After rescheduling their Cherry Blossom tour due to Covid, The Vamps took Glasgow by storm on Sunday night!
Dedicated fans had been lining the streets hours prior in anticipation of seeing the British pop rockers. As the doors opened, tickets scanned and the crowd piling into the Art deco venue – the excitement was feverish.
First to take the stage was Lauran Hibberd, an English singer-songwriter with an edge. With hands in the air, soon enough the crowd were singing along to the catchy choruses from songs like “Boy Bye” and “You Never Looked So Cool”. A performance packed with girl power and rock-band undertones, Lauran and Co. got everyone moving buzzing for the night ahead. A lucky few also caught the free hats being thrown into the crowd!
JC Stewart was next up. A man and his guitar had Glasgow in the palm of his hand. The Irishman wasted no time in delivering a sensational performance and treating us to a new release never played live before. JC’s electic setlist evoked all kinds of emotions, an adept performance of passion and musicianship. A blend of up-beat acoustic guitar rhythms and a mighty bass-trigger, elicited an eager response from the Glasgow fans. A mix of originals and covers such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” were favoured by the audience. Jumping, clapping and singing along – his job here is done, the air filled with anticipation for what comes next.
After a brief interval of refilling drinks and singing along to some great between-act-tunes, the moment came for the Vamps to take the stage. Despite prior performances being top quality, there was a noticible crescendo in screams as the lights went down.
A theatrical opening with gorgeous set design. The stage adorned with artifical cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling, multiple strobe lights lit up the O2 in a flurry of colours and the first few notes of “Married in Vegas” spilled out the PA. A sea of people belting their hearts out to every word in perfect pitch created an ocean of harmonies throughout the venue.
Bradley Simpson took his time to chat to the audience, making the gig more intimate and memorable for everyone in attendance. Even displaying a Scotland flag thrown on stage by a fan on a mic stand, highlighting just how genuine the appreciation for their fans is. Friendly banter back and forth between the members on stage and those in the crowd was heartwarming to witness – the long wait was worth it.
Fan favourites like ” Oh Cecillla” and “All Night” had us all in top form. Having never listened to the Vamps before, I must admit I found myself singing along to the classics. The audience consisted of all age groups which emphasises the weight this band has across the board.
Sunday proved to be an performance not many will forget in a hurry. The authenticity oozed from everyone on stage, their love for the audience infront of them and the pool of those who make gigs like this possible was beyond doubt. As the 5 song encore came to an end, a final roaring applause filled the building and the night drew to a close. A phenomenal performance from everyone involved.