Having been awoken at 5am with the demand of getting an intolerably early Ferry back to Glasgow from the Outer Hebrides was in and of itself a challenge.

That coupled with scorching temperatures, an increasing strain of tennis elbow from all the driving and a badly timed train strike meant for us at The Golden Bough, entry to the festival on Friday was only manageable close to 5pm.

But with our camera charged and ready to go here is what we thought about Day 1 at TRNSMT.

The Last Dinner Party whose rise within mainstream media has been nothing short of meteoric, a band with recent controversial headlines who seem like they have something to prove, but do so in a manner that seems effortless and almost, this performance seems like second nature – possibly due to their extensive tour schedule.

This evening they bounded on stage, all smiles in the sunshine and rubber stamped that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Their performance was an intoxicating mix of raw energy and polished artistry. Leading with “Burn,” the band’s dynamic presence immediately captured the crowd’s attention. “Feminine Urge” followed, its powerful lyrics resonating with the audience, while “Sinner” showcased their ability to blend dark, brooding tones with infectious melodies. As they wrapped up with “Nothing Matters,” it was clear that this band is on the cusp of something extraordinary, leaving the crowd eager for more.

Next up on the main stage was the Queen of grunge herself, Garbage, fronted by the indomitable Shirley Manson. The band delivered a masterclass in alt-rock, with Manson’s unmistakable voice and commanding stage presence leading the charge.

As the band were welcomed on stage by a full marching pipe band, Manson looked absolutely resplendent doused in burning red tartan that seemed to catch fire in the setting evening sun.

The set was packed with high-energy tracks like “Cherry Lips,” setting a vibrant tone for their performance. In between songs, Manson took a moment to comment on all the pink cowboy hats present in the audience which reflected many of them must have been at the recent Taylor Swift concert. When this was met with a mixed response she declared her appreciation that “Taylor’s taking the music industry and making it her bitch,” a sentiment that was met with roaring approval from the crowd.

“Only Happy When It Rains” followed, its melancholic yet anthemic vibes making its mark deeply with the audience. The nostalgic “Stupid Girl” and the infamous “Think I’m Paranoid” kept the momentum going, proving that Garbage’s hits are as potent as ever. The band’s synergy and Manson’s fierce charisma made for a set that was both nostalgic and refreshingly relevant.

As the sun began to set, Liam Gallagher took to the main stage, drawing the largest crowd of the day. The anticipation was palpable, and Gallagher did not disappoint. Opening with “Married with Children,” he immediately transported the audience back to the heyday of Oasis. The anthemic “Supersonic” had the crowd singing along word for word, while “Half the World Away” offered a moment of reflective camaraderie.

The highlight of the night, for us, was undoubtedly “Slide Away,” delivered with such passion that it felt like a personal call to war for everyone in the audience that continues to hold, “Definitely Maybe” close to their bosom even after all this time.

Gallagher’s setlist was a well-curated mix of tracks from “Definitely Maybe” and other Oasis classics, satisfying the crowd’s hunger for nostalgia. His swagger and vocal prowess reminded everyone why he remains a prominent force in rock music, regardless of how much you love or loathe him.

Deliriously sleepy but filled with an abundance of joy off we went into the night to rest ahead of Saturdays busy schedule.

Photos: Angela Canavan

Words: Daniela Latina & Angela Canavan