Luke Combs – OVO Hydro – Glasgow 16th October 2023 Review

Tonight’s gig is firmly out of my wheelhouse. Having only recently discovered Luke Combs via his current album Getting Old and fell in love with it. When I was offered the chance to attend and review the concert in Glasgow, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity. I was already intrigued as to how the arrangements on Getting Old were going to come across live.

First things first, there were no mosh pits, no walls of death, no pogoing or crowd surfing. There was however an incredibly passionate fanbase, who sang every word, danced, bopped, and clapped along. At times you couldn’t hear Luke because of his fanbase being so chuffing loud. They really were a beautiful crowd to be part of. 

The intro tape piped in Sweet Caroline which of course we all were singing along with before breaking into Thunderstruck. What a way to get an audience pumped up. 

Lovin’ On You opened the set, much to the surprise of a few folk in front of me who were taking bets on the opener. No one got it right, but they were not disappointed.  Having chatted to them after the show, they weren’t disappointed at all by the set. They even said there were a few surprises thrown in too.

The medley of Dust on the Bottle / Meet in the Middle / When I Was Your Man / Dust on the Bottle was tremendous and gave each member a highlighted section as Luke introduced the band. Who was absolute fire. The cover of Tracy Chapman’s classic Fast Car was a lovely rendition. The studio version which is on Lukes Getting Old album is fab, live tho, holy shit, Tracy Chapman herself would have tears in her eyes. He truly makes it his own.

 The set which included One Number Away, 1, 2 Many, Beautiful Crazy and She Got The Best Of Me, played like a greatest hits, which for me personally blew me away, as I was only familiar with the tracks played from Growin Old (Hannah Ford Road was killer live and surpassed my expectations)

This has now sent me on a deep dive through Mr. Comb’s archives and will no doubt eventually hurt my wallet as I purchase his entire back catalog. 

Tonight’s whole experience has left me with incredibly sore cheeks from smiling so much not just because of the music, but watching the way Lukes music has touched so many people. It was a very special night. I swear, there were times throughout the set that felt unreal. (and no dear reader, I wasn’t on anything illicit. I’m 5 years sober)

I loved every second of it and if truth be told, this is 1 of my top 5 gigs of all time. (1st place goes to The Sex Pistols in Finsbury Park back in 1996). I hope I get another opportunity to attend another Luke Combs show. 

It was an otherworldly experience. It’s certainly a show I’ll be smiling about for some time to come.