GIG REVIEW | BLACKBIRDS @ KING TUTS | 03/06/22

You can’t ask for much more as a band than to be headlining Glasgow’s iconic King Tuts on a Friday night. Yet rising young rock band, Blackbirds were lucky enough to get just that, and what a night it was.

The Wee Reprobates

Credit: Leona Stewart

The night began with a debut performance from Paisley duo The Wee Reprobates. Taking to the stage for their first time, the pair gave us a loud set which was fresh and exciting.

Playing a mix of their own unreleased songs, alongside a few covers including ‘Mr Brightside’ by The Killers, which got those who came early to see the lads singing along. 

Reminding us of how grateful they were to be on the stage, the pair took the time to pay homage to the Glasgow music scene. Thanking the likes of Spyres and Gallus for inspiring them to make music they dedicated their own song  ‘Glasgow Gigging’ to the scene as a whole. 

If you’re a fan of the likes of Snash, Gallus and Pleasure Heads, then it is certainly worth keeping an eye on The Wee Reprobates. 

They are playing a hometown gig at The Bungalow in Paisley on June 23rd. Tickets HERE.

The Streams

Credit: @streamsband

Punters continued to roll in as The Streams took to the stage. 

Kicking things off with their own ‘Dream My Life Away’, it was clear that the five piece had brought a collection of supporters with them, as cheers erupted throughout Tuts. 

Playing the stage like it was their own, The Streams played their way through their discography flawlessly, commanding the crowd like pro’s. 

Creating an electric atmosphere for the headliners, they closed with a fantastic cover of Kasabian’s hit ‘Fire’, leaving a packed crowd pumped for more.

Blackbirds

Credit: @jade7stewart

It wasn’t long before the main attraction came under the lights. Blackbirds. An indie rock four piece from across Glasgow. 

Sounding like a fun mix of Ocean Colour Scene and Oasis, with a hint of Kasabian in there, Blackbirds discography, albeit short, is impressive. 

A crowd littered in merchandise eagerly listened along as front man Andy Campbell made his way through their impressive unreleased singles. Paired with incredible guitar riffs which left punters stunned, it was clear why Blackbirds were headlining King Tuts. They are loud, they are fresh and they have talent.

Their debut single ControlFreak of course was the highlight of the night, and understandably so. Commanding the stage throughout the night was light work for these boys who looked nothing but comfortable playing to the crowd. 

As their set closed chants began for an encore before they lads who hadn’t even left the stage. Obliging and thanking the crowd, Blackbirds treated us to a further two songs ‘Project Aquatone’ and ‘New World Rising’ before exiting stage left, leaving a packed King Tuts’ desires fulfilled.

Blackbirds are supporting Velvet Starlings on in Edinburgh’s Sneaky Petes on June 25th. Tickets HERE.