John Grant

First timers to a gig by the former Czars frontman might be unsure if they were at the right show.

Although bearded giant John Grant would be hard to mistake for anyone else. But on record, he’s serious, seemingly moody, tackling big big issues – his struggles with HIV, depression, substance abuse and homophobia.

The character we meet tonight is far removed from the one that you might imagine based on hearing his lyrics. But, perhaps because he’s clearly amongst friends, Grant is feeling the love. Bounding onstage, he’s in fine fettle – dedicating his set to “Dennis” (one of a few local fans or friends – is there a difference? – to get a namcheck), he nonchalantly chucks off his woolly hat and joins with his exemplary band – which includes punk legend Budgie on drums.

Of course, he’s performing tracks from across his three solo albums. And for every tune from current release ‘Grey Tickles, Black Pressure’ which boasts some pretty banging electronic tunes, there’s one where the pace matches the lyric: “There are children who have cancer… I can’t compete with that”.

And who would want ‘Where Dreams Go To Die’ dedicated to them? “Natalie” perhaps, though after opening line “Your beauty is unstoppable” he interjects “that bit is true”, in what is a bit of a funny Valentine.

With John Grant, at times it all seems to be about the baritone – which is as lush and as rumbling live on record. However, this overshadows his virtuoso piano skills as Grant tinkles the ivories in a duel with his keyboardist.

That is one of the abiding features of this show – the fun that both singer and band are having, Grant comically hitching his trousers up in time to the beat on ‘Disappointed’. Even an angry-sounding ‘Queen of Denmark’, which closes the set, allows the band to thoroughly rock out with Budgie indulging in some extravagant slo-mo percussion.

Of course there’s an encore – the crowd close to rapturous as Grant reappears onstage, and another part of Denis’s set dedicated to friends in Kilmarnock.

And even when they have to restart the encore, a shout goes up: “We STILL love you”.