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Biography
Formed in 2003 by cousins James Allan and Rab Allan, vocalist and lead guitarist, respectively, the pair subsequently invited bassist Paul Donoghue and drummer Ryan Ross to complete the lineup. Following a series of shows around Glasgow, where the group honed their live skills and raised their exposure, Glasvegas issued their debut double A-side single “I’m Gonna Get Stabbed / “Ina Lvs Rab” in May 2004. The singles received steady airplay on the Daily Record and now defunct Beat106FM, after which the band went on a brief hiatus following the departure of Ryan Ross. Caroline McKay filled in on drums having never played the drums before, however grew with the role and became increasingly proficient with an increasing tour schedule.
In 2006 Glasvegas played a show at Glasgow’s King Tuts Wah Wah Hut and caught the attention of Alan McGee and the Libertines’ Carl Barât, the latter of whom invited the band to open for his band Dirty Pretty Things. Going from strength to strength, the band issued the 7” single “Go Square Go! / Legs ’n’ Show” in October 2006 and subsequently held a launch show at the Glasgow Art School. Following a series of reassuring shows where Glasvegas reduced their reliance on a drum machine, the band released their debut, self-titled album in September 2008. Issued by Columbia Records, the album earned a Mercury Prize and NME Best Album nomination, has been certified platinum and spawned the climatic hits “Geraldine” and “Daddy’s Gone”.
The band’s success was not limited to the UK however and Glasvegas toured extensively throughout the U.S. in 2008 and 2009 before moving to California to work on their sophomore release. The Christmas themed EP “A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like a Kiss)” arrived towards the tail-end of 2008 before the 2011 release of their sophomore full-length “Euphoric Heartbreak”. Once again earning strong reviews, the album peaked at No. 10 on the UK Albums Chart, led by the single “Euphoria, Take My Hand”. The record marked the departure of drummer Caroline McKay who was replaced by Jonna Löfgren, after which Glasvegas embarked on their most extensive European tour to date.
In 2013 Glasvegas issued their third full-length album “Later… When the TV Turns to Static” produced entirely by earnest frontman James Allan. Despite positive reviews the album charted only at No. 41 on the UK Albums Chart, led by a pair of singles “I’d Rather Be Dead (Than Be with You)” and “If”.
Live reviews
Somber Scottish quartet Glasvegas have an underlying power within their indie rock that is often missed on first listen to the albums yet it is harder to avoid within the smoky confines of a festival tent. As the group allows the crowd to gather and anticipate the performance, the lights suddenly change to an icy blue and signal the beginning. The cheers quickly subside as they are cut down by the guitar introduction of 'Magazine' and James Allan's characterfully downplayed vocal.
Although it all seems rather miserable, there is something very anthemic in the every man anthems such as 'Football Tops & Flowers' and 'Go Square Go'. The Scots may not be particularly charismatic yet the intensity of the performance and the poetic nature of the setlist does not warrant them to be. The audience remains equally happy to listen to the melancholic 'It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry' and 'Please Come Back'. It is their Scottish #1 single 'Geraldine' that receives the biggest cheer but the real personal highlight is a heavy version of the heartbreak tale that is 'Daddy's Gone' that will really leave you with a lasting impression as it is as chilly as their Scottish homeland.
sean-ward
I’d never heard of Glasvegas when my friends invited me to see them in concert, the fact that they are from my home town persuaded me to go along with an open mind.
Having been consistent in the charts in Europe I thought they were interesting enough to spend a few hours of my time. I was blown away by the music. They played a full range from slow and quite dreamy to rock and every song was better than the rest. I was continually surprised by the music, rather expecting them to stick with one particular style which seems to be the norm with newer bands.
This band likes to do the unexpected and keeps you enthralled. When the famous ‘Daddy’s Gone’ began the audience erupted then fell to a hush as they listened. Honestly my favorite was Flowers and Football Tops, it’s just so absorbing and emotional, it’s one of those songs that instantly stirs something in your heart for a loved one and appeals to everyone. Loved Jonna Löfgren on the drums, although I think it must be hard to continually play standing up like she does and James Allan has a voice that just grabs you and doesn’t let go. Amazing band and amazing concert.
Great show in the best venue on the tyne. The band played the whole of the
First album to a rapturous enthusiastic crowd who were given some
extra pleasure during the encore with the cover of be my baby ...highlights were many including the nonstop all action female drummer and epic tune waiting for the ice cream van to come. Would highly recommend a night out to see Glasvegas.
Bellchels
