TRNSMT Festival Day 3 – Glasgow Green

• 1st Jul 2018

Music fans arrived in their tens of thousands for the third day of incredible performances on TRNSMT’s tropical Glasgow Green to see the UK festival exclusive of one of indie music’s biggest names. Arctic Monkeys were joined on-stage by friend and fellow TRNSMT performer Miles Kane, topping the bill alongside giants Interpol, Blossoms, Nothing But Thieves and Sigrid.

Tom Grennan opened proceedings, bringing his signature singer-songwriter sound to the festival, with a huge response to his equally huge hit ‘Found What I’ve Been Looking For’, getting everyone suitably into the festival singalong mood for today’s brilliant Sunday line-up with a dance party down at Main Stage.

Following a short break from live performances, Miles Kane donned a full white get-up, oozing the festival summer vibes of the weekend and brought the indie party to Glasgow Green with a mix of his classic tunes including ‘Rearrange’ and ‘Closer’, plus newer material including latest single ‘Coup De Grace’. Performing an incredible cover of Donna Summer’s ‘Hot Stuff’, the Scottish TRNSMT audience proved once more, just why they are hailed as the best in the world, singing chorus upon chorus back in their thousands to Miles Kane.

Miles Kane said: “TRNSMT!! We are having it!”

Declan McKenna continued to ride the indie wave further into the day, bringing his awesome sound to the Main Stage audience and delivering a strong set for Sunday afternoon including a huge singalong for ‘Brazil’. Nothing But Thieves brought the noise to Glasgow Green, with a party atmosphere sweeping every corner of the site. Their anthemic mix of passionate guitar rock, with indie underlay proved a real hit with the crowd, and saw a setlist peppered with radio hits such as ‘Amsterdam’.

Declan McKenna said: “It’s lovely to be back! You’re always so welcoming to us!”

Fans elsewhere on site were treated to sets from the likes of The Magic Gang, one of the UK’s most hotly-tipped bands, as they took to the King Tut’s Powered by Utilita Stage for an energetic and explosive set of fun, playful indie. Confidence Man were a true highlight of the day, with a unique performance filled with dancing, energy and originality; they quite simply set the King Tut’s Powered by Utilita Stage alight with pure joy.

Later in the day Fatherson brought their unique folk-inspired indie sound to festival revellers for their TRNSMT debut, with a performance that showed why they are at the centre of the Scottish music scene and festival circuit alike.

Back on the Main Stage, Mancunian indie lads Blossoms took to the stage, armed with two albums worth of anthemic tunes and their own synth twist. With a strong critical reception to the band’s latest album it was no surprise how well lead singles ‘Cool Like You’ and ‘There’s a Reason Why’ were received, while earlier songs such as ‘Charlemagne’ had the crowd rallied into a euphoric singalong. The band ended their set with a medley of covers including ‘You’re Gorgeous’, ‘Last Christmas’ and Oasis fan-favourite ‘Half The World Away’ in the glorious sunshine.

Over on the King Tut’s Stage Powered by Utilita, audiences were treated to one of the brightest young talents around as the enigmatic Sigrid took to the stage, performing pop-perfect hits ‘Strangers’ and ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’ and sealing an ideal sunny Sunday late afternoon in Glasgow Green.

Next, the TRNSMT crowd were treated to one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the last twenty years as the legendary Interpol, fresh from hiatus, took to the stage. With a new album on the horizon, this was the ideal chance to preview what fans can expect, while of course being treated to some of the classic material that has defined their career.

When the sun goes down, and the dancing shoes go on, it could only be time for one of the biggest bands in the world to step on to the Scottish stage for the first time in almost four years. Not just that, they only went and gave us their UK festival exclusive… it was time for the one and only Arctic Monkeys!

Choosing from a career defining and diverse back catalogue plus a new album that highlights the sheer artistic and creative nature of Alex Turner and Co., nobody was sure what to expect from the Sheffield lads’ headline set, but they most certainly delivered. Drifting effortlessly from new material to the early breakthrough singles that launched them from pubs to stadiums, the setlist was peppered with bespoke TRNSMT offerings including a welcomed appearance from Miles Kane delivering a duet with constant showman, Alex Turner. Closing the set with ‘R U Mine?’ led by the powerhouse that is Matt Helders, it was obvious that TRNSMT’s audience had experienced the moment of the summer.

The first weekend of TRNSMT 2018 was truly the success it was always going to be and now, it’s time for fans to count the minutes and seconds until Glasgow Green once again roars next Friday to see the incomparable Queen + Adam Lambert and The Killers.

Geoff Ellis, Festival Director said: “It might have hit 29 degrees at Glasgow Green today but, that was nothing compared to the temperature on stage. All acts delivered unforgettable moments; from Miles Kane covering Donna Summer, to Blossoms singalong medley of ‘Last Christmas’, ‘You’re Gorgeous’, and finishing it off with a nod to Oasis with ‘Half the World Away’.

“My personal highlight of the day had to be Arctic Monkeys, who played an exceptional set. TRNSMT was the only chance to see them at a UK festival this year, so seeing them close off a phenomenal weekend of music was something special.

“It’s been a brilliant weekend and there’s more music, and sunshine, to come next Friday and Sunday.”

Photo Credit: Ryan Johnstone for TRNSMT Festival