buzzing when, as fans returned from the bar, they were given the chance to cheer for their song of choice - with underrated hit Seconds beating Dishes to the win. Pulp in Glasgow | Calum Buchan The band came out in front of the red curtain for an unplugged rendition of Something Changed before treating the audience to lesser-heard-live 90s tracks including The Fear, O.U. (Gone Gone) and Acrylic Afternoons. There wasn't much danger of people leaving on anything but a high, but to make absolutely sure that was the case, Cocker saved some of the band's best known tracks until last. Do You Remember the First Time? got everyone up on their feet, where they stayed for the remainder of the show as Cocker belted out some of the band's most iconic tunes, including Mis-Shapes, Babies and, of course, Common People. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I will say that I left the concert wishing they'd also played the likes of Pink Glove, Underwear or Like a Friend. But, far from that being a comment on what I'd have changed about the night or the setlist, it's merely a wish that the night could have lasted even longer.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Lionel Richie, Glasgow review: 'soul pop cabaret'
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Lionel Richie, Hydro, Glasgow ★★★ Let Lionel Richie start by saying I love you. There is arguably no swifter way to get a full house onside. Following a thunderous band overture of Hello, the veteran performer rose through a blanket of smoke, a clichéd showbiz entrance befitting the cheesiness of the song. And thus the soul pop cabaret of the Say Hello to the Hits tour commenced. Lionel Richie | Calum Buchan Richie mock-choked on his mention of his 50 years in music. He teased about the Scottish weather and joked about his ability to remember his words, then really did appear to stumble over the lyrics of Easy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Often, his vocal sat low in the mix, even on mawkish ballads Penny Lover and Stuck On You. But these were his songs and he was going to own them with a bit of tag team coverage from his band, manifesting Running with the Night in its full Eighties pomp. Lionel Richie at the Glasgow Hydro | Calum Buchan There was no denying the diversity of the catalogue, touching on reggae, Latin, R&B and rock influences, with The Commodores' smooth Sail On, sunshine optimism of You Are and sturdy funk of Brick House among the more satisfying renditions. Three Times a Lady may be the monster hit but Truly is the best of his piano ballads, arriving with a touch of old school melodrama, even if Richie quailed to belt it out. At least he had the audience to deputise for Diana Ross on Endless Love, but there was no hiding place on a nicely delivered Still. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lionel Richie at the Hydro, Glasgow | Calum Buchan
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Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
In pictures: Iggy Pop in Glasgow
Iggy Pop has been astonishing and delighting audiences over a career spanning nearly 60 years. Consistently named as one of the most influential musicians still performing today, the legend delighted his audience at Glasgow's O2 Academy on Tuesday. Here are a selection of pictures from Glasgow's incredible show. Make sure you keep up to date with Arts and Culture news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter. 1 . Iggy Pop With a career spanning nearly 60 years, Iggy Pop is one of the most influential musicians still performing today. | Calum Buchan Photo Sales 2 . A legend His many accolades include being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | Calum Buchan Photo Sales 3 . Influential Everybody from The Sex Pistols to Joy Division have acknowledged the influence he had on them. | Calum Buchan Photo Sales 4 . The Stooges He started out as lead singer of punk band The Stooges, before collaborating with David Bowie on his first two solo albums | Calum Buchan Photo Sales
Glasgow Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
I saw John Legend perform at Glasgow's Hydro
US singer John Legend brought soul to the Hydro on Tuesday night by performing an intimate set to a smaller crowd than the arena is used to. A trio of backing singers signalled his entrance by teasing vocals before the Ohio-born star appeared dressed in a satin suit. He then asked: 'What's up Glasgow?' - before demanding, 'Get on your feet, c'mon,' to perform Get Lifted. (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) Used to Love You - the 2004 debut he wrote and produced with rapper Kanye West - then followed. With a little swagger, he then launched into the tracks that featured on his 2004 debut Get Lifted including the Snoop Dogg featured I Can Change and Alright. (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) The night was about celebrating the two decades since that album's release, and vocally Legend has never sounded better. This was particularly evident when he took it back to church for a performance of Take My Hand, Precious Lord. His voice was just beautiful. (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) He then laughed: 'I am having so much fun going back 20 years with you all.' This moment marked the start of him reminiscing about his career. He revealed he played piano when he was just starting out on Lauren Hill's Everything is Everything before demonstrating the beat he created with his voice for Kanye's Jesus Walks - which featured on the rapper's debut The College Dropout - and the sound was quite something. He also boasted his CV included writing credits on Estelle's American Boy while he sang background vocals on Alicia Keys' You Don't Know My Name. (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) This section of the show lifted the mood instantly as the atmosphere up until that point had been rather lacklustre. A crowd that small in the Hydro just gets lost, and it showed. READ NEXT: I saw Gary Barlow perform in Glasgow's Armadillo - my verdict READ NEXT: I saw Sophie Ellis-Bextor perform in Glasgow's Armadillo - my verdict (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) (Image: John Legend performs at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, May 2025. Picture by Calum Buchan.) Ordinary People however, impressed with the audience modestly singing along while the Meghan Trainor duet Like I'm Gonna Lose You showcased the prowess in his voice. Surprising a fan, he got her on stage for a dance, and she seized the moment making the audience laugh. Finishing things off, he showed off his own dance moves again on Green Light which featured Outkast's Andre 3000 while All of Me was the moment of the night. He signed off: 'It's been so beautiful hanging out with you.'
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.
