On one of Glasgow’s hottest nights of the year, the sold out Barrowland Ballroom was exactly what you’d expect; gloriously atmospheric and absolutely sweltering. By the time Sierra Ferrell took to the stage as part of her Heavy Petal Tour, the legendary venue had become something of a sauna, with handheld fans in constant motion and brief breaks in the slightly-cooler area outside the main room a necessity for those of us not used to the heat . The security team deserved enormous credit as they worked tirelessly throughout the evening to keep the crowd hydrated.

The audience was as colourful as the music itself. Cowboy boots rubbed shoulders (ankles?) with flip-flops, double denim met flowing prairie dresses, flower crowns dotted the crowd, and cowboy hats were everywhere. There were moustaches aplenty and one particularly brave soul had donned a kilt despite the heat. There was even a sparkling sequinned playsuit that looked perfectly at home beneath the Barrowlands disco ball!

Opening the evening were The Brudi Brothers, whose easy charm quickly won over the Glasgow crowd. The handsome trio had great chemistry and played a set filled with tight harmonies and lively musicianship. By the time they wrapped up, the audience was warmed up (literally) and ready for their headliner.

Sierra Ferrell has carved out a musical identity all of her own. Drawing on her Appalachian roots while weaving together country, folk and bluegrass influences, the former busker has built a sound that’s difficult to categorise but instantly recognisable. That free-spirited, nomadic quality runs through both her music and her stage presence.

Joined by a superb band of musicians, Ferrell captivated the packed ballroom from the outset. Dressed in a striking blue dress and eye-catching shoes, with flowers woven through her hair (including Scottish thistles in a thoughtful nod to the local audience), she commanded the stage with effortless charisma. In acknowledgement of the stifling conditions, she regularly paused to remind everyone to drink plenty of water, her concern for the audience adding another layer of warmth to an already intimate performance.

The set balanced fan favourites with fresh material, including new song “Pair of Dice”, which received an immediate and enthusiastic reception. Songs such as John Anderson tribute “Years” had the audience singing every word, while “In Dreams” prompted another huge response. One of the evening’s standout moments came during “Fox Hunt“, where Ferrell demonstrated that her talents extend far beyond her distinctive vocals. Picking up the fiddle, she delivered a breathtaking performance that drew wild cheers from the crowd and showcased the remarkable musicianship shared across the entire band.

Ferrell closed the night in style with an encore that included a rousing cover of Kris Kristofferson‘s “Me and Bobby McGee“, sending the sold-out crowd home on a high.

Article: Kim Sabetelli