Performing at the modest SWG3, Beth Ditto and band, Gossip, gave a rollicking concert for fans, tearing down the house on a quiet Tuesday evening. With a set list of new tracks from the recent LP Real Power as well as a whole host of classics from as far back as 2006, Ditto brought sheer rebellion to a city that already thrives on it.
After releasing their new LP Real Power back in Spring, Gossip has been back touring with the first new music after 11 years. Getting back together after the breakup, vocalist Beth Ditto, guitarist Nathan Howdeshell, and drummer Hannah Blilie have been playing many dates in the UK and the US, which included Glasgow’s SWG3. And produced by the almighty Rick Rubin, who previously worked with the band on LP Music for Men, it’s an inevitable pop album that continues to blend soul, gospel, rock, funk, disco and punk. Clearly that will never change.
And this blend makes for a great gig as we’re indulged with tracks such as ‘Give it Up for Love’ and ‘Act of God’ along with ‘Yr Mangled Heart’ and ‘Standing in the Way of Control’. Plus, with Glasgow band Yummy Fur supporting and Beth getting nostalgic about encountering them back when they were playing Ladyfest, the music festival for feminist and women artists in Glasgow in the early noughties.
Kicking off their show with ‘Listen Up!’ the precedent was set for a night of golden oldies as much as the new album. And the crowd in the packed venue were willing to make it their best Tuesday eve, as they sang and danced the night away. But there was more to this band’s entertaining talents. Beth’s anecdotal chat combined with her surprisingly fluent French to audience members had the audience in stitches. It was not just those vocal chords that blew our socks off.
With the disco elements of the band, Beth’s powerful chords, a bright red pony hair extension and a willing crowd, the formula was all there for a great gig, bouncing with energy and infectious tracks. And incorporating ‘Dimestore Diamond’, ‘Yesterday’s News’ along with ‘Standing in the Way of Control’ into the encore meant we were all buzzing as we left the venue.
You can find out more information on the new LP HERE.
Words by Keira Brown
