The sold-out Barrowlands welcomed Tom McGuire and the Brassholes, with support from Cara Rose and Bohemian Monk Machine on Saturday 27th January. The least I can say is that they rocked the place.
The show was a true celebration of funk music, and the happy gang was at their best, delivering pumped-up grooves and tight musical arrangements.
Unfortunately, I missed Bohemian Monk Machine as I arrived halfway through Cara Rose’s set.
Cara Rose
The soulful singer/songwriter delivered jazzy pop tunes with impressive maturity in her vocals. The 25-year-old reminded me of Amy Winehouse, with a touch of Lily Allen. Her set filled the room with good vibes, and the last song she played called ‘This Nights Man’ was the perfect transition from her performance to Tom McGuire’s. I wish I arrived earlier, but hopefully, I’ll catch her at St Luke’s on Saturday 1 April.
The first thing I noticed while waiting for the headliners is that the entire Glasgow music scene was at the Barrowlands that night. I came across so many familiar faces from local events and open mic nights. I already felt like it was going to be a night to remember for the Scottish music scene.
Tom McGuire and the Brassholes
Just before 9pm, the audience went wild, chanting the band’s name and clapping as they finally took to the stage.
If you’re looking for a high-energy, funk-fueled musical experience, look no further than Tom McGuire and the Brassholes.
The powerhouse doesn’t even have to work the crowd. They’re right there in the moment with them. As the audience is dancing and singing along, it creates a fun and inclusive atmosphere, even if you’re not usually into soul/funk music. That said, frontman Tom McGuire’s banter also helped in making everyone feel like they were part of the show.
From the viral debut single ‘Ric Flair’ to the infectious ‘Better’ and ‘Rise Up!’, the band showcased their amazing skills and undeniable chemistry, making it clear that they truly love what they do and that they have fun playing together.
The lively musicians also graced us with a brand new tune ‘Stay Rad’, taken from their upcoming record which will come out in February.
From start to finish, the vibe in the room was electric, and the band definitely fed off the energy of the crowd and responded by delivering an even more explosive performance as the show was coming to an end. As expected, the grand finale involved crowd-surfing on an inflatable pizza, and the audience still couldn’t get enough.
What’s Next?
Hot on the heels of this fantastic show, the musicians have announced a Scottish tour in March:
17th – Beat Generator, Dundee
18th – Tunnels, Aberdeen
19th – The Tooth & Claw, Inverness
23rd – The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
24th – Mac Arts, Galashiels
25th – The Bungalow, Paisley
Tom McGuire and the Brassholes is a must-see for all fans of funk music.
The gang has rightfully earned their title as the best in the genre, bringing their electrifying sound, blazing solos and dynamic stage presence to the show. Get ready to dance, sweat, and have a blast!