LUKE COMBS PLAYS A BELTER OF A SHOW AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO

★★★★★ (5/5)

LUKE COMBS PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO
PHOTOCREDIT: FRANK MURPHY

From the swathes of cowboy hats and boots that make their way to the Ovo Hydro to see superstar Luke Combs, it’s clear that country music is in something of a resurgence. This increase in popularity has been driven, in part, by modern-day music icons such as Combs. In the space of a few years, he has bounded from strength to strength. He released four albums that have topped charts worldwide and led to him headlining countless stadiums in North America, and his audiences growing with each excursion outside of the US.

While the UK country music scene has yet to reach the levels of popularity it enjoys in America, the suited and booted fans make it clear that tonight's crowd will bring a passion for the culture that will see enthusiastic stomping, clapping, and singing to the very last song.

An electric opening set from band 49 Winchester gives a glimpse into what is to come, thundering drums, wailing guitars, and rich vocals that weave into powerful songs that paint vivid pictures of everyday life. “Russel County Line” proved to be a highlight of their set.

A quick changeover then leads to the lights dimming and cheers from the audience as Combs and his band take to the stage to the pure adrenaline of ACDC’s “Thunderstruck”.

Opening with the jaunty “Lovin’ On You” immediately shows why Combs is one of the biggest names in country music. From the very start, he delivers a vocal performance that is imperceivable from the record, all while strutting the length stage and downing many a red solo cup.

The strength of the songwriting and vocals on display tonight takes the audience on a rollercoaster of a set that alternates between barn-raising anthems and heart-wrenching ballads. Each of these shows the many strengths of Combs as an entertainer.

Tonight's set delivers hit after hit in a cavalcade of billboard chart toppers that covers the gambit of Combs’ discography. Most of the set comes from the multi-platinum “This One’s for You” and “What You See Is What You Get”. As a result, fans are treated to such modern-day classics as “When It Rains It Pours”, “Beautiful Crazy” and “She Got the Best of Me”. The forlorn love song “Hurricane” sounds immense, and highlights not only the prowess of the performers on stage but the quality of the sound constructed by the production crew. On top of his fantastic original material, a cover of Tracey Chapman’s “Fast Car” provides a poignant highlight as Combs delivers the solemn story with his trademark gravelly delivery. In all, the quality of the setlist cannot be overstated.

After the set a quick wardrobe change saw Combs donning a kilt for the encore of “Beer Never Broke My Heart” much to the delight of the Scottish Crowd. Leaving the stage to the sound of rapturous cheers from every pocket of the arena proves the quality of the show presented tonight.

For any fan of country music, Luke Combs delivers the rare chance to see a legend at the height of their power, posed to continue delivering hit after hit. If tonight is any indication the fans will be ravenous for more music, and more tour dates.