Few artists can command a stage like John Grant, and at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowlands—a venue known for its electric energy and storied history—Grant’s performance was nothing short of magnetic. Originally from Michigan, Grant has won a global following with his fusion of synth-pop, electronica, and indie-rock, crafting a sound that’s both expansive and intensely personal. Tonight, the Barrowlands crowd witnessed a set that was as theatrical as it was heartfelt, with every track a study in atmosphere, vulnerability, and pure musical prowess.

But before Giant’s synth-driven grandeur took hold, it was Big Special’s turn to rile up the crowd. Channeling gritty post-punk and garage rock energy, Big Special stomped on stage with a wild confidence that instantly captivated. Their rallying cry—“We’re not John Grant, but we come with a message: the disco starts now!”—set an audacious tone for the evening. The duo’s sound is all grit and raw fervor, and their punchy, anthemic tracks like Black Horse Legs and Distant Stories resonated deeply. “Anyone want to be honorary Midlanders?” they called out, managing to wrest a few whoops from a tough crowd.

“We don’t get to play the Barrowlands that often so let’s do have a dance on that famous dance floor..” with that both members of the band carrying a cymbal launch themselves in amongst the throngs of people gathered to cry out through dancing with more than just a pinch of audience participation. Their track “Tries” With a gritty blend of post-punk stomp and sharp humor, Big Special pulled off an opening that was both chaotic and unforgettable.

When the lights dimmed and John Grant’s set began, it was like stepping into a different universe. His stage was packed with synthesizers, drum machines, and gadgets, setting the scene for his synth-pop and electronic-fueled odyssey. Opening with the haunting Spooky Intro, inspired by horror films, Grant set a cinematic tone before launching into All the School for Nothing, wielding a keytar and effortlessly shifting between irony and sincerity. This track—blending new-wave edge with electronic melancholy—captured the essence of Grant’s unique sound: a rich blend of synth-pop atmospherics and emotional vulnerability.

The show felt like two acts. The first half was operatic and sweeping, highlighted by disco laden tracks like Black Belt and Mars, with the stage lights casting an otherworldly glow that turned Barrowlands into an interplanetary dance floor. His disco-heavy sound and signature humor came through on tracks like Daddy and Zeitgeist, creating an immersive, larger-than-life experience.

The second half saw Grant delve into his melancholic, introspective side, shifting effortlessly into synth ballads like Glacier and Pale Green Ghosts, with a stripped-back sound that left the crowd entranced. With Boy from Michigan, Giant turned reflective, sharing his anxieties about the upcoming U.S. election. These moments revealed his rare ability to balance grandeur with raw vulnerability.

“I’m wearing this because I feel very reverent,” he joked, donning a robe and summoning his assistant for a pair of sunglasses—an irreverent moment amid the theatrical intensity as the band prepared for the encore.

The night closed with a full-throttle finale featuring Meek AF, The Child Catcher, and an extended, rocked-out version of Chicken Bones that took the energy to new heights. John Grant’s performance was a blend of theater, synth-pop disco, and rock intensity—a true spectacle that showed why he holds such a special place in his fans’ hearts.

Article: Angela Canavan