The OVO Hydro hums with restless energy as fans stream through its doors after fighting Hurricane Bert, eager for what promises to be an unforgettable night.
Idles, one of modern punk’s most uncompromising voices, prepare to take the stage, their reputation for raw, visceral performances preceding them. The vastness of the Hydro contrasts sharply with the band’s gritty ethos, but the charged atmosphere suggests this is a space they’re ready to dominate.
The support act tonight is Willie J Healey, and from the moment he steps onto the stage to a backdrop of fresh hip-hop beats, it’s clear this isn’t your typical punk support act. He’s not here to mimic Idles but to bring something entirely different—a funky, energetic set with a slight edge.
From the first chord, the crowd is pulled into Willie’s world, where groovy basslines and jangly guitars set the tone. While his sound still carries that unmistakable funk vibe, it’s a far cry from the laid-back, mellow grooves you might expect. Instead, there’s a driving energy, a bite that keeps things unpredictable and fresh.
His stage presence is magnetic, as he balances slick musicianship with showmanship (including some jumps!). There’s a swagger to his performance that’s fun and enjoyable – think Tom McGuire and the Brassholes. His lyrics are introspective yet delivered with an assertiveness that adds depth to the whole experience.
Willie J Healey’s set is a dynamic and engaging one, a perfect counterpoint to the headliner’s relentless intensity. It’s been a fun jaunt before something evil this way comes…
Joe Talbot brings the love from the start, greeting the crew with fist bumps before launching into the thunderous opener Colossus. The Glasgow crowd’s rebellious spirit was evident as chants of “Fuck the king!” filled the venue after ‘I’m Scum’, which Talbot cheekily acknowledged with, “That’s just the thing to get us started.”
The band didn’t shy away from politics, leading chants of “Viva Palestina” and “ceasefire now” during the set – but who would expect Idles to shy away from anything? Talbot further endeared himself to the crowd by revealing he’d been conceived in Glasgow, prompting fans to chant “one of us!” in celebration.
Lee Kiernan added to the night’s chaos, throwing himself into the audience and crowd-surfing during one of the high-energy numbers. Even more impressive is that his guitar was still tethered to the amp by a lead.
The setlist spanned fan favourites like ‘Danny Nedelko’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Never Fight a Man With a Perm’, with moments of emotional depth in tracks like ‘The Beachland Ballroom’. The evening reached a ferocious climax with ‘Rottweiler’ (after a Mariah Carey a cappella number), leaving the audience exhilarated and exhausted.
Idles delivered more than just a concert; they created a communal experience, blending political fervour, humour, and punk catharsis in a way that few bands can replicate.
Photos by Catching Light Photography
Catching Light Photography
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