MYLES KENNEDY PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S SWG3 AS PART OF HIS “THE ART OF LETTING GO” TOUR

★★★★★ (5/5)

MYLES KENNEDY PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S SWG3
PHOTOCREDIT: PAUL STORR

Walking into the packed walls of SWG3, it is clear from the buzzing crowd and the line of fans still waiting outside that this is a night Glasgow’s rock community has eagerly anticipated. With an atmosphere already electric, Myles Kennedy takes to the stage, launching into the title track from his new album, "The Art of Letting Go", setting the tone for a night of musical mastery.

The set showcases Kennedy’s versatility, both as a vocalist and guitarist. A standout early moment comes in the soaring guitar solo during "A Thousand Words", a performance that shows Kennedy’s ability to deliver raw emotion through his music. Ever the charismatic performer, he lightens the mood with his self-aware humor, teasing the crowd, “Have you heard the new record The Art of Letting Go? We’re going to play a song from the previous record, so I don’t know why I asked that,” before diving into "Tell It Like It Is" from "The Ides of March".

"Behind the Veil" is introduced as his favourite from the new record. While a brief technical hiccup with his guitar might have derailed a less seasoned performer, Kennedy takes it in stride, quipping, “That’s not supposed to happen. Maybe it’s kind of an artistic statement.” As his bandmates, drummer Zia Uddin and bassist Tim Tournier, effortlessly keep the vibe alive, the issue is quickly resolved, leading into an extended guitar solo that was a true highlight of the night.

Switching gears, Kennedy brings out an acoustic guitar for an intimate segment. Answering a fan’s request, he spontaneously improvises "Mars Hotel" by his former band, The Mayfield Four, before delivering the full song. This acoustic interlude also featured a stripped-down rendition of Alter Bridge’s "Lover" captivating the audience with its intensity.

Rejoined by Uddin and Tournier, the set remains soulful with "Love Can Only Heal" before Kennedy shifts gears again, cranking up the power for "Wake Me When It’s Over". The sheer energy and groove of the performance has the crowd buzzing, and the main set closes with "In Stride", complete with a rousing call-and-response segment and playful band introductions.

For the encore, the band returns with "Say What You Will", a perfectly chosen closer that rounds off the night.

From humor to raw emotion, technical excellence to moments of pure spontaneity, Myles Kennedy delivers a show that is as dynamic as it is unforgettable. Glasgow will surely be talking about this one for a long time!