Amy MAcDonald // ovo hydro, glasgow
AMY MACDONALD ENDS 2025 WITH TWO SOLD-OUT HOMETOWN SHOWS AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
There’s always something a bit special about a hometown show, and Amy Macdonald’s return to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro felt more like a big celebration than just another stop on the tour. Playing to a packed arena on Friday night, she looked completely at ease, clearly feeding off the energy of a crowd that was more than ready to welcome her home.
She walked on to a huge cheer and immediately took control of the room. That familiar gravel-edged voice carried effortlessly across the Hydro, managing to feel personal even in a space that size. The set moved comfortably between upbeat, singalong favourites and quieter, more reflective moments, with some of the strongest reactions of the night coming for Mr Rock and Roll and a heartfelt performance of Barrowland Ballroom. A cover of Beluga Lagoon’s The Glen was another highlight, feeling especially fitting in front of a Glasgow crowd and adding an extra layer of hometown pride to the set.
One of the night’s highlights was her easy rapport with the audience. Between songs, she chatted openly, cracking jokes and sharing little stories that made the whole thing feel relaxed and very Glasgow. The audience loved it, singing along loudly and turning the arena into something that felt much smaller and more communal than its 14,000 capacity suggests.
Production-wise, things were kept fairly understated but effective. Strips of fabric hung across the stage acted as a screen of sorts, with projections and lighting creating a soft, atmospheric, almost projector-like display. It added visual interest without overpowering the performance, keeping the focus firmly on the music. Backed by a tight, energetic band, the songs were given room to grow while still holding on to their folk-pop heart.
The set up proved any doubters wrong, especially given the scale of the night. Still, judging by the number of very drunk fans enthusiastically belting out every word, most people didn’t seem too bothered about anything — the party atmosphere carried on regardless.
By the time the encore rolled around and the crowd was back on its feet, it was clear the night had been a success. Amy Macdonald’s Glasgow show was warm, confident and full of heart — a reminder of why her connection with her home crowd remains as strong as ever.
REVIEW BY: KATRIN LAMONT