The sun had been beating down for days and everywhere in Glasgow was hot… really hot, and tonight’s show at Oran Mor was undoubtedly one of the hottest tickets in town.

Goodbye Mr MacKenzie had been invited to play in celebration of the venue’s 21st anniversary of hosting music, and the gig was to be held in one of Scotland’s most beautiful venues – The Auditorium. The upper reaches of a converted church, with an iconic ceiling designed by Alasdair Gray. Such a beautiful backdrop for a show that had sold out months before.

The crowd, simmering with anticipation, breaks into a chorus of raucous approval as the band slowly take their positions and launch into a menacing version of ‘Hands of the Receiver.’ Martin, leading from the front, ever enigmatic, with arms outstretched, taking in the adulation or maybe giving thanks. Big John doing what he does best, delivering searing and at times supersonic guitar riffs. It is remarkable that the band is made up of all but one of the original band members, with Fin and Derek providing a pulsating, beating heart, and Rona, an almost era-defining layer of keyboards.

I first saw the band many, many years ago… possibly 1988, and their anthemic song Goodbye Mr Mackenzie has stayed with me ever since. Even after the band had split, I would find myself humming or singing that one line that hooks you in and doesn’t let go. I get the feeling that a lot of the people here tonight have also found themselves in a similar position.

Tonight wasn’t just about celebrating Oran Mor… it was also about celebrating a band and era of music that still resonates today. So many bands are being discovered or rediscovered, and it is down to many factors that beautiful nights like tonight can happen. I find myself at times reminiscing and at times spellbound by a band who seem stronger and more assured than ever. The on-stage addition of Jim Brady (Nanobots and Arrows Meet) and Tippi Hedron (The Hedrons) is a trump card move… adding additional voodoo and depth to an already all-consuming experience.

What an absolute scorcher of an evening – in every sense of the word. It was hotter than hell and the 17-song set was a joy to behold. Nights like tonight can be few and far between… a sensory and physical overload of joy. Drenched. Euphoric. Let’s go again.

Images: Chris Hogge

Words: Nick Tammer