Transvision Vamp capture the true essence of the pop-rock music we associate with the era of their late ’80s debut and are a genuine reflection of that generation of music. This month, one year after their reunion, the band filled Glasgow’s O2 Academy with breathtaking instrumentals that the crowd couldn’t help but sway along to.
Following their resurrection, where two original members returned joined by two new members (who, might I add, perfectly fit their soundscape), the new line-up reappeared earlier this year with their Australia/New Zealand tour, followed by their Portugal/Spain tour, and are currently on their first UK tour after a long 35 years. The group performed without a hitch, giving a sensational concert with a minimalistic set design and effects – opting to awe us with their extraordinary set instead.
They performed at the O2 Academy in Glasgow on the 9th of October with the support of a ridiculously awesome young punk band from Liverpool, Yee Loi – consisting of siblings Rose, Matilda, and Don Don Ferrell, whose energy filled the entire stage. Despite being a younger band and leaning more punk-rock than pop compared to Transvision Vamp, the band was warmly welcomed by the audience. All the members earned their right to be on stage with their electric performance, with the unbelievably cool Rose being the standout (and possibly my friend’s bi awakening).
The audience themselves mainly consisted of fans from the band’s original run back in the 80s sprinkled with younger fans here and there. The crowd of long-time fans were able to recognise the songs within the first beat – no doubt, many from the crowd had been to the band’s previous Glasgow concert in the Barrowlands all the way back in 1989.
While the audience mainly remained mild-mannered, they roared during the band’s entrance as well during favourites including Velveteen, I Want Your Love, and Born To Be Sold. A highlight of the evening was the two older female friends near us who had memorised every single song, and sang it from the bottom of their hearts along with the band.
With a packed setlist of 19 songs, there were plenty of fan favourites to rock out to for the audience, each sound blending together smoothly thanks to the well-oiled band’s harmonious playing, and the most sensational instrumentals left the crowd’s feet in a constant shuffle. The entire set was a balancing act between vocals and instrumentals, neither overpowering the other but rather uplifting each other. The entire band display their experience and impressive résumés as veterans with the shredding, comping, rolling, and more.
Author: Ayesha Anis(She/Her)
@Ayeshaanis29
