Lucia & The Best Boys closed their UK Tour 2025 in Glasgow, their hometown. For this special gig, they brought onto the stage two of the most promising emerging bands in the city: the super-talented Tanzana, who, with the powerful voice of their lead singer and their banging sound, gave me goosebumps for the entire opening act; and the well-known The Era with their iconic harp.

Lucia entered the stage like a Lúthien Tinúviel ready for battle. Instead, she sat on a thin, tall chair, brandishing a harmonium and introducing The Best Boys over the ethereal notes of an extended opening of Summertime.

It wasn’t just the harmonium that made an appearance in this incredible set—mandolin, flute, keyboard, and violin alternated throughout the show alongside classic rock ‘n’ roll instruments.

Of course, Lucia’s tambourine and drum couldn’t be left out, especially the latter in When You Dress Up, where, as the song invites, she transformed from a graceful elf into a warrior leading her army into battle against Morgoth’s horde of orcs.

Once the crowd had been well and truly warmed up, the band played a strong set of songs, including Angels Cry Too, the unforgettable Blueheart, and Burning Castles from the album of the same name.

After a wee break, during which Lucia expressed her gratitude for once again playing in her own city at SWG3 (where it was noted how the band had levelled up the venue within the same building over the years), a violin made its appearance on stage, along with four members of The Best Boys lined up, ready to recreate a performance that had previously been played exclusively in selected Scottish castles.

In this evocative and emotional moment, the band performed Haunt Your Back and Somewhere in Heaven, gifting the fans a beautiful experience that showcased their talent and ability to create truly memorable moments.

Another break followed before the band regrouped in its original formation and proceeded to smash the venue with a run of high-energy tracks. Two of the standouts, So Sweet I Could Die and Perfectly Untrue, closed the show during the encore, sending the crowd over the moon and turning SWG3 into a sea of roaring, dancing waves.

Seeing Lucia & The Best Boys after getting a glimpse of their talent during the opening act for The Last Dinner Party last year felt like a blessing. This gig revealed their poly-instrumental and vocal skills to me for the first time, and it’s an act I won’t forget anytime soon.

Special mention to Tanzana. After missing their gig at King Tut’s last January, I was hoping to get the chance to see them soon, and my expectations were not disappointed. After the show, I listened to their only song on Spotify, Covet, on repeat. I’m sure we can expect great things from them.

Article: Marco Cornelli