★★★★☆
Got to the Hydro nice and early, quite keen to see the Blondie gig as they are an iconic act. Until this point, the only other time I’d seen Debbie Harry and Blondie live was at T in the Park and, it didn’t really do them and their long worn reputation any favours. Hopefully tonight, in their own gig it would be different.
I got in through gate B into the standing area in the centre a good distance from the stage. The crowd filtering in were a decent range of ages from teens through to OAPs. By the time the support act came on the hall was about half full.
Mustang were the support band and what a surprise they were. A three piece band playing rockabilly style tracks with some Shadows, 50s brit pop influences. Drums, Bass and guitar with a little bit of keyboard. The opening track was all instrumental and quirky and it introduced that fact they could play and, had some style. The singer explained that they were French and sang in french only, although the tracks were upbeat and interesting it did make it difficult for the Glasgow crowd to really get connected with what they were doing. The singer told the crowd that he was honoured to play in Glasgow as it was the home town of one of his favourite songwriters, Paul Buchanan and The Blue Nile, I’m fairly sure he showcased a knowledge of Glasgow's sons many Glaswegians don’t have. Although they were interesting and entertaining it was not a great choice of opener.
The usual change over of set and instruments and chanting ensued as the room filled to what seemed like a sell out crowd, all eager for Blondie.
