With the release of their new album The Forest is the Path Snow Patrol have set off on their UK and Ireland tour. We were lucky enough to nab tickets at the last minute for their sold out fifth show in Glasgow.
The night started off with Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt taking to the stage, armed with her acoustic guitar and backed by her band, she came out to start the show with my personal favourite of her songs, “Pages”. Nesbitt had managed to draw in a decently packed crowd almost filling both the standing area and seated sections. It was the biggest crowd I think I’ve ever seen for an opening act and it was definitely well earned.
Nesbitt’s performance drew you in. Her vocals are strong and emotive, filling the huge space of the Hydro with ease. The crowd responded well to each song, many clearly familiar with her music, singing along during some of her songs.
She took the time to speak to the audience, telling stories and making jokes. There was a moment where she paused her set to check in with the audience when someone was unwell. Her genuine warmth added an extra layer of connection that was very sweet.
She told the audience the inspiration behind her track “Parachute” that was inspired by the book Quiet. This song was another stand out moment coming in solidarity with all the introverts out there and showing Nesbitt’s ability to create a beautiful narrative with her music. The song was so good that I’m rather tempted to add Quiet to my reading list.
What really stood out during her set was the times she performed with minimal backing, allowing her voice to shine in its unfiltered form. They were powerful moments, and the emotional weight of her delivery could be felt by the growing crowd.
Nesbitt introduced a new track from her newly released album Mountain Music (The Summit), which she mentioned was inspired by Snow Patrol. The song was stunning and was a great way to start the excitement for the upcoming headliner.
Her second last song was a touching cover of “Caledonia”, a classic Scottish song that she made her own with a gorgeous soulful rendition that had the crowd swaying and singing along. She wrapped up her set with “I’m Coming Home”, a powerful song that again had people singing along. It was one of those beautiful songs that you could feel the power of in your chest.
This was a performance that not only proved Nina Nesbitt’s talent as a powerful and captivating performer but also put her on everyone’s radar as an upcoming star to watch. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her headline the Hydro one day. Safe to say this is one of the more impressive opening acts I’ve seen in a while.
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When it was time for Snow Patrol, a huge Glasgow projection was blasted onto the stage, a teaser of the upcoming visuals and an appreciated personal touch for the specific show.
From the moment Snow Patrol took the stage it was clear that this was going to be a great show. The crowd was immediately engaged, with good energy radiating through the venue as the band kicked off with “Take Back The City”.
I was surprised with the extent of the light show that started up. It was clearly well thought out, keeping time and complementing the music. The visuals layered on top of each other, mixing lasers and lights and projections to create an impressive visual art piece to complement the songs being played. The theatrics were particularly captivating while they played their song “All” from their new album, creating a mesmerizing experience.
In between songs, frontman Gary Lightbody’s sense of humour kept the audience well entertained. He joked about the band’s run of good weather on tour, noting that it had only started to rain once they reached Glasgow, letting them know they were “home” (since the band had lived here for 10 years). A mistake from the frontman at the start of the next song “Crack The Shutters” only added to the humour, as Gary laughed it off and turned the moment into a joke with the venue laughing along.
The band dedicated “Set Fire to the Third Bar” to Martha Wainwright who featured on the song’s release. They had a recording of Wainwright playing on the screen behind them which not long into the song became a part of the effects as it blended with other visuals and lights. It was “Run” that really captured the heart of Glasgow having been dedicated to the city. As the band played, the crowd joined in. It was as if the whole venue was singing, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
The visuals for the new album track “The Beginning” were cool and immersive, blending in well with the music, while the stage itself came alive with colourful projections. There was a particularly cool segment where the visuals accompanied an impressive base solo which was really awesome to watch.
Snow Patrol amazed the audience with “The Lightning Strike” a stunning piece that unfolds like a journey, beginning with a slow build that escalates into an intense experience. The band paired this powerful song with the previously used visuals but this time on a new level. The flat visuals on the screen behind the band seemed to crawl out of the screen, with the use of the projector, to cover the whole stage. The visuals built themselves into a tornado effect that spun around the band making them appear to be playing from the centre of a storm. The experience was almost overwhelming in the best way. Truly a cinematic masterpiece leaving a lasting impact long after the song fades.
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The band took a moment after that intense song to chat to the audience and praise their member Johnny McDaid who had continued to play gigs after surgery on his hand from breaking it in a train door. They dedicated the song “Talking About Hope” to him. This song had far more simple lights and visuals than the rest of the show which was a good break after the chaos before it. It also let the vocals, which had stayed strong throughout the night, stand out.
There were beautiful filmed visuals for “Open Your Eyes” but the production turned more elaborate for “Make This Go On Forever” when the overhead lighting rigs started to move and tilt giving the effect of the stage falling apart, which fit the song well.
We jumped back into the lights and lasers with “Shut Your Eyes”. Once again showing the extent of the production. We were hit with Snow Patrol’s biggest hit for the second last song “Chasing Cars”. The venue seemed to light up in excitement and phone torches as the crowd sang along. The audience’s energy was a testament to how much the song had impacted so many people.
The band ended on a beautiful performance of “You’re All I Have” before thanking the crowds and heading off stage.
Coming back for an encore, the band hit it off with the song “But I’ll Keep Trying” , a new release which many people seemed to know from start to finish. People were on their feet dancing along, having a great time. The gig came to a final end with “Just Say Yes”. The crowd was electric with good energy as people danced and sang along and waved their hands.
Snow Patrol’s set at the OVO Hydro surprised me with their stunning visuals and strong vocal performance. There was a lot of the gig I would describe as more of an art piece than just a performance. If you have the chance to get along to any of the remaining shows I’d definitely recommend it!
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