Tuts is famous for being the place Alan McGee discovered Oasis. It is another McGee signing in the form of the exceptionally talented Scottish singer/songwriter Pete MacLeod the audience are here to see tonight.
Since the release of his fantastic ‘Rolling Stone’ debut album last year the momentum around Pete MacLeod has continued to increase and this gig brings Pete’s mini Scottish tour to a fitting close. For me personally, having caught Pete live twice last year and unfortunately missing the recent Kilmarnock gig at the last minute, this is a gig I am absolutely buzzing for.
After the terrific opening set by Paul John MacIver the atmosphere continues to grow throughout the set by the next act Twisted Melon and by the time Pete and his band take the stage the anticipation of a special night immediately becomes tangible when the man of moment picks up his guitar and addresses the audience.
With the album ‘Rolling Stone’ being full of such high quality songs it must be difficult for Pete to decide on what track to open with and on this occasion he opts for the catchy ‘Let it Shine’ and the crowd immediately respond singing almost word-for-word and showing their appreciation for the ‘Glasga local’. It is worth pointing out that this is not just a crowd of locals and as more people are becoming captivated by his music the fan base is widening significantly and tonight there are fans from Aberdeen, Liverpool and even London who have made the trip to share this special night.
Next up is ‘God Speed’ and the gig is well and truly well under way. The big tunes continue with two of my own favourite songs from the album in the form of Pete’s next single ‘Give a Little Love’ and ‘Keep Your Dreams Alive’. I find these songs really connect and with the response from crowd it is evident I am not the only one feeling this. It is also clear Pete is enjoying himself on the Tut’s stage tonight as he takes a quick break from the vocals to introduce his band and thank some fans that have been with him throughout his 10 year journey since he last played Tuts.
The night continues with Pete introducing a couple of new tracks as well as playing the title track from his album ‘Rolling Stone’ and the haunting ‘On the Other Side’. Pete also takes time to pay homage to Oasis and David Bowie much to the delight of the crowd.
Unfortunately I am forced to leave before the end of the gig to catch a train and can only imagine the atmosphere when ‘Today I Went Swimming’ is played. On my way out of the gig I meet an old work colleague and then a former student of mine and with about 20 years+ age difference between them it strikes me how universally appealing the music Pete MacLeod delivers is.
With a new gig announced in Liverpool and some forthcoming gigs during April in Germany I firmly believe Pete’s star will continue to rise as more people hear his music.
With the festival season in the not too distant future, Pete MacLeod is one name I would hope to see being added to the bill of the two festivals I am hoping to attend ‘T in the Park’ and ‘Kendal Calling’. If Pete MacLeod is playing in your area my suggestion is you check him out live …. you will not be disappointed!
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Bazza Mills
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