Ben Walker isn’t ‘just a boy’ nor is he ‘going nowhere’, as a sold out Saint Lukes show proved him and the band deserve the sell outs at venues and to be on those big stages.
Pulling off a fantastic sold out show on Valentines Day, for some could have been a big risk but for Ben Walker, it made complete sense. The support shown from the day of announcement was HUGE! It’s a real testiment to the band and the interactions they have with fans both online and in person that makes them so likeable. Described as Family that feeling seemed to really ring true throughout the night. Love really was in the air in Glasgow and felt within us all in a multitude of ways at this special milestone for the band.
The queue was massive prior to doors opening and actually they couldn’t get people in quick enough there was a delay, thankfully a dry night albeit cold however gig goers didn’t seem to mind, there was a lot of excitement and chitchat in the gig queue. Saint Lukes is a stunning venue, there is something quite special about it. I I’ve ever seen support like it at shows, people showing up to see both supports and proving that Sottish crowds are not only the most supportive but Ben Walker fans have a lot of love to share for others.
David James
Hard to believe that this was the bands first gig! The bands performance, David’s songwriting and the way he interacted with the crowd would have suggested otherwise. A 6 piece indie-rock band from Glasgow they were a strong fit for the night. A surprise saxophone solo had everyone buzzing (due to the age of gig goers, we shall thank Johnny Blue Hat and Sam Fender for that one) and David even had the whole of Saint Lukes singing along to his song Sail Away. David has a real rich voice that carried well in the stunning venue and the cheers from the crowd told me that the set had gone down well with all. David James and his band are the reason it’s important to get down early for shows to catch support bands, you never know what gems you will find.
Rosie Alice
Rosie Alice brought her A game with a class group of musicians and a whole squad of supporters in the crowd, chanting her name. “This time last year I had only played one gig supporting Cammy Barnes,, it’s been a whirlwind of a year”. Rosie showcased her facinating mix of released singles tonight, opening with her newest track Toxic Loving Ways which was released on the day of the show! She had an array of familiar musicians in her band tonight from Davey Horne, The Castro’s and Dov, providing a real strong musical backing for her. Dancing in my mind wa the most subdued song in her set and it reminded me a lot of early Adele, Rosie’s song writing really is to be admired and I feel this is a core strength for her as an artist. As the band started to play the intro to Fleetwood Mac Dreams everyone seemed so captivated and the crowd were singing-a-long, the pace picked up and Lola Young’s ‘Messy’ a total unexpected curveball had all the Gen z-s in the crowd loose their mind. I enjoyed Rosie’s set, her band are really strong and Rosie has a good voice to grow into her own true indentity. I look forward to following her journey.
Ben Walker
Having first seen Ben and his band in a bar in Montrose as they took the opportunity to do a hometown warm up show before heading off on tour with The View (November 2023), it’s been a really wonderful experience watching them go from stregnth to strength, playing music festivals, appearing on TV and supporting some big names. Saint Luke’s is a big venue and when he announced the show back in July I had absolutely no doubts that the band would achieve the sell out, not only because they are talented and have a large extended family of loyal fans but because the band are so down to earth, humble and hard working that I knew they would graft to pull this together and BOY did they do it in style.
Saint Lukes went dark, an array of white t-shirts decended onto the stage as the lights slowly change to blue, the crowd cheered exceptionally loud. The first chord of Sixteen is played and the atmosphere was electric. The nods and smiles between band members throughout the first number was noticeable and Ben took a really slow look around the room soaking it all in.
I don’t for a second believe there was nerves on that stage last night, not in the sense of worry. (If there was, they hid it exceptionally well), they came out on that stage raring to go and proud to showcase all their hard work. I can imagine there was a lot to celebrate and with #TeamWalker being a strong, hardworking team there was a lot of people involved in pulling off such a show. Ben highlighted “It really takes a village and there are too many people to thank so I am just going to thank you all for spending Valentines day with us.“
For being young, not only are they exceptionally talented musicians in their own right, but what they have as a band is special and that excitement is projected into the audience. The way that they conduct themselves both onstage, offstage and online connecting with fans,networking, it never seems false. There is a desire to be part of the ‘Walker Fam (Farm)” , you can’t help but want to be immerced in the magic that is created within this band and all its members.
The band packed so many wonderful things into their set, showcasing all the hard work they had put into the night. For the first time many saw Ben singing without a guitar as he showed a more vulnerable side to him as a performer by taking centre stage with a wireless mic for songs both with the bands and an intimate song with Callum on keys.
Ben writes songs that are hugely personal to him providing a creative outlet to share his thoughts and feelings, struggles of bullying, being uncertain about what path to take in life and showcasing the importance of not giving up on your dreams. This, is what the audience can connect with, others have felt that too and to share that moment together for 3 minutes is why music is so powerful. Ben is an incredibly gifted songwriter and his band make the magic happen and turn it into the big songs we all love.
Lewis is the musical director and the brains of the operation, he also has more energy than I’ve ever had, so much stage presence, Charlie is a big hitter, loves making noise behind the kit, he is fun to watch as he sits on his throne at the back of the stage looking like the happiest guy while locking in tight with Corrie on bass, keeping the rhtyhm in check for everyone to vibe. Callum brings in the expressive element with the piano, not only does he dance throughout the sheer joy of the moment is written on his face the whole set. Seeing Neeve sing also gave fantastic opportunity for some stunning 4 part harmonies throughout and with a sprinkle of tambourine it just adds that extra bit of flavour, she’s got such a lovely precense on stage.
The band sounded HUGE as their songs filled Saint Lukes, the crowd were loud and proud singing back. They also looked the part aswell, united, in their cool new wardrobe! There appeared to be a special sense of ‘is this reality’ amongst them all throughout the set at various moments, I can imagine it being a bit of a surreal moment, especially as Ben told the audience that he was selling out King Tuts just last year at 300 capacity and now had 700 people in to see him at Saint Lukes.
I have now seen the band in 3 very different venues and one thing that remains the same, they are consistent and look like they are having the time of their life, regardless of the space. You can tell they all live and breath to be on that stage together. They deserved this show and more, I’ve been asked regularly who the next big Scottish act is and for the past couple of years I’ve said Ben Walker and this Saint Lukes show is exactly why. The band gave it their everything, they left it all on the stage for the audience to enjoy every single minute of their set with them. They remain one of the hardest working, most humble group of people I’ve had the pleasure to watch and chat with.
Saint Lukes was an over 14s show and it was great to see so many young people in to enjoy such wonderful live music. Ben and his band are inadvertently inspiring the next generation of musicians, music fans, techs and creatives, with the way they conduct themselves they really are incredible role models for all. The music industry needs more people like this around.
There was so much love in that room tonight and it wasn’t just becuase it was Valentines day or that the band added a cheeky Taylor Swift number into their set, it’s because of what the guys have created. This gig was a milestone marker for the band. I’m certain that no-one can ‘change this face’ as they will be busy smiling for a good couple of weeks after this.I know this is one of many many more incredible nights and sell outs to come.
Good things come to good people and these guys really are some of the best!
Stunning, thank you so much Bonnie!