The iconic Barrowland Ballroom was packed out as Scottish crowds patiently waited for the return of Don Broco!
With the first support act from the alternative indie band Plasticine who are based in Glasgow, they did a fantastic job opening up and getting the crowd warmed up.
It’s amazing to see the support for a local band, and personally, I’m a fan as I love to support local artists, especially when they are female-fronted! Not only did the locals get behind supporting the indie pop sounds from Plasticine but later on the evening lead singer of Don Broco, Rob Damiani gave a special mention of their talent:
“These guys are ridiculous, ridiculous – and then they came on this stage and tore it up…!”
📸: Rachael Sweeney
Plasticine saw their first headline show sell out at the start of summer this year, and I’m sure they will continue to do this in the future. You can stream them now and make sure you check out their latest release ‘Deep End.’
The final support act to get us ready for a Don Broco party were the indie guys’ Kid Kapichi.
The four lads from Hastings with a lot of passion for their songs as they explored important themes and created a fun atmosphere, as you could visibly see the fun and energy they brought and had on the iconic ballroom stage. Even their sound engineer prepared them for how a Glasgow crowd is ready as lead singer Jack Wilson shared:
“Last time we played Glasgow (which is always a treat), this time the sound engineer in my ear tells me, ‘make sure before you go on stage‘, he says, ‘remember to do here we, here we’…” ( and of-course the Glasgow crowd need no further encouragement to finish that famous trademark chant).
📸: Rachael Sweeney
This was the first time I caught these guys, and their unique sound reminded me of a mix between Oasis, Royal Blood, The Streets and Dinosaur Pile Up.
They capture me with the cool synth sounds and beats they put behind their guitars and rap lyrics. My personal favourite song from their setlist was ‘Rob The Supermarket’ and it certainly got the crowd moving a lot more.
📸: Rachael Sweeney
I also enjoyed hearing ‘Death Dips’ as this was the first mosh pit that happened on the night which geared up fans for the night ahead. These guys brought a new level of energy as they wrapped up their set and had a great fun stage presence.
Finally, I could hear one of my favourite intros to a song with ‘Gumshield’ as Rob Damiani (vocals), Matt Donnelly (drums and vocals), Simon Delaney (guitar) and Tom Doyle (bass) came out to a roaring reception of the packed out Barrowlands.
The energy from the minute they came out was immense! Opening with ‘Gumshield’ was a fantastic shout – but they kept that going as they brought more ferocious energy with ‘Manchester Super Reds No. 1 Fan’ and ‘Come Out To LA’. These guys were persistent in sparking the crowds’ energy – from Rob’s unique dance moves to Simon’s high kicks!
📸: Rachael Sweeney
📸: Rachael Sweeney
For anyone who came to stand and watch, it does not happen! The guys’ interactions and passion are infectious! Damiani on lead vocals even knew the script with the renowned ‘bouncy ballroom’ calling it the ‘best floor’ to get everyone jumping!
It’s been two years since Don Broco last visited Glasgow and these guys were worth the wait. The setlist was endlessly thrilling covering recent songs from their latest album ‘Amazing Things’ they packed a punch with ‘Uber’, giving us nostalgia with ‘Superlove’ and ‘Nerve’ to playing the extravagant hits with mosh pits and crowd surfers galore from ‘Fingernails’ and ‘Action’.
What I really appreciate about this band, is their dynamic songs – they have the ability to bring different emotions, energy and sounds. You are transported to a genre that will cater for anyone, whether it’s rock, rap, alternative or a ballad like ‘One True Prince’ which is met with tasty harmonies from Matt.
I can’t only comment on how this band sound live – but their stage presence is insane! The crowd interaction they bring from them covering all sections of the crowd, Damiani jumping into the front, to hosting the legendary game of badminton that is famous in our Glasgow Don Broco Gigs!
📸 Rachael Sweeney
They did not disappoint us as they delivered a new bad boys badminton club and obviously, we hit a brand new record of ten! (The sounds in the room were deafening of sheer buzz). Also a quick shout out to Rob Damiani forever bringing us the coolest of shirts, but he quickly noticed a fan’s funky duck shirt which was kindly donated to Rob who wore it through the rest of the set.
You would not expect any less of a Glasgow crowd and they fulfilled all expectations chanting an ear-splitting and rip-roaring ‘Here we, here we’ during the favourable song ‘Pretty’.
The mood was euphoric for the encore of what feels like an anthem was the favourable ’T-shirt Song’ as a sea of t-shirts were swinging in the air.
This was a beautiful way to round off a top night as Damiani opened with important words that so many of us can relate and connect with:
“Since playing this show now – since the pandemic after a couple of years of no shows, it took on a whole new meaning for us.
It taught us, that all you people in this room – this is what it’s about. Nothing compares. Whatever stuff you have going on in your life, however bad it is – music has the power to get you through anything.”
There was a great sense of immense unity in the phenomenal Barrowlands as voices sang together to a close – connecting with the words, feeling there was no time for regret and thankful that,
Don Broco – we wouldn’t be who we’d be without you.
📸: Rachael Sweeney