TEDDY SWIMS // O2 ACADEMY, GLASGOW
Teddy Swims at the O2 Academy Glasgow: A Night of Heartfelt Performance
and Powerful Vocals
★★★★★ (5/5)
Last night, Teddy Swims brought his “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Part 1” European tour to the historic O2 Academy in Glasgow, delivering a performance that will be remembered by fans for years to come. From the moment he took the stage, it was clear that Teddy’s heartfelt connection with his audience and his astounding vocal prowess were going to make this a night to remember.
Opening with "Goodbyes been good to you," a standout track from his latest album, Teddy immediately set the tone with his signature blend of soulful depth and raw emotion. The crowd was enraptured, singing along to every word. "Lose control" and "Suitcase" were also favourites from this album, each song showcasing the rich, textured vocals that have become synonymous with Teddy Swims. His ability to convey deep, personal emotions through his music created an intimate atmosphere, despite the size of the venue.
Midway through the show, Teddy shared some heartfelt stories with the crowd, creating a sense of camaraderie and intimacy. However, the O2 Academy’s sound system, which could use a much-needed revamp, sometimes distorted the bass and made it challenging to hear Teddy when he was speaking directly to the audience. Despite these minor technical issues, the overall audio experience was stunning, highlighting the power and clarity of Teddy’s voice.
A particularly poignant moment of the evening came during his performance of “Some Things I’ll Never Know.” Teddy, visibly moved, shed a tear while singing, his voice cracking with raw emotion. This vulnerability endeared him even more to the audience, who responded with overwhelming support and love. Between songs, Teddy continuously thanked those in attendance, expressing his deep gratitude for their support of both him and his passion. It was clear that this connection with his fans meant the world to him.
The setlist also included gems from the newly released Part 2 of his album, like "Hammer to the Heart" and "Apple Juice," both of which were met with enthusiastic applause. A particularly beautiful moment came when Teddy performed a cover of Shania Twain’s "Still the One." His rendition was both nostalgic and fresh, bringing a unique tenderness to the classic hit.
As the night drew to a close, Teddy delivered a powerful performance of "The Door," leaving the audience in awe and craving more. His dynamic stage presence and the emotional weight of his performance ensured that everyone left with a piece of his heart.
In conclusion, despite the sound system hiccups at the O2 Academy, Teddy Swims’ performance was nothing short of spectacular. I feel incredibly fortunate to have secured tickets to this sold-out show, and I have no doubt that the next time Teddy Swims visits Scotland, it will be in a much larger venue. His popularity is on a meteoric rise, and deservedly so. This was a night of music that touched the soul, delivered by a true artist at the peak of his powers.