Viva Los Pacaminos! – A Tex-Mex Fiesta at Oran Mor

Review by Darren McIntyre – Jace Media Music

When the Oran Mor in Glasgow fills up, you can sense that something special is about to happen. The crowd, a mix of lifelong Paul Young fans and those who’ve fallen head over boots for his side project, Los Pacaminos, buzzes with a warmth that matches the tequila about to flow. For over thirty years, this Tex-Mex, Americana, and country outfit has carved its own trail across the musical plains, and tonight they bring that same dusty swagger and Southern charm to a rainy Scottish night.

Formed back in 1992 by Paul Young—yes, that Paul Young of “Every Time You Go Away” fame—Los Pacaminos began as a light-hearted side project. But as the story goes, it was too much fun, too rich in personality, and too musically sharp to remain a mere hobby. Over the years, they’ve delivered two studio albums, two live releases, and have a third studio album waiting in the wings. The influences are obvious yet beautifully intertwined: The Texas Tornados, Ry Cooder, Calexico, and Flaco Jiménez echo through their sound, but what the Pacaminos bring to the table is something entirely their own—heartfelt storytelling, good-time humour, and musicianship as tight as a coiled lasso.

Set One – Dust, Rhythm and Tequila Heat

sunburntAs the house lights dim, the crowd’s chatter subsides and that unmistakable Tex-Mex twang bursts to life. The opening number, “Little Sister”, kicks things off with a rockabilly groove that instantly shakes the walls of Oran Mor. You can almost feel the desert breeze rolling through the old church venue as the boys lock into that easy, sunburned rhythm.

“Who Were You Thinking Of” and “Caballero” follow, both wrapped in those instantly catchy accordion-led melodies courtesy of Mike, whose keys and squeezebox work are worth the price of admission alone. The band sound like they’ve been born playing this stuff, and in truth, they might as well have been. There’s a camaraderie on stage that can’t be faked—a brotherhood built on long drives, border-town bars, and more than a few late-night tequila tales.

Nada”,By the time they launch into “A Little Bit Is Better Than Nada,” a Texas Tornados favourite, the crowd is fully along for the ride. Shoulders sway, boots tap, and pints are raised. The lads’ harmonies shimmer, the pedal steel (courtesy of Matt) cries like a coyote at dusk, and for a brief moment, you forget you’re in Glasgow.

“Ain’t Got No Home” and “Battered & Boozed” bring the first set into more raucous territory, the band loosening their collars as the laughter starts to mingle with the melodies. “Nothing You Can Do” follows, a tune that swings between melancholy and hope, carried beautifully by Drew and Jim’s dual guitar interplay.

Then comes a rousing “Never Can Tell”—a Chuck Berry classic that fits the set like an old leather glove. By now, the crowd are not just spectators; they’re part of the performance. “Saved” keeps the gospel energy alive, while “She Got A Hold On Me” closes the set with the kind of infectious rhythm that leaves the room begging for more.

Paul Young Lands and the Real Party Begins

takesAs the band take a short break, a few murmurs ripple through the crowd: “Is Paul here yet?” The answer comes soon enough. Right on cue at 9:30, Paul Young himself bursts through the side door, straight from the airport, guitar in hand, smile as wide as the Rio Grande. In true Pacaminos fashion, he brings with him seven tequila shots balanced on a wooden holder. One for each member. “Let’s get this fiesta started!” he grins, and the place erupts.

With that, set two kicks into gear, the tequila warming both hearts and harmonies.

“She Got A Hold On Me” returns, this time with Paul’s unmistakable voice taking centre stage—still smooth as silk, still full of that soulful grit that made him a household name. The band sounds even tighter, the rhythm section of Steve (bass) and Mark (drums) holding down a groove so effortlessly infectious it’s impossible not to move.

“Closer” and “Bitter Blue” continue to showcase the band’s ability to blend blues, country, and that unmistakable border sound. There’s a sweetness in the way the harmonies fold around Paul’s vocals and a warmth in the pedal steel and accordion that feels like an open-armed invitation to every heart in the room.

From here, Paul leads the charge through a string of his own material—“Rosalee”, “I Love U 2”, “Smoke”, “Belle”, “The Girl From Tennessee”, “My Mama”—and the transition between Pacaminos tunes and his solo songs feels seamless. There’s no ego, no separation between the band and the star. It’s just seven musicians having the time of their lives, and we’re all lucky enough to be invited to the party.

A Masterclass in Musicianship and Fun

Musically, Los Pacaminos are an absolute powerhouse. Mike’s accordion adds the essential Tex-Mex spice; Matt’s pedal steel weaves in those cinematic, dusty textures; and the triple-guitar assault of Paul, Jim, and Drew brings energy, variety, and charisma. Steve’s bass provides that low-end thump while Mark’s drumming keeps the energy cooking without ever overpowering the melodies. It’s a delicate balance between precision and abandon—a mark of true professionals who know exactly when to let loose and when to lock in.

By the time they roll into “Woolly Bully”, the venue is transformed into a full-blown fiesta. The crowd sing every line, clapping and dancing as if they’ve been transported to a border-town cantina. And then, to top it all off, the encore arrives—“La Bamba”.

It’s the perfect closer. A celebration of life, love, and rhythm, it sums up everything Los Pacaminos stand for. The band stretch it out, teasing the crowd with rhythmic breaks and harmonised choruses, before closing in a blaze of laughter, sweat, and applause.

The Spirit of Los Pacaminos

There’s something special about watching a group of musicians who play purely for the joy of it. Los Pacaminos aren’t chasing charts or trends—they’re chasing moments. And tonight, at Oran Mor, they created dozens of them. From the first chord to the final cheer, the night was a celebration of musicianship, friendship, and the shared language of song.

Credit must also go to Renegade Communications, who promoted the show with precision and flair, and to Julie-Ann and Ewan Py, who helped make sure the night ran smoothly despite Paul’s mad dash from the airport.

In a world full of auto-tune and overproduction, Los Pacaminos remind us of what live music is really about: connection, joy, and a damn good time. When Paul raised that first tequila and shouted “Salud!”, it wasn’t just a toast to the band—it was a toast to everyone lucky enough to be in that room.

As the crowd filtered out into the chilly Glasgow night, smiles were wide and spirits high. Los Pacaminos had delivered a show bursting with warmth, humour, and authenticity—a masterclass in rootsy Tex-Mex done the right way.

Thirty years on, Paul Young’s “side project” has become a living, breathing testament to the power of good music, good company, and a little bit of tequila-fuelled magic.