SUMMER SUNDAYS 2024 - THE VIEW // SLESSOR GARDEN'S, DUNDEE
An Astounding Celebration of Dundee’s Favourite Sons
★★★★★ (5/5)
THE VIEW PERFORMING AT SUMMER SUNDAYS 2024 AT DUNDEE’S SLESSOR GARDEN’S
PHOTOCREDIT: BAZZA MILLS
The View’s long-awaited return to the Dundee stage was electric. The band, which has always had a special connection with their local fans, delivered a stunning, nostalgic and invigorating performance, proving they still have plenty of fire left twenty years after they formed in the City.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the sold-out crowd packed the park, buzzing with the excitement of seeing some of Dundee’s finest rockers back in action. The View were the night’s headliners closing off a great afternoon of music, including Northern Irish indie icons Ash, Leed’s rockers The Pigeon Detectives and tribute act The Gerry Cinnamon Experience.
The support acts were strong, but the crowd were here for The View. From the moment they stepped on stage, it was clear that The View had not lost their touch. With his distinctive rasp and infectious energy, Frontman Kyle Falconer commanded the stage immediately launching into the frenetic opener ‘Glass Smash’. The crowd erupted, singing along with every word, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. This didn’t stop all night.
The setlist was a well-curated mix of their greatest hits and recent tracks, a perfect blend of the old and the new. Fans were treated to classics like ‘Same Jeans’ and ‘Sunday’, which only added energy to the massive sing-alongs, as well as tracks such as ‘Neon Lights’ and ‘Allergic to Mornings’ from their 2023 album ’Exorcism of Youth’, which showed the band’s evolution over nearly 20 years. The newer material, though less familiar, was met with huge enthusiasm, indicating that The View’s musical journey is far from over.
One of the night’s highlights was a stripped-down, acoustic rendition of Oasis’s hit ‘Half a World Away’,” which provided a chance for a breather in the middle of the high-energy set. Falconer’s vocals were raw and impactful, carrying the weight of years spent in the music industry. It was a reminder of the band’s ability to connect with their audience on a personal level.
The musicianship throughout the night was tight and polished, with guitarist Kieran Webster, keys player Darren Rennie, and bassist Pete Reilly locking in perfectly with the dynamic drumming of Jay Sharrock. The chemistry between the band members was strong, showcasing the tightness of a group that knows each other’s moves inside and out, yet still finds joy in the spontaneity of live performance.
The View’s interaction with the crowd was a testament to their Dundee roots and enduring popularity. Falconer frequently engaged with the audience, sharing stories and expressing genuine gratitude for the fans who have stuck with them through thick and thin. It was a mutual love in, with the crowd feeding off the band’s energy and vice versa.
As the night drew to a close, The View began to close their set with a blistering version of ‘Superstar Tradesman’ leaving the crowd euphoric. The final song, the anthemic ‘Shock Horror’, brought the house down, capping off a night that felt like both a homecoming and a new beginning.
In a music scene that often moves at a breakneck pace, The View’s night in Dundee is a reminder that some bands are built to last. Their performance in the damp and chilly Slessor Gardens was not just a trip down memory lane, but a statement of intent. The View is alive and kicking 20 years after forming at St John’s School in the town, and if this concert was any indication, they’re as good as ever.