There’s a positive Scottish vibe around the music booked for this years’ TK Maxx Summer Sessions in Southampton.
From Deacon Blue to Garbage‘s Shirley Manson, that’s definitely not a bad thing down on the sunny south coast.
It’s emphasised even more by the up-and-coming artist kicking off three weeks of great music – Cammy Barnes.
Proudly taking to the stage with his ‘weapons of mass destruction‘ (or bagpipes as we call them down south), he charmed his way into the hearts of many of the group who arrived early.
It’s little wonder Cammy made it all the way through to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in recent years – this man has a fine set of lungs on him.
Next up, taking a slight intermission from the Scottish theme are one of Liverpool’s finest bands The Coral. It’s incredible to think that possibly their biggest song ‘Dreaming of You’ is nearly 25 years old now.
It’s also impressive how many known and loved songs they have in their catalogue – from the opening song ‘Bill McCai‘ to their toe-tapping finale, they are the masters of three minute pop songs.
Possibly one of the most overlooked bands of the century.
Onto the main headline act which fans in the front row have come from all over the country to see – one couple in the front row stating they’ve travelled from her home town of Glasgow – Amy MacDonald.
Dressed in her Scottish football shirt, patriotic Amy begins with songs from her new album ‘Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For‘ – based on the joyous reaction from the crowd, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ – this clearly is what everyone here has come for.
She charms in between songs with witty jokes about the rivalry between Southampton and nearby Portsmouth.
She finishes the main set with her incredible huge hit ‘This Is The Life‘ – she wrote this song after watching Pete Doherty of The Libertines play his first solo gig.
It’ll be interesting to see if anyone writes a song after witnessing these bands tonight.
"And you're singin' the songs, thinkin' this is the life
And you wake up in the mornin', and your head feels twice the size
Where you gonna go, where you gonna go?
Where you gonna sleep tonight?"
Unfortunately there is a strict curfew due to the city centre location of the summer sessions, but all those present left with their hearts full.
Roll on tomorrow night and Alex James’ Britpop Classical spectacular – it’s sure to be full of 90s hits!
Don’t miss out and click the link below to buy your tickets: