TWENTY ONE PILOTS // OVO HYDRO, GLASGOW

TWENTY ONE PILOTS KICK OFF THEIR UK LEG OF “THE CLANCY WORLD TOUR” AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO

★★★★★ (5/5)

TWENTY ONE PILOTS PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

On a warm sunny evening in Glasgow, the OVO Hydro was electrified by the arrival of Twenty One Pilots, as they brought their much-anticipated Clancy World Tour to Scotland. For over two hours, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun delivered a relentless, genre-bending spectacle that fused rock, hip hop, electronica, and emotional storytelling proving once again why they remain one of the most innovative and captivating live acts in modern music.

The show opened with the thunderous Overcompensate, the lead single from their brand-new album Clancy, immediately immersing the crowd in the band's latest sonic evolution. From the moment Tyler emerged on stage and Josh launched into his trademark drumming intensity, it was clear this wouldn't just be a concert it would be an experience. Backed by striking visuals, immersive lighting, and a set design that felt equal parts dystopian and dreamlike, the opening sequence set the stage for a night that balanced theatrical flair with emotional authenticity.

The Clancy material dominated the setlist, a clear sign of the band's confidence in their newest work. Songs like The Craving, Lavish, and Midwest Indigo sounded massive live, with layered instrumentation and lyrical depth that resonated with both longtime fans and those still unpacking the new album’s themes. These tracks revealed a matured sound—still playful and experimental, but with a sense of clarity and conviction that speaks to the band’s artistic growth.

Yet, the duo didn’t abandon their roots. In between the new material, they reached deep into their catalogue, performing fan favourites like Holding On To You, The Judge, and Mulberry Street with the same fervour that made those songs beloved. Heathens unleashed a wave of energy through the crowd, while Stressed Out arguably their biggest hit elicited a collective sing-along that shook the arena walls. But it was Trees, the band’s long-standing closing anthem, that brought the night to a triumphant and emotional end, with confetti raining down and fans screaming every word.

Part of what made this show extraordinary, however, wasn’t just the music it was the moments in between. Tyler and Josh made the vast arena feel strangely intimate, frequently stepping away from the main stage to perform on elevated platforms located deep within the audience. These moments sometimes stripped-down, sometimes explosive—created a sense of connection rarely felt in venues of this size.

One of the most cinematic sequences of the evening came during Navigating, when Josh Dun, torch in hand, strode through the crowd with flames flickering above his head. It was a surreal, almost ritualistic moment, marrying performance art with raw emotion.

And then came a moment of pure heart: early in the show, the band invited a young fan named Samuel up on stage to help perform Ride. It wasn’t just a gimmick—it felt entirely genuine, a reminder of the band’s deep and enduring connection to their fanbase. Samuel held his own, dancing and singing with infectious joy, and the audience roared their support.

Throughout the night, it was impossible to ignore the synergy between Tyler and Josh two musicians completely in sync, balancing spontaneity with precision. Whether Tyler was sprinting across the stage, climbing structures, or sitting at the piano pouring his heart into quieter moments, or Josh was delivering high-impact drum solos that shook the rafters, the chemistry between them never faltered.

In a time when many arena shows rely heavily on backing tracks and predictable setlists, Twenty One Pilots continue to defy the formula. The Clancy World Tour is a bold reminder that live music can still be surprising, theatrical, and emotionally raw all at once. Glasgow was lucky to witness a band not resting on its past success, but pushing forward evolving, experimenting, and reminding us all why we fell in love with them in the first place.

REVIEW + PHOTOS BY: CALUM BUCHAN

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THE FLAMING LIPS // O2 APOLLO, MANCHESTER