The finale of Scotland’s Homecoming 2009 looked set to end the celebrations with a bang. Three different gigs in one venue with a choice of at least 20 different bands… what more could you ask for?
Me and a group of gig loving mates headed off to the SECC for the festivities, with the intention of spending most of our time at Hall 3. It was the logical choice for us with the lively line up of Twin Atlantic (who happen to be the majority of our group’s favourite band), The Law, Codeine Velvet Club, The Dykeenies, The Vaselines, Teenage Fanclub, King Creosote, Idlewild, Pearl and the Puppets and The View.
However our night started off on a bit of a low. The tickets said first band on approx. 6pm so we headed on up to the venue for about half 5 only to find that Twin Atlantic (the first band on) started their 20 minute set at 5 past 5. Apparently to the Homecoming Scotland people approximately 6pm actually means 5 minutes after the doors open. Fail.
After missing our favourite band we were on a bit of a downer but things soon picked up, the half empty hall soon filled up during Codeine Velvet Club and understandably so. It was the first time I’d listened to them but I’m convinced enough that I’m buying their album when it comes out December 28th. Fronted by Jon from the Fratellis and the sexy Lou Hickey the stage presence was well and truly there. They kept the crowd dancing away to the rock/big band sound and nearly blinded us all with their OTT outro. But it was all in good fun.
The next noteworthy band was The Dykeenies who have come on in leaps and bounds since I last saw them. They got the crowd singing along and dancing away, you can’t really ask for more when a set is only 4 or 5 songs long. They knew how to work the crowd and get everyone behind them from the get go.
The Vaselines brought some experience and classic tunes to the line up. The first time I’d seen them and the only thing that disappointed was that they had to stop. They brought a bit of banter to the gig and even though there was a tiny technical hitch it was cleared up as soon as and they continued to entertain.
The clear winner of the night was Idlewild. Without a doubt. After pushing down to the barrier me and just about everyone else in the hall proceeded to go absolutely nuts for the whole of the 8 song set. Playing classics like Roseability, You Held the World in Your Arms and the finishing song In Remote Part Idlewild showed why there considered one of the best Scottish bands out there.
So after a rough start a thoroughly good night was had by all. The sound was surprisingly good for the SECC as was the atmosphere. It’s safe to say we ended our year of celebration on a high.
Sounds really good, wish I was able to go.
It ended up a good night. I was gutted about missing TA but Idlewild were epic.