Wheatus // swg3: tv studio, glasgow
A heartfelt, high-energy night that left the crowd buzzing.
⭐⭐⭐(3.5/5)
BRENDAN B BROWN LEAD SINGER OF WHEATUS PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S SWG3 TV STUDIO PHOTOCREDIT - CHLOE MCLELLAND
On November 26, Wheatus wowed a large audience in the TV Studio at SWG3 with a performance that was completely faithful to the band's do-it-yourself vibe and felt part celebration, part reunion. Even before they took the stage, the room was buzzing and the Glasgow crowd was clearly more than ready when the lights went down.
The band started off with the well-known "Leroy" before switching to a series of deeper songs and tour favourites. Early on, it was apparent how relaxed they were performing on stage, there was no theatrical or dramatic performance, just direct, sincere talent. The intimate charm of SWG3's industrial edges offered the entire event a much better fit for Wheatus than any venue could.
The audience let loose as the band sang "Hump 'Em N' Dump 'Em," "Wannabe Gangstar," and a lively rendition of "Basket Case" by Green Day. People were shouting words they hadn't played in years, and it was great to see even the younger fans singing as loud as the fans that had been around for years.
The band's more recent and lesser-known songs, such as "Temporary Song" and "Fair Weather Friend," performed better than expected thanks to the band's laid-back stage banter.
Near the end of the set came the moment everyone was waiting for. The place went wild as soon as the guitar intro to "Teenage Dirtbag" started. The band was entirely drowned out as the fans roared every line. It was just what everyone had come for, messy and joyous. The band grinned their way through the last chorus, seemingly surprised by the volume.
They gave a heartfelt and nostalgic performance of songs that have been around for decades suddenly coming to life in a room full of strangers.
It was a straightforward, sincere, and surprisingly uplifting evening with a sold-out audience, a band that was totally at ease and a set list that covered every genre.
REVIEW & PHOTO BY CHLOE MCLELLAND
