Hugh Cornwell – Live – QMU Glasgow

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Review By Darren McIntyre Photos By Scot Anderson

Hugh Alan Cornwell is a musician/singer-songwriter/writer from Tufnell Park, North London who is best known for being the lead vocalist/guitarist of punk rock / new wave band The Stranglers from 1974 – 1990. Since leaving The Stranglers, Cornwell has recorded 10 solo albums and continues to record and perform to this day, Cornwell has an interest in acting and has appeared in some productions, Hugh is also a keen writer and has written 6 books to date.

Hugh Cornwell Rocks QMU with Iconic Stranglers Hits

Glasgow, QMU – 19 / 01 / 24

In a night that can only be described as a nostalgic journey through punk rock history, Hugh Cornwell, the former frontman of The Stranglers, took the stage at QMU, delivering a performance that left fans both elated and craving more.

From the moment Cornwell stepped into the spotlight, the energy in the room surged. Backed by a tight band, he effortlessly transported the audience back to the glory days of punk, unleashing a setlist that was a perfect blend of Stranglers classics and his solo material.

The unmistakable growl of Cornwell’s vocals echoed through the venue as he kicked things off with the iconic “IWannaDieInsideYa,” setting the tone for a night of raw, unapologetic rock. The crowd, a mix of die-hard Stranglers fans and those discovering Cornwell’s solo work responded with a fervour that never waned.

Tracks like “Too Much Trash” were delivered with the same intensity and charisma that made them timeless classics. Cornwell’s stage presence was magnetic, and his connection with the audience was fantastic, he chatted with the crowd and even got a huge cheer as he talked about checking into his hotel and telling the landlady it was Hugh Cornwell and she replied oh Shuggie as the crowd cheered and shouted back some obscenities, he effortlessly commanded attention with every strum of his guitar as he led the boys into the fabulous punk – esque “Skin Deep” that raised the tempo of tonight’s performance.

We rattled through some more of his solo material as he brought us “Wrong Side Of The Tracks” & “Delightful Nightmare” which had the crowd stamping their feet to the infectious groove that filled the QMU tonight, “Strange Little Girl” filled the venue as we cheered and let our minds wander back to the 80’s with a real fondness.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey, showcasing the evolution of Cornwell’s musical prowess. Newer solo tracks seamlessly blended with Strangler’s hits, demonstrating that Cornwell remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of punk and rock.

We strolled through Hugh’s catalogue with a flurry of solo hits including “Totem & Taboo” right through to the captivating “Moments Of Madness” that got the place moving as Hugh has lost none of his killer vocals and slick clean guitar tones as he and the boys delivered a real cool, funky bassline driven show that was backed up by a sterling rhythm section that completed this fantastic trio, we paused for a second as Hugh again chatted about being back in Glasgow and how much he loves the city & it’s people as we are so welcoming which brought a huge cheer.

Up next was the killer “Tramp” swiftly followed by a salvo of “Pure Eval”, and “Mr Leather”, and this led us into the foot-stomping Stranglers classic “Always The Sun”, the crowd were shouting out their favourite hits but this setlist was a real pleasure as it had it all let me tell you as the boys delivered hit after hit in the form of “Duce Coochie Man” through to the inspiring “Goodbye Toulouse” right through to the awesome “Out Of My Mind” as we hurtled through this cool night of punk-inspired hits.

“Live It & Breathe It” rattled through the venue as the boys were firing on all cylinders as we were served another classic in the form of “First Bus To Babylon” that just brought us to our feet as the place was rocking with the sound of the 80’s that had us all punching the air with joy as the place watched in awe as this charismatic musician did his thing.

“Nice & Sleazy” brought a huge cheer from this swelling crowd as we strolled rowdily into the final few tracks, the boys left the stage to the usual shouts of one more song before they hit the stage to drop “Big Bug”

The lighting and stage production were understated but effective, allowing the music to take centre stage. Cornwell’s banter between songs added a personal touch, giving fans a glimpse into the stories behind the music.

As the night drew to a close, the encore left the audience on an exhilarating high. The encore’s climax, featuring a blistering rendition of “Get A Grip(On Yourself),” had the entire venue pulsating with the kind of rebellious energy that defined the punk movement.

The place was awash with happy punters as they poured from the venue with huge smiles on their faces and songs swirling around in their heads as Hugh said until the next time.

Hugh Cornwell –

Hugh – Vocals / Guitar

Nate – Bass / Backing Vocals

Matt – Drums / Backing Vocals

Setlist –

I WannaDieInsideYa

Too Much Trash

Skin Deep

Wrong Side Of The Tracks

Delightful Nightmare

Strange Little Girl

Totem & Taboo