Gut Reactions (post-gig memories and other trips): Stereophonics "Oochya! Tour 2022", OVO Hydro, Glasgow. Monday 21st March 2022

A Monday night gig is rarely an exciting prospect but this was Stereophonics so after some persuasion I managed to convince my wife we should go. This also meant we didn't get seats together but they were relatively close on the same row in block 212 upstairs so it wasn't too bad.

We missed the start of KT Tunstall's set. She played solo with her guitar, busking like a Scottish (and less ginger) Ed Sheeran, building up her loops on her equipment before launching into each song. She experienced a few technical issues with her microphone mid-set and had to jam while the sound engineer sorted it (after a couple of goes). The highlight for me was when she cleverly morphed Black Horse and the Cherry Tree into Sweet Dreams are Made of This in tribute to her Queen of Scotland, Annie Lennox. Her cover of Pick a Part That's New by Stereophonics fell a bit flat but otherwise, she performed well in her function to warm up the crowd. She gives good banter.

By the time Stereophonics took the stage, the empty row behind me had filled with a troupe of glammed up Glasgow blondes (and their partners), ready to party, tongues suitably lubricated. They did use them to sing but unfortunately also to squawk those important conversations during the quieter numbers. They were so loud I think Kelly could hear them from the stage, his brow permanently knotted in serious songwriter mode. In fact, I only noticed his face lighten once when the drummer donned a saltire flag thrown by a fan.

The band played more of the new album than I expected, the new songs not always justifying their place in the set. This made for an uneven gig. I noticed more people exiting for the bar/ toilet during the quiet numbers on top of the aforementioned increase in chatting behind me. However, when the band rocked or played the sing-a-long classics, they couldn't be beaten. My favourite song from the night was The Bartender and the Thief which rocked the end of the main set.

The lady on my right seemed to enjoy herself. From the off, she was swaying in her seat like a Weeble, elbows tucked in, tiny hands waving from side to side. The more she rolled, nudging me with her shoulder, the more I wanted to erect a perspex screen between us. When she got particularly excited I feared for my eyes, her fingers penetrating my field of vision like a Bonzai tree bending in a strong breeze. I could have moved to sit with my wife as there were two empty seats beside her but I feared the ticket holders would arrive late and I'd be forced to move back.

The fellow in the tight, white, short-sleeved shirt accompanying the blondes also provided some entertainment, insisting on dancing on the stairs with his pint tumbler much to the chagrin of the elderly G4S woman who couldn't persuade him to remain in his seat. The way he busted his moves down the stairs then went into reverse when she appeared gave me a right laugh.

Overall, a good night for a Monday.

Ticket Price: £57.50 plus £9.00 service fees. Total per ticket £66.50

Setlist - Stereophonics

Do Ya Feel My Love

C'est la vie

I Wanna Get Lost With You

Hanging On Your Hinges

Geronimo

Maybe Tomorrow

Right Place Right Time

Fly Like an Eagle

All I Have Is You