It was a typically drizzly Glasgow evening, but that didn’t stop a sold-out crowd descending on SWG3 to catch a glimpse of hip-hop rap rock royalty Michael ‘Mike D’ Diamond and his band 5D. Those who arrived early headed for the bar, with the hip hop soundtrack adding to the air of anticipation.
First up was Birmingham-based rapper and multi-instrumentalist Tony Bontana, whose talents extend well beyond performing with an impressive reputation as an accomplished producer. Having endured something of an ordeal in getting to Glasgow thanks to train delays, he appeared, somewhat unsurprisingly, a little stressed. You wouldn’t have known it for long, though. A consummate professional, he soon had the crowd on side.
Bathed in blue light and surrounded by a sh*t ton of smoke, he delivered an atmospheric, bass-heavy set. His emotionally charged lyrics and distinctive delivery held the audience’s attention. He also dedicated a song to the late Ozzy Osbourne, a fitting tribute to the rock icon that went down well with the crowd.
Then came the main event! Mike D, one third of the legendary Beastie Boys, was in Glasgow with his band 5D, performing material from his debut solo album, ‘Thank You‘, alongside some much-loved Beastie Boys classics.
Opening with ‘Hello Brooklyn‘ was a brilliant way to kick things off. Mike had a magnetic stage presence and plenty of energy. Between songs, he mentioned needing a cup of hot tea because Scotland was so much colder than he was used to. When someone shouted, “Let’s get naked!”, he laughed and admitted he couldn’t keep up with that.
The band were fantastic, particularly bassist Milo Ruscha, who seemed to spend most of the evening jumping around, headbanging and sending his hair flying. The beats were exhilarating and the energy kept building.
Visually, the show was captivating. A waist-high wall of LEDs, swirling smoke, synths and dramatic lighting created an immersive experience. When the strobes kicked in and the band were bouncing around the stage, it was almost overwhelming, but absolutely mesmerising. It was easy to get lost in the sound and spectacle and forget about the outside world.
The crowd took a little longer to find its dancing feet. Perhaps those Gen X knees needed some encouragement! Mike even commented that he wasn’t sure how many people had come prepared to dance, before pointing out a woman at the barrier who clearly had. It was almost as if she’d given everyone else permission to let loose, because the energy noticeably lifted afterwards.
There were some lovely interactions throughout the night. Mike thanked everyone for braving the Glasgow weather, gave support act Tony Bontana a shout out for his train troubles and joked that he and the band were “right on f***ing time“. He also introduced every member of 5D, giving them their moment in the spotlight.
One of the biggest cheers of the evening came when someone at the barrier presented Mike with a Scotland football shirt. He held it aloft and thanked the fan, prompting a huge reaction.
The venue was absolutely rammed, and by this point the atmosphere was electric.
The encore kicked off with an epic cover of Delta 5’s ‘Mind Your Own Business’, but the real treat was still to come. Closing with the Beastie Boys’ ‘So What’cha Want’, the crowd went insane. Mike and his band went insane. The stage, the floor, everything and everyone was bouncing. It was an incredible moment, and hearing that unmistakable voice performing a BB classic was something special.
Mike D 5D delivered a night packed with heavy beats, huge energy, and enough smoke and strobes to transport you somewhere else entirely. It was an unforgettable evening and for many, a genuine bucket list moment. Definitely worth venturing out on a dark and rainy Monday evening!
Article: Kim Sabatelli
