one republic // ovo hydro, glasgow
ONE REPUBLIC LIVE AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO WITH SPECIAL GUEST… ELLA HENDERSON
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
ONE REPUBLIC PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO
PHOTOCREDIT: STUART WESTWOOD
On 23 September 2025, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro welcomed OneRepublic back to Scotland, and the arena was buzzing long before the band even stepped on stage. Known for their uplifting anthems and crowd-pleasing live shows, the band did not disappoint. From start to finish, the evening was filled with impressive vocals, polished musicianship, and production that was both striking and beautifully in sync with the music.
The evening began with a set from Ella Henderson, a singer whose powerful voice has cemented her as one of the UK’s most respected performers. Henderson’s performance was heartfelt, moving seamlessly through her hits and showing the range and depth of her vocal ability. However, during her performance of “Ghost,” something unexpected happened: she suddenly left the stage. The crowd was left concerned, with many speculating that it could be related to her known struggle with endometriosis. Nothing official has been confirmed, but the overwhelming reaction from the audience was one of support and care. Up until that moment, Henderson’s set was a reminder of just how talented she is and why she continues to hold a special place in fans’ hearts. Whatever the cause, everyone is hoping she is okay and will be back performing soon.
When OneRepublic finally took to the stage, the mood shifted into pure celebration. The band launched into their set with confidence, opening with one of their more recent hits before diving into a mix of newer tracks and older fan favourites. Ryan Tedder’s vocals were outstanding throughout, matching — and at times even surpassing — the polished sound of their recordings. His ability to hold the audience’s attention, not just through singing but also with his natural charisma and storytelling between songs, gave the night a personal touch.
The production was a highlight in itself. The lighting was dynamic and ever-changing, enhancing each song’s mood without ever overshadowing the music. Visuals on the big screens helped those seated further back feel included in the experience, while clever staging and occasional ventures into the crowd - created moments that felt intimate even in such a large venue. The balance between spectacle and substance was perfectly struck — proof that a great live show is about both sound and atmosphere.
OneRepublic’s setlist was carefully chosen to please both long-time fans and more casual listeners. Songs like Counting Stars and Apologize brought the entire arena to its feet, with thousands of voices echoing back every word. Meanwhile, more recent tracks highlighted the band’s continued ability to evolve while staying true to the sound that made them a household name. Each performance was delivered with precision but also with a sense of fun, showing how much the band themselves were enjoying being back on stage.
As the final encore came to an end and the lights dimmed, it was clear that the evening had been a triumph. Despite the confusion during Ella Henderson’s set, the night was one of strong vocals, impressive production, and genuine joy shared between performers and fans. For those lucky enough to be there, it was an unforgettable reminder of the power of live music to uplift, unite, and leave a lasting impression
REVIEW BY: KAYLA LOUISE LANDALE
PHOTOS BY: STUART WESTWOOD