As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across Glasgow Green, the TRNSMT festival kicked into high gear, proving once again that music festivals are the ultimate social experiment in controlled chaos. The day’s lineup featured an eclectic mix of nostalgia, emerging talent, and the kind of genre-bending acts that leave you wondering what planet you’ve landed on. (Ahem GALLUS) Let’s dive in.

The Vaccines opened the day (for us and our tired selves after yesterday’s prolonged voyage home) with their brand of polished indie rock, providing the musical equivalent of a caffeine jolt.

Their set was tight, energetic, and familiar—like slipping into a well-worn leather jacket or in this case a custom, hand stiched music note, very tailored suit and vintage Pringle knits The Vaccines cut a fine figure indeed . The crowd, eager for a taste of something recognizable, lapped up every riff and chorus. It’s hard to fault them for sticking to their formula; after all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We loved the tracks; “If You Wanna” and “Post Break Up Sex”.

Next, we had local upstarts Plasticine a band whose sound is in no way as malleable as their name suggests. Their synth-heavy soundscapes were a bold departure from the straightforward rock of The Vaccines. It was like watching a science experiment unfold on stage, with unpredictable bursts of electronic noise and hypnotic rhythms. The band play a tight set crafted with shimmering pop undertones tinged with a healthy dollop of good old 90’s grunge. Think Hole having a cute tea party with PJ Harvey. Either way, they left an impression.

ILI took the stage next, delivering a set that was both soothing and soporific. Their mellow tunes and cutesy pop overtones offer a fun segue. If there was an award for bed dressed ILI would 100% be bestowed with this honour. She’s wearing a Cher from Clueless purple plaid two piece that is lined with Parma Violet feather cuffs. Her stage presence is effervescent and she seems genuinely happy to be performing, she beckons the audience closer to the stage to preview her latest single, “Gelato” which is much to the crowds pleasure. We also lived tracks, “It’s Giving” and “2 Cool 2 Be Sombody”.

Enter Dylan John Thomas next on the main stage a hometown troubadour with a penchant for heartfelt ballads. His performance was like a warm hug—comforting, sincere and familiar. His genuine passion shone through, a nice palate cleanser, if you will. The crowd was densely packed out for his set, backed by talented groups of musicians he made his way through a ramshackle set studded with hits like, “Jenna”, “Feel the Fire”, “Yesterday’s Gone” and “Fever” it’s easy to see why him and his band are headlining the Hydro in December.

Then came the curveball: Rick Astley. The man, the meme, the legend. Rick rolled (see what I did there) out onto the stage and had everyone eating out of his hand. His set was pure nostalgia, and I’m not ashamed to admit I sang along to “Never Gonna Give You Up” with the rest of the crowd. He’s still got the chops and the charisma, proving that sometimes, memes do age well. And you know what? He absolutely killed it. His voice is still velvety smooth, and his stage presence is as charming as ever. He asked the audience, “How many of you had to take through your Granny’s records to figure out who I am?” Showcasing that boyish charm that we all love and know him for. The crowd, initially caught off guard, quickly surrendered to the good times with tracks like; “Cry for Help”, “Take Me in Your Arms” and “Together Forever” whipping the crowd up into a delightful frenzy. By the time “Never Gonna Give You Up” rolled around, it was a full-blown sing-along. Irony be damned—Rick’s still got it.

Vistas followed, bringing a dose of high-octane pop-rock. Their songs are built for festival stages—big, anthemic, and irresistibly catchy. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to jump up and down, which the crowd did with gusto. We loved tracks like; “Stranger”, Follow You Down” and “Retrospext”

The Courteeners were next, oozing with Mancunian swagger. Their set was a masterclass in indie rock bravado, with Liam Fray’s lyrics painting vivid pictures of urban life and late-night escapades. It’s music that’s both gritty and grandiose, and the crowd lapped it up like it was their lifeblood. They’re seasoned pros at this festival game, and it showed. Standout tracks included; “Are You in Love with a Notion?”, “Bide Your Time” and “Not Nineteen Forever”.

Finally, we closed the festival in the best way possible hot tailing it over to watch hometown darlings Gallus. If there was a moment when the festival reached its zenith, it was during their set.

These local heroes delivered a performance that was raw, energetic, and absolutely electrifying. From the opening riffs of “Eye to Eye” the band delivered a snarling beast of set littered with gems like, “Wash Your Wounds”, “Penicillin” and “Marmalade”.

Frontman Barry Dolan is giving Marvel baddie energy – Dr. Octavius to be exact with each note a pained well of emotion. Their punk-infused sound hit like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. The crowd went wild, feeding off the band’s frenetic energy. Gallus didn’t just play music; they ignited a firestorm. With much mosh pit energy and the singer playing a good portion of the set from inside the belly of the crowd even on someone’s shoulders at one point the energy was maelstrom of impulsivity.

They closed the set with “Fruitflies” which involved multiple friends being hauled over the barrier and on stage – the best kind of chaos. By far the stars of the day, they left no doubt that they’re a force to be reckoned with. A pity we didn’t realise they were playing an after part set at beloved McChuills afterwards.

And so, as the final notes echoed across the festival grounds and the crowd began their weary pilgrimage home, one thing was clear: TRNSMT had once again delivered a day of unforgettable performances, quirky surprises, and enough musical whiplash to last until… well tomorrow.

Words: Daniella Latina & Angela Canavan

Pictures: Angela Canavan