The Kooks take over OVO Hydro for a packed show.
The Kooks, who I often consider a nostalgic background noise of my childhood are ageing spectacularly, they truly did show no signs of slowing or ageing as they brought the house down at a very full OVO hydro on the 8 October. The band, despite putting out music for a whopping 21 years, brought a youthful energy reminiscent of those much younger than them.
The band walked the line well of satisfying the eager crowd with their well known hits, and weaving in new material, assuring they didn’t end up stuck in the easy cycle of becoming reliant on sounds of the past. There was something very pleasing to me about seeing such a variation of ages pack out an arena, all for a band that proved to Glasgow they do indeed stand the test of time.
The band consisting of Luke Pritchard (vocals, guitar), Hugh Harris (guitar/synth and bass), and Alexis Nunez (drums) opened with some of their bigger hits, “Ooh la” being amongst a few memorable ones, the crowd to loved it and sang every word along with charming frontman Luke Pritchard. Pritchard held the crowd in the palm of his hands and gushed over his love for Scotland, even claiming that he believed he was “Scottish in a past life” this was followed by “She moves in her own way” another tune that undoubtedly brought the house down. The audience was full of young and old faces alike, all dancing together under the beautifully decked out stage at the OVO.
The band worked in their new material seamlessly, their new song “Sally Baby” being a definite crowd pleaser. Guitarist, synth and bass player, multitalented Hugh Harris was a firm favorite of mine throughout the show, switching between instruments like it was nothing all whilst in a silver suit and a pair of dark sunglasses. The audience were ever engaged, with the stadium a sea of lights as Pritchard was left solo for a rendition of “Seaside”.
The Kooks talent evidently extends beyond the confines of their big hits and their new material shows this, with them even managing to incorporate a few quick jams as a transition between songs. Giving the band a well deserved break without a lull for the audience. Pritchard also performed a song for his father, who has passed, an emotional ballad that captured the band’s range and emotional capacity beyond those infamous catchy indie riffs.
It is fair to say that unsurprisingly the Glasgow crowd did not disappoint, chanting, cheering and dancing much to the delight of frontman Pritchard. Glasgow is a crowd that either loves or hates you, and either way, they’ll let you know it. Judging by the way the crowd were screaming along to the bigger hits such as “Ooh La” and “She Moves in her own way”, I think The Kooks can safely conclude that Glasgow loved them.
The band clearly have a power and a sound that extends beyond nostalgia, having a full crowd in 2025 despite being over 20 years old speaks to their ability to evolve and keep changing as a band. Their songs have range, they are versatile and ever evolving. The way that they are still able to keep such a large audience so willing and fully engaged is a true testament to the fanbase they have managed to create as a band.
Image Credit: Evelyn Hylands