GOSSIP // SWG3 : GALVANZIER'S, GLASGOW
It is no secret that The Gossip pack a punch, and their SWG3 performance certainly was something to shout about
GOSSIP PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S SWG3 - 19.07.2019
PICTURE BY: STEPHEN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
The Gossip have been hibernating the last few years. The band erupted in 2006 with their 2nd album Standing in the Way of Control. They stormed the charts and exonerated their listeners with pounding pop rock. But they slinked away from the spotlight in 2016, having releasing five studio albums. This summer, The Gossip triumphantly sprung back to tour the UK to celebrate 10th anniversary of their album Music for Men and their powerful beats are just as impactful as ever.
Bitto Ditto has always been a figure of admiration for many. She is notoriously defiant and quirky. She is a strong advocate for groups in society that have not had a voice, like the LGBT community. Ditto flourishes with a punky edge while still radiating warmth. Her style has always pushed boundaries and it was her developing fashion design career that is most stated as the reason for her break apart from The Gossip.
The Gossip took to the stage in Glasgow’s arty complex SWG3 and Ditto came out like a shaken bottle of Pepsi. There was a large, colourful crowd in the warehouse-like space and comradery filled the air. The first track was the protestive ‘Pop Goes the World.’ This was the only point when Ditto’s vocals came across too harsh but this was quickly fixed as this powerhouse performer roared to glory with next track ‘Love Long Distance.’ This dance track really started the hype.
Beth Ditto spoke her thoughts continuously. She made every member of the crowd feel as though they were a near and dear friend. Throughout, her is humour is undeniable. Her honest is refreshing. She comically described the stomach issues she has been facing in the day and she playfully mocked a friend in the audience.
The motivational ‘Move in the Right Direction’ is a stand out track by the group and its performance did not disappoint. The punky ‘Men in Love’ was particularly exquisite as Ditto embraced the stage with her carefree antics. The electronic track ‘Four Letter Word’ created just the right energy to lead in to the hit ‘Heavy Cross’ before the group left the stage and the fans began their chanting for an encore.
One incredibly strong feature to the set was the group’s brilliant covers of iconic tracks. The paid a David Byrne pleasing snippet of ‘Psycho Killer’ to start their track ‘Listen Up!’ and played a stunning version of George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper.’ They ended with their explosive and propelling hit single ‘Standing in the Way of Control.’ The band came together with glowing smiles, they bowed knowing their crowd was overjoyed, and of course Ditto continued to crack jokes right until the moment she stepped for off stage.
The Gossip represent glorious self-expression. To catch their unique live show will be a rejuvenating experience. From Beth Ditto’s exuberant delightfulness to the harmony amongst crowds the band attracts, their show is sure-fire way to have an uplifting evening.
SETLIST: | GOSSIP : SWG3, GLASGOW - 19.07.2019
Pop Goes The World
Love Long Distance
Listen Up! - (Psycho Killer cover intro)
Vertical Rhythm
Move in the Right Direction
2012
8th Wonder
Men in Love
Dimestore Diamond
Get Lost
Are You That Somebody? - (Aaliyah cover)
Four Letter Word
Heavy Cross
ENCORE:
Careless Whisper - (George Michael cover)
Yr Mangled Heart
Standing In The Way Of Control