Gut Reactions (post-gig memories and other trips): Horse with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, 30th Anniversary Reunion, Barrowland, Glasgow. Friday 23rd January, 2026

My first gig of 2026, the first in nearly a month.

I arrived suitably early at 6.30 pm, having driven in, listening to The Same Sky, Horse's debut album, as a refresher of what was to come. As I join the queue, a chilly wind blows along the Gallowgate, the cold air seeping into my skin, despite my apparel. My starting position is at the same level as the accessibility doors, but this shortens after the security person requests that those with Standing tickets form a separate line. I listen to The News Quiz while I wait. I stick my hands in my trousers' pockets to keep warm, but end up giving my testicles frostbite (not really - no medical attention was required).

The doors open at 7 pm. It doesn't take long to get in. I received the most polite frisk I've ever had. No touching; just a question asking if I'm carrying any sharp objects, glass bottles, or something else I can't remember, to which I reply 'No'. The security girl smiles and waves me on to the wristband table, and then I get my ticket scanned.

I don't dash up the stairs, but I also don't dillydally looking at the merch. The seating is unreserved, and I want a seat near the front. I'm pleased when I find an aisle seat in the second row on the left of the stage. As it's angled to face stage centre, my view is not impeded, despite the large man sitting in front of me. Fantastic! Now to wait for showtime.

I do the usual: read my Kindle, check my emails, flick through Facebook, reply to messages. I warm my hands in the crook of my knees. As more of the crowd filters in, the room heats up, and I thaw out.

It's supposed to start at 8 pm, but it's closer to 8.15 pm before the orchestra and band take the stage. And so begins a wonderful evening of joyous music. Horse's voice has retained its strength, clarity and control despite her 'ahem' 45 years (ba dum tish), and she shows off her range exquisitely. She has such a warm, good-humoured presence and is having a great time performing for us. I find myself smiling, partly with nostalgia. This feels so good. I really enjoyed this one.

A few stand-out moments:

All the songs she played from The Same Sky brought back waves of nostalgia for me. She sang them so beautifully.

The first ba dum tish drumroll after she commented she was '45'.

When Horse fluffed the opening to the Dusty Springfield cover, she looked so embarrassed.

When the orchestra played the opening bars of Kashmir. I got chills. Was Horse actually going to sing a Led Zep number? No.

Could it be Magic was magical, with the disco balls illuminated.

Horse being inducted into the Barrowland Hall of Fame. Well deserved.

The conductor, Paul Leonard-Morgan, was a bit of a revelation. A Scotsman living in LA, he's made quite a career in composing TV and film scores. Yet here he is, supporting Horse for her Barrowland show.

The performance was recorded and filmed, so I look forward to catching it later in the year when it gets released. Hopefully, the Springfield fluff will be included as an outtake.

Setlist

Careful (string arrangement)

...And She Smiled

The Speed of the Beat of My Heart

Never Not Going To

Breathe Me

You Could Be Forgiven

Sweet Thing

Stay

Somebody

I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten (Dusty Springfield cover)

Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)