Chris Stapleton Brings Southern Soul to Òran Mór

ChrisStapletonUK – Live at Òran Mór, Glasgow
Presented by ShockCityProductions | Images by Scott Anderson | Review by Darren McIntyre

When Darren Hodson – the driving force behind Chris Stapleton UK – announced that Glasgow would be the first Scottish stop for the show, there was a genuine sense of anticipation in the air. Known for his own award-winning Americana project The Southern Companion, and for sharing stages with the likes of Lulu, Melanie C and Rumer, Hodson is no stranger to commanding a crowd. But tonight was about celebrating the music of Chris Stapleton – and doing it justice.

As the crowd filtered into Òran Mór, the atmosphere was warm, expectant, and ready for a no-nonsense night of country soul. The band wasted no time launching into “Nobody To Blame”, a punchy opener driven by a dark, brooding bassline and gravel-soaked vocals that immediately locked the room in. The pedal steel shimmered beautifully through the mix, adding that authentic Nashville sway, while Hodson’s refusal to adopt a fake Southern drawl won early approval. “What you see is what you get,” he grinned, jokingly dubbing himself the “Poundland or Temu version” of Stapleton – a comment that brought huge cheers.

“Traveller” was followed with mellow guitar picking and bluesy restraint, allowing the rhythm section to settle into a confident groove. The crowd responded instantly – swaying, singing, and drinks raised high. It was clear this wasn’t just a tribute act going through the motions; this was a band deeply invested in delivering the spirit and soul of the songs.

“The Bottom” showcased the band’s musical finesse. Acoustic strums built gently before the bassline dropped in with delicious weight. Sweet backing vocals from Sally Hodson wrapped around Darren’s lead, adding warmth and depth. It felt remarkably close to the real deal, capturing Stapleton’s quirky phrasing and emotional grit without veering into caricature.

“Up 2 No Good Livin'” brought a toe-tapping, honky-tonk swagger. The rhythm section – Stuart Ross on bass and Craig Howcroft on drums – kept things tight and punchy, while Stephen Barlow’s guitar work added slick flourishes throughout. The chemistry onstage was undeniable; this was a band fully in its stride.

“What Am I Gonna Do” delivered one of the night’s most emotive moments. Hodson’s vocals flowed effortlessly, telling the story with sincerity rather than imitation. Lee Maycock’s keys and harmonica textures elevated the arrangement, adding soulful colour that filled the venue beautifully.

The groove shifted with “Think I’m In Love”, where a meaty, funk-laced low end rumbled through the floorboards. Crisp guitar tones and solid snare punches gave the track bite, while the audience swayed in unison. By now, Òran Mór was fully on board.

“Worry Be Gone” kicked the energy up a notch. A gritty guitar riff ignited the room, turning the venue into a thigh-slapping, foot-stomping hoedown. The interplay between bass and guitar was particularly impressive here, giving the song swagger and bite.

“Parachute” had the crowd singing loudly, hands in the air, as the band delivered a confident, polished rendition that felt celebratory and electric. The groove was irresistible, and you could see the band relishing their first trip north of the border.

“Millionaire” brought things back to soulful reflection. Acoustic chords rang out as Hodson’s gravelly tone carried the emotion of the track with conviction. The harmonies were spot-on, adding that gospel-tinged richness Stapleton fans adore.

“Crosswind” and “Starting Over” kept the momentum flowing, blending sultry basslines with blues-soaked vocals. The storytelling remained front and centre, each song unfolding naturally without overplaying or excess.

Closing with “Broken Halos”, the band delivered a slow-burning finale that underlined just how strong this tribute truly is. The dynamics were spot-on, the vocals soaring yet controlled, and the musicianship throughout the evening was first-class.

Chris Stapleton UK is far more than a novelty act. Darren Hodson and his band have crafted a show that honours the music while injecting their own personality and professionalism. Huge credit must go to ShockCityProductions for bringing this stellar night of Americana to Glasgow.

If this Scottish debut is anything to go by, it won’t be long before Chris Stapleton UK is heading back north. And judging by the reaction inside Òran Mór, they’ll be welcomed with open arms.