GLASGOW SUMMER SESSIONS 2025 PRESENTS... ALL DAY PUNKER! // BELLAHOUSTON PARK, GLASGOW
Glasgow Punk All Dayer at Bellahouston Park – Anarchy in the Sun
★★★★☆ (4/5)
FRANK CARTER & PAUL COOK, STEVE JONES AND GLEN MATLOCK OF THE SEX PISTOLS HEADLINING GLASGOW SUMMER SESSIONS 2025 PRESENTS… ALL DAY PUNKER! AT BELLAHOUSTON PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: KATRIN LAMONT
In a city better known for its drizzle than sunshine, Glasgow turned on the charm with a glorious, cloudless sky for the Punk All Dayer at Bellahouston Park—part of the City’s Summer Sessions. And what better backdrop for a celebration of raw energy, defiant lyrics, and glorious noise? The turnout was nothing short of fantastic, the crowd a lively mix of punks old and new, with studded jackets, Mohicans, and vintage band tees adding to the electric atmosphere.
Kicking things off with unapologetic fun were The Rezillos, local heroes and cult favourites. Their set was a fizzy, high-energy blast that felt like a technicolour time warp. “Destination Venus” and “Flying Saucer Attack” set the tone early, while “(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures” and “Top of the Pops” got the crowd dancing in the sunshine. Their fabulous cover of “The Ballroom Blitz” sent a ripple of joy through the field. The band’s theatrical flair, driven by charismatic front duo Fay Fife and Eugene Reynolds, was the perfect start to the day.
The Skids followed with a tight, impassioned performance that blended nostalgia with raw energy. Highlights included the rousing “The Saints Are Coming” and a storming version of “Into the Valley” that had the crowd in full voice. Richard Jobson prowled the stage like a man on a mission, and their cover of The Clash’s “Complete Control” was a heartfelt tribute that landed perfectly. They proved punk can still sound urgent and vital, even decades on.
Next up, The Buzzcocks delivered a punchy set brimming with melody and bite. “What Do I Get?”, “Orgasm Addict” and the evergreen “Ever Fallen in Love” were met with massive cheers, but newer material like “Senses Out of Control” and “Manchester Rain” showed they’re not just a heritage act. The balance between pop hooks and punk bite was on full display. Though not the most dynamic performers on the day, their back catalogue speaks volumes.
The Undertones brought hit after hit with gleeful energy, but their overly long set stretched the patience of even the most die-hard fans. While “Teenage Kicks”, “Jimmy Jimmy”, and “Here Comes the Summer” were rapturously received, the set sagged under the weight of too many lesser-known tracks. Trimmed down, their performance could have been razor-sharp; instead, it meandered at times, losing momentum as the sun began to dip.
The Stranglers were the unsung highlight of the evening—tight, dark, and effortlessly cool. Opening with “Toiler on the Sea” and blasting through “Nice 'n' Sleazy”, “Peaches”, and “Golden Brown”, they reminded everyone of their unique place in punk history. “No More Heroes” closed the set with a bang, but their time slot felt criminally short. The crowd clearly wanted more, and this oversight in scheduling was one of the day’s few missteps.
Then came the grand finale. With Frank Carter fronting the Sex Pistols, anticipation was sky-high. It didn’t disappoint. Carter brought feral energy and genuine reverence to the role, snarling through “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “God Save the Queen” like he was born for it. The Pistols’ classics rang out with renewed fire, and their cover of “No Fun” was ironically the opposite. While purists may grumble, Carter’s take gave these songs fresh menace and charisma.
The Glasgow Punk All Dayer was a sun-soaked tribute to rebellion and resilience. While not perfect—The Undertones overstayed their welcome and The Stranglers deserved more time—the event captured the spirit of punk with heart and noise. The crowd, the weather, and the music aligned for a memorable day that proved punk is far from dead—it's just evolved.