LIVE REVIEW: Myles Kennedy @ SWG3, Glasgow
Over his 30 years plus career in the music business, MYLES KENNEDY must have clocked up some serious miles by this stage, touring far and wide with his numerous projects. 2024 has been no different, taking his solo endeavours all over America and Europe. Glasgow had the privilege of being the first stop on his UK tour in support of newly released The Art Of Letting Go and before anyone even hit the stage the security crew were advising people not to push forward as a packed SWG3 was simmering with anticipation.
If getting to witness KENNEDY in his natural habitat wasn’t enough of a treat, we were blessed with an acoustic warm-up act in the form of the incomparable DEVIN TOWNSEND. For someone with such a huge profile in the world of rock and metal he has such a friendly, disarming character which makes it impossible not to be enamoured by his charm and endless charisma. Whilst his time on stage was short he still managed to have the crowd in stitches on multiple occasions by unleashing wild screams during acoustic renditions of the likes of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD classic Love?. His incredible performance of Bring Him Home of Les Misérables fame left all in attendance in a stunned silence.
Whilst TOWNSEND is evidently still at the peak of his powers when it comes to performing, recent events have clearly taken their toll on him emotionally and mentally as he was visibly shaken while performing particular tracks that held emotional gravity. He also made a few quips about planning to retire from performing in the not-so-distant future which left a sombre taste in the crowds collective mouths as to how serious he was with these statements. If this was the last time Glasgow got to witness the pure brilliance of one of the world’s greatest musical minds it will have certainly left a lasting impression.
Rating: 8/10
Before we knew it MYLES KENNEDY and his trusted troupe made their arrival to a roaring reception as the trio bounced off each other with such infectious energy from the first note. Smiles and joy aplenty radiated from each member and this mentality brought the best out of the crowd as they sang, danced and bounced along to the feast of musicianship on display.
What was even more impressive was that when KENNEDY brandished an acoustic guitar, intending to continue with his planned setlist he was abruptly interrupted by a rowdy Scotsman shouting “Mars Hotel“, a song released by THE MAYFIELD FOUR released all the way back in 2001. Rather than become flustered and brush it off, he proceeded to play the track almost flawlessly. Whether that is can be defined as muscle memory or just God-given talent is up for debate but it was mind-blowing to experience and the crowd went wild.
As he brilliantly navigated his way through a setlist packed with songs from all three of his solo albums and a beautiful acoustic version of Lover by ALTER BRIDGE, KENNEDY took many opportunities to heap praise on his bandmates Tim Tournier and Zia Uddin as well as his touring partner DEVIN TOWNSEND. His expansive 16-track set which clocked in around the two hour mark seemed to vanish in a matter of minutes with the crowd maintaining their love and enthusiasm until the very final song.
Any chance to witness MYLES KENNEDY live is always a blessing but his arsenal feels all the stronger with the addition of the fresh material. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he graces the UK with his presence once more.
Rating: 10/10
Check out a photo gallery of the night’s action in Glasgow from Dan McHugh here:
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