GUN – Live – The Barrowlands – regularmusic / morsecodemanagement

Review By Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson

GUN are Glasgow rock n roll royalty that were formed in 1987 but were propelled to stardom with the release of their debut album Talking On The World which brought them media attention from far and wide. The boys have brought us 8 studio albums which included their coloosal Hombres which has launched them straight into the rock n roll stardom. The band started life as Phobia then Blind Allez but they decided that GUN suited the line up better, the boys have been in and around the rock scene in Glasgow for almost 39 years and in that time they have toured with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bon Jovi, Dan Reed Network, FM & many more. I wander up to the front door and I am met with Moira(Regular Music) who is a stalwart of the Scottish Music Industry and need to thank my pal Paul McManus for arranging my hospitality for tonight’s show, the place is the busiest I have seen The Barras and that tells me we are in for a crackin night. I am chatting with Paul Anthony(Planet Rock) about all things rock n roll and the boys as he is just about to go out and introduce the boys. The lights dim, the house PA fades and the boys wander onto the hallowed stage to a hero’s welcome as they launch straight into –

Money(Everybody Loves Her) – A gritty rasping fuzzy lick wanders through the intro as a pounding snare drum brings the heat to this real iconic GUN classic. Bass grooves are handing us a real funk laden crisp beat that just gives this track extra zing, vocals are piercing the crowd as they just work their magic and deliver a cool rhythm that is just ‘On The Money’. Guitar licks are giving us crisp clean chords that really give this track a real attitude as the solo comes through and really hits us hard as Jools brings his stylish swagger that has groove and depth, we are rolling back the years tonight as we are getting hit after hit from these hometown boys, up next is another belter –

Coming Home – A crunching, gritty guitar riff pours from the stage as the rhythm section brings the groove with a pounding snare drum kick with a solid bass tone that just lets the track breath. Dante unleashes his rasping vocals as this fist pumping monster lights up The Barras as the boys settle into the night with a real cool riff that gets the crowd into fine voice, the funking bassline drops in with a real deep, dark, delicious groove that lets the boys deliver a storming rock n roll monster that has all the trimmings. The place is singing at the top of their voices as the boys dig deep and hit us with a real corker of a track that just ticks all the boxes as the boys leave no stone unturned, the boys thank us for coming out and tell us that we really appreciate our support as we stroll into –

Welcome To The Real World – Rauraidh steps up and slips out the familiar riff that let’s this monster come to life as we get a thundering snare drum kick that is giving this track swagger, depth, attitude and a real crunching melody. Dante lets his roaring vocals flow freely through the track as the boys set out their stall and really give us a night to remember as this is the party night that everyone wants to be at, the tempo changes pace as Rauraidh comes from and centre and just melts faces with his slick, clean fingerwork that just fills the Barrowlands with a killer lick that is just what the doctor ordered. The night is just getting started as the boys bring us a real thought provoking setlist that has something for everyone, next up –

All Fired Up – Melodic crisp licks shatter the silence as this galloping beast pushes forward and comes armed with a real solid snare drum beat that is wrapped in awesome basslines that Andy is hitting us with. The catchy track has a slickness to it and it really pops with ease as the two boys trade licks and really deliver a cool slick piece that is just gonna make the new album pop, the place is rocking and rolling with the boys hitting full speed as they wander all over the stage as Jools steps forward commanding the stage as he fires off epic crunching chords that make this track an instant hit for sure. The new stuff is just up there and is probably the best stuff they have ever produced, I might be biased but I have know / hung around / played 5 a side with these boys for nearly 30 years, so just humour me please. we move into familiar territory as the boys break out the big guns in the form of –

Vicious Heart – A sludgy pounding snare drum rolls from the stage as the twin guitar licks ripple through the intro as this foot pounding rock n roller kicks in the doors and really lets us have it. Dante brings his gravelly rasping tones that just wrap themselves around this classy arrangement. The full on bassline is handing us deep, dark, delicious grooves that really elevate this crunching beast as the place is going mental for these 5 gladiators as they give us what we came for, the tempo is just on the money as the boys deliver a gutsy performance and remember they have been on the road for 3 weeks, possibly on the swally as well mind you, oh and rocking out almost every night lol, we stroll into –

Lucky Guy – A pounding bass drum kick fills the air as Dante brings his soulful gravelly vocals that let this groove laden new track burst into life. The foot stomping sludgy beat lets the crowd feel the thundering snare drum punches fill the air as the boys hit the ground running, we feel the love coming from six string slinger Ru MacFarlane and I can tell you that he has slotted in beautifully as he takes the reins to continue his tenure with the mighty GUN. The track has something special in it as the boys have brought an edgier sound with a meaty rhythm section that just sets out it’s stall as the boys ready us for a killer night of top tunes with quality patter fae the two Gizzi boys, we applaude the boys as they look out and feel the electricity pouring from everyone tonight, as I said GUN nights are always so special and tonight is going to be no different, we roll into an old favourite in the form of –

Seems Like I’m Losing You – The stage is dark as a big screen at the back of the room lights up with the album which the songs are coming from tonight as a funking, deep bassline rumbles through the track and lets the groove roll. Dante lets his rasping vocals lead the charge as the boys dig deep and really give us a night to remember as the place is just buzzing from the quality coming at us tonight, the twin guitar riffs are just awesome as they just bounce off each other as we feel the Swagger rolling through The Barras tonight. The rhythm section is hitting us with solid beats with real depth as Paul commands the room with his incredible playing that is just off the chart, the boys know how to bring a gig to Glasgow as they drive their juggernaut right through us a swe roll into –

Word Up( Cameo Cover) – Cool guitar riffed intro erupts as this classic cover is brought to life with a real punchy driven beat that is just awesome. Snare drum punches with deep bass kicks are bringing the rhythm section into focus as cymbal snaps balance out this fantastic piece of music. The iconic riff running through this track is just awesome and really allows this track the room to breathe, bass grooes are hitting us hard as we feel the hairs stand up on our necks and this is before Jools lets rip with a scintilating solo that leaves us all open mouthed as he sizzles with crisp clean licks that are just awesome, the crowd are being drawn in and really find their voice as the chorus rings out and fills this iconic venue with rock tones like the world has never heard. Awesome cover version that GUN have simply made their own, Up next comes a real banger that has become a staple throughout GUN’s set as we get –

Taking On The World – This is a real favourite of mine as the stage brings Dante & Jools together as they take this track to another level as the crowd sing back the chorus and let me tell you this is a thing of beauty. The two boys are up there in their element as they pour out their hearts with this iconic track that just brings people together and joins us together with the beauty of music. The guys are providing the backing vocals that adds another dimension to this classic piece that takes me back as I feel the emotion oozing from the stage tonight, Jools is strumming with all he has and it just elevates this iconic number upwards as the place is just putty in the boys hands as they drive this phenomenal track and really deliver, we are coming to the end of this totally awesome night and it has been a pleasure to be here covering for jacemediamusic as I would not be anywhere else tonight, we flow into another classic in the form of –

Falling – Dante chats to the crowd and tells us that this is one of his favourite songs, Jools chimes in and said he was going to say that which draws a huge cheer, the track comes at us with a sweet clean guitar lick as the cymbal snaps fill the air as Dante brings his melodic vocals to this mesmerising new track. The bass drum beats come through and we are off as the rhythm section takes us to a punchy, rockin tone that lets the track unfold and let us feel the depth of this classy new number and I must say Jools has done mighty fine with the arrangement, Ru slides in and offloads with sweet, crisp lines that really give this piece an edgy rocking feel that lets us know that Hombres put them back where they belong as the new new tracks are sounding incredible. I need to say that it is just incredible to see my buddy Paul back behind the kit where he belongs after his recent health scare, welcome back brother, we kick in the doors as the boys deliver a rasping beast in the form of –

Stand In Line – There is a real buzz about this track as the boys take us back with a real rasping, crunchy guitar riff that is instantly recogniseable as we sing at the top of our voices. The boys are trading riffs as the pounding rhythm section leans in with a punchy beat that fills every corner of this hallowed venue tonight, the full on bass is dropping epic grooves that just allow the track to breathe as Jools lets rip with a fantastic finger licking solo that has us all fixed on the stage as the place feels the electricity oozing from the stage tonight. Andy stands front and centre and is dropping epic funky beats that just let this track tell it’s own story as the boys shift through the gears and hit us from all sides as the place goes mental for this walk down memory lane as we wander into –

Seraphina – Jools introduces the track as he shreds out on his guitar as Paul brings the heat with a punchy snare drum beat that lets the bass kicks rain down on us as the boys just get us all warmed up. Dante brings his killer vocals to this track from Frantic that seems to be a real hit with the crowd, the delicious, dark, brooding bassline is just kicking in the doors and letting us have it both barrels as the place goes up a notch or two with this classic track that has the Barras faithful singing along to this classy, rasping beast. Jools stands front and centre and unleashes a killer solo that grabs our attention as Jools & Ruaraidh trade blows as the tempo changes pace for a second as the place bounces up and down to this rockin track that is a welcome surprise in the set tonight, the boys roll into –

Don’t Say It’s Over – Kicking off with a rasping guitar riff as a cool plundering bass line delivers sweet meaty funk tones that launches this classic track upwards. Vocals are a mix of gritty rasps and melodic vibes as this powering beast rips through The Barrowlands and leaves a trail of destruction that is there for all to see and hear. Guitar licks are flowing freely through this powering beast as snare drum punches come at us with real energy as bass drum kicks are hitting us and this brings in cymbal crashes that just fill the air which is awesome. A change up brings in vocals from the audience that just flows through this place and just lets us know we are home, this has been a real trip down memory lane as the boys have really pulled out all the stops tonight, the place is in fine voice as Dante bellows out Barralands to which we respond ” Don’t Say It’s Over” and the place is going mental, what a beginning to the night let me tel you as we roll into –

Take Me Back Home – Jools steps forward and unleashes a slick deep heavy ended riff that has a thundering snare drum groove as this new beast opens and let’s us have it. The bassline is dropping sweet cool grooves that work well with the track as the shredding power driven riffs are filling the air as Dante comes in with his gritty gravelly vocals that work well in this foot stomping beast that again hasmade the new album worth waiting for. The boys are really enjoying themselves with the new material and it sounds as if they had been playing it for ever, the engine room is providing the backdrop to this crunching monster that has just been unleashed upon us tonight at The Barras, we catch uor breath and slip into a classic –

Inside Out – Slick guitar riffs bring this track to life as a cool rhythm section comes to life and hits us with bass drum kicks that welcome snare drum punches to really get us moving. Vocals are strong with a real rasp vibe that just brings this track to life, bass grooves are handing us deep meaty funk tones that just allow this track the room it needs to give us goosebumps. Guitar licks are hitting us as Jools lets rip and offloads with slick crisp tones that are echoing all through this place, the crowd bring their voices as this rock track comes to life with chorus after chorus that is just incredible to hear, we come to my favourite GUN track and this is one I always look forward to as the boys get us ready to –

Steal Your Fire – The engine room erupts with a wall of pounding grooves that just stir the pot and really bring the roof off The Barrowlands tonight. Bass drum punches are with us as cymbal crashes work their magic and really let us have it tonight, bass chords are hitting us with everything they have as they hand out meaty funk beats that are so recognisable. Vocals are strong and direct as they lead the charge on this fantastic track and they work tirelessly alongside sweet crisp guitar licks that are erupting with attitude and depth as Jools really brings the energy, we are just standing in awe tonight as we have been treated to a masterclass from these 5 hooligans from Glasgow that I am proud to call friends, as the energy dies down the boys take the chants and ask us to sing it back and we duly oblige as we holler back Steal Your Fire and it puts a smile on the boys faces for sure. As the boys leave the stage to colossal applause we are waiting for the encore but we get something a little differnt as Jools & Dante wander back onto the stage, Jools has his acoustic guitar ready to go as the boys launch into –

The Only One – The track opens with a cool, sultry acoustic strumming groove as Jools comes in as Dante lets his vocals lead the way, as the track opens up the crowd begin to chant with Dante as the place is still with sheer excitement as the dark, brooding bassline slides in and really lets the track work well as the place is just taking it all in for sure, the boys are really enjoying themselves as Dante asks us are we awrite and we nod back as the slick, clean electric licks ooze from the stage as the boys enjoy this reworked classic that allows the crowd to sing back to Dante and the boys as we just feel the emotion pouring from the boys tonight, they take the applause and move onto –

Better Days – Dante tells us that this was the bands first ever single as the place erupts and goes mental, Jools slips in with the familiar riff that makes this track instantly recognisable. The pounding bass kicks are wrapped around a solid snare drum punch that really lets this track off the leash as it growls it’s way through the Barras as the thundering bassline drops epic beats that give this track a real edgy feel, the solo erupts as Ru steps forward and gives it his all to the approval of this sold out crowd, a little side note – I was standing with Ru’s sister & father last year and remember it as clear as day. it is nice to see that he has settles into the family and really made the position his own. As we reach the last track of the night the place is erupting with foot stamping rumblings that go hand in hand with the hollering of Here We, Here We, Here We Fucking Go as we await the last track of the night and boy it’s a screamer –

Shame On You – Jools steps up and offloads with a classic rasping guitar riff that echoes all around The Barras tonight as the deep, mellow bass hits us with a real funky, grooving beat that sets the tone for the final track of the evening. Dante comes at us with a soulful vocal that takes the track off down the road as the place gets ready to explode, the rhythm section is controlling the groove as the bass kicks fill the air and they let the snare drum punches take the track to another level as the place goes nuts and is bouncing all over the place as we feel the energy rising as Jools steps up and offloads with an almighty solo that just gets us all hot and bothered as the place goes into meltdown as we sing with Dante as he asks us to sing back to him which we do. The night has been a roaring success as usual and we cannot wait to do it all again next year.

GUN –

Dante Gizzi – Vocals

Giuliano ‘Jools’ Gizzi – Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals

Rauraidh MacFarlane – Guitar / Backing Vocals

Andy Carr – Bass / Backing Vocals

Paul McManus – Drums

Setlist –

Money (Everybody Loves Her)

Coming Home

Welcome To The Real World

All Fired Up

Vicious Heart