Gig Review: Gun / The Virginmarys / Gin Annie – Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow (11th December 2021)

Traditions are great, aren’t they? One Gun have been honouring these last few years is an end-of-year show at the Barras with a number of great support bands to sweeten the deal. Indeed, this is one of these shows which should have happened last year but now that we’ve been allowed out to play for a few months now, it actually went ahead.

Gin Annie have the unenviable task of kicking the night off and welcoming people in from the damp, dark Glasgow evening, one they’re quick to acknowledge as they hammer through their set. As no-frills hard rock in the vein we’ve had from dozens of bands over the last few years, it’s inoffensive and well put together. The quintet are a tight unit, making the most of the massive stage and don’t look out of place on it, unperturbed but they have a whiff of a band who thrive on the urgency and intimacy of club shows. Working in some call and response for the final song, it’s their strongest number, if a little stale from a lyrical standpoint in the “All I want to do is rock” arena. However, they make the most of their time on stage, knowing they have a few fans in the room but work to win over the newcomers and leave to louder applause than they started with.

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No strangers to Glasgow, playing the Barrowlands is a dream come true for The Virginmarys as they make their first visit to Scotland in over three years. Exuding power and passion, the urgency from opening number “Meds” shows the duo at their potent best. Much like their predecessors, they know they have a short time to impress which they do effortlessly but take time to thank Gun and extol their love for their favourite city. However, as standard closing number “Bang Bang Bang” signals the end of their brief stint, it becomes apparent that it’s one of the ballsiest sets The Virginmarys have attempted and subsequently stick the landing. As they hit old favourites of “Dead Man’s Shoes”, “Just a Ride” and “Portrait of Red”, everything else is brand new material which was debuted on their October tour. And it works.

As Ally Dickaty and Danny Dolan work in tandem beneath a mass of lights and thick smoke, they batter through their final set of 2021 with the fervour as if it was their last ever, intent to make their mark similarly to the last time they played with Gun for a single night back in 2016. As triumphant now as they were then, the authenticity pours as freely from them as the sweat does.

It’s a hard act to follow but if anyone can, it’s Gun. Taking the opportunity of playing to their hometown, albeit not as packed as previous years, they don’t let it deter them. Instead, they double down and are intent to make it their best Barras performance to date. Rattling through a career-spanning set, including a brand new number, it’s a set which starts on a higher before ascending further.

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Their excellent cover of “Word Up” acts as an excellent halfway point for the band, rather than rely on it towards the end (bands take note: do this more often). Elsewhere, the new track of “Backstreet Brothers” is classic Gun with a hint of modernity to it with its chugging riff and cocksure groove. As the band soak in the revelry of the night without arrogance, it’s hard to know who is having a better time – them or the crowd. Indeed, it’s a stark reminder of what we lost and missed over the course of almost two years. However, it’s not about doom and gloom, it’s about celebration.

Naturally, “Steal Your Fire” closes out the main set before the encore brings us the staples of “Better Days”, “Shame on You” and their equally punchy, raucous rendition of “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)”. Tighter than they’ve ever been, Gun continue to deliver the goods in a live environment without relying on hometown favours. Instead, there’s a feeling they push themselves harder in order to impress, especially for those of their ardent fans who have attended past Christmas Barras gigs. And as traditions go, there can’t be many better for rock fans of Glasgow, and one which looks to continue next year with 2022’s date already booked and tickets already available. Long may it continue!

Gun: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotifyyoutube

The Virginmarys: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | youtube | store

Gin Annie: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube

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November 29, 2023 9:05 PM

[…] the Barras is already rammed, and The Virginmarys are making their return to the iconic venue, almost two years after their debut. Despite being their favourite city to play, they’re greeted as strangers to the majority, but it […]