Richard Hawley’s live performance at Glasgow Barrowlands was a masterclass in musical and emotional dexterity, evocatively capturing the intricate layers of his discography while paying homage to past and present influences. The evening’s setlist served as a poignant journey through Hawley’s oeuvre, providing both long-time fans and new listeners with a profound live music experience.

Agreeing to go to this show when one is feeling slightly out of alignment with the concept of romantic love – seems borderline sadistic. Hawley is renowned for penning more than his fair share of romantic ditties. Infact, the this evenings set is littered with shimmering odes exulting the joy of finding true love. Ever the glutton for punishment off I went camera and pen in hand.

The show began with “She Brings the Sunlight,” immediately immersing the audience in Hawley’s rich, reverb-laden soundscapes. The track’s expansive feel set a high bar for the evening, showcasing Hawley’s unparalleled ability to blend his distinctive baritone with lush instrumentation. Following this, “Two for His Heels” brought a shift in tempo and mood, its bluesy undertones and intricate guitar work highlighting Hawley’s versatility as both a vocalist and guitarist.

“Prism in Jeans” continued the journey with its dreamy, nostalgic melody, creating an intimate atmosphere that enveloped the Barrowlands. This was swiftly followed by “Open Up Your Door,” a fan favourite (this fan to be precise) that elicited an immediate, heartfelt response from the audience. As couples new and old sidled together to sway in synchronicity together. Hawley’s delivery was both powerful and tender, his voice resonating with a depth of feeling that only comes from years of lived experience.

As the set progressed, the haunting “Just Like the Rain” and the anthemic “Tonight the Streets Are Ours” showcased Hawley’s ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Each note seemed to reverberate with a sense of place and memory, drawing the audience deeper into his world.

“Coles Corner,” a highlight of the evening, was performed with a poignant sensitivity that left the crowd mesmerized. The song’s reflective nature served as a perfect prelude to “Heavy Rain,” a track dedicated to Steve MacKay of Pulp. Hawley’s introduction—“I wrote this song for my brother Steve Mackay of Pulp. We knew each other since school and he sadly left us last year. I hate that word ‘processed,’ but this is how I got the feelings out”—was a heartfelt tribute that underscored the emotional weight of the performance. The dedication added a layer of solemnity and respect, resonating deeply with the audience.

“Don’t Stare at the Sun” and “Heart of Oak” continued to build on this emotional crescendo, with Hawley’s commanding presence ensuring every lyric and chord struck home. The 2000 strong capacity audience stood in almost perfect silence for “People”, the crowd’s rapt attention was palpable, a testament to Hawley’s ability to captivate and hold an audience through sheer musical prowess.

This was followed by “I’m Looking for Someone to Find Me” and finally when Hawley introduced “The Ocean” with a hint of sarcasm—“We don’t play this one often anymore”—it was a moment of light-heartedness that contrasted beautifully with the song’s introspective lyrics. The audience’s silent reverence during the performance was telling; the Barrowlands stood in awe, hanging on every note. A fitting finale that encapsulated the evening’s themes of love, loss, and longing. The song’s sweeping orchestration and Hawley’s evocative delivery left the audience in a reflective state, a perfect end to a night of beautiful music even for the brokenhearted…

Words: Angela Canavan

Pictures: Angela Canavan