Courtney Hadwin – Live at The Cathouse, Glasgow: A Jagged Star Ignites Her Debut Headline Tour

Review By Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson

Courtney Hadwin is no stranger to big stages. From that jaw-dropping audition on America’s Got Talent to performances at Carnegie Hall and sharing bills with Sister Sledge, the Durham powerhouse has lived a lifetime in music – and she’s only 21. Tonight, however, is different. This is the opening night of her very first headline tour, and Glasgow’s legendary The Cathouse is the chosen launchpad.

The venue isn’t rammed, but for a debut headline run it’s a healthy turnout. There’s a buzz in the air. The lights dim, the house PA fades, and Courtney strides on stage with her young, hungry band, launching straight into Steady Rock Steady. It’s a cool, building opener that lets her settle in, strolling the hallowed Cathouse stage while delivering a masterclass in vocal control. Shy off stage? Maybe. On it? She’s a force of nature.

Never Say Never follows, dripping in mellow guitar tones and melodic synth textures. The funk-laced bassline from Raj adds a delicious groove while Matt keeps things tight on drums. Gabrielle’s backing vocals weave beautifully through the mix, and Orlando drops in a slick solo that lifts the track to another level. Courtney’s rasp – that unmistakable, Janis-esque tone – cuts through the room with grit and soul.

Dirty slows the tempo into a smouldering, thought-provoking groove. Crisp guitar licks and punchy snare work allow Courtney’s voice to lead the charge. She hits notes effortlessly, commanding the stage as the crowd warm to her every move. By the time Wild Things rolls around, swagger pours from the stage. The band are tight, energetic, and clearly invested in every beat.

There’s a lovely moment of Glaswegian humour when Courtney pauses to thank the crowd, laughing, “Ah cannae understand you!” The response? A huge cheer. Connection made.

All The Love (Money Can Buy) is toe-tapping and groove-heavy, with a dark, brooding bassline wrapping itself around Gabrielle’s keys. Courtney looks completely at home now, feeding off the growing energy in the room.

Then comes Jagged, a riff-laden belter bursting with attitude. When her in-ears give up mid-track, she casually pulls them out and drops them to the floor without missing a beat. Rock ’n’ roll. The honky-tonk piano flourishes and ballsy groove make this one a standout.

A mash-up of You Only Love Me When I Lie / Sixteen brings the emotion front and centre. The tempo dips, keys tinkle with intent, and Courtney strips it back vocally, letting vulnerability shine. It’s spine-tingling stuff.

DNA injects funk back into proceedings with quirky vocal phrasing and tight rhythm work. Courtney jokes she’s “blowing oot her arse” before taking a quick water break and introducing her stellar band – Orlando (guitar), Raj (bass), Matt (drums), and Gabrielle (keys/backing vocals). A classy touch.

Different Kinda Pretty sees her connecting deeply, hopping on and off the barrier, locking eyes with fans. It’s raw, emotional and utterly sincere. Spellbound brings gritty riffs and pop-rock energy, while Call Me Back is the emotional high point of the night. Haunting piano tones underpin a world-class vocal that genuinely feels like it could lift the roof off the Cathouse.

Electric returns to pop-punk fizz, energetic and infectious, before Courtney throws in a surprise – a rocked-up version of Yer Blues by The Beatles. It’s punchier, heavier, and totally unexpected – and it works.

Breakable strips things right back with acoustic sweetness and a colossal vocal performance that holds the room captive. Then, with one final burst of energy, Monsters explodes into life. Gritty riffs, soaring vocals, and a thunderous rhythm section close the show on a high.

Tonight wasn’t about sold-out numbers. It was about statement. Courtney Hadwin has stepped into her own spotlight with confidence, grit and undeniable star quality. If this is how she opens her debut headline tour, bigger stages are not a question of if – but when.

Courtney Hadwin – Vocals
Orlando – Guitar
Raj – Bass
Gabrielle – Keys / Backing Vocals
Matt – Drums

Setlist:
Steady Rock Steady
Never Say Never
Dirty
Wild Things
All The Love (Money Can Buy)
Jagged
You Only Love Me When I Lie / Sixteen
DNA
Different Kinda Pretty
Spellbound
Call Me Back
Electric
Yer Blues (The Beatles cover)
Breakable
Monsters