Review of the year: Glasgow's best gigs in 2019

Some of the world’s biggest stars descended on the city throughout the year with their showstopping tours - and here is my pick of the best.

Nicki Minaj at the Hydro

The US rapper had her Scottish fans on tenterhooks over whether or not this show would go ahead after stormy weather in Dublin stalled the transport of her production equipment to the city.

But when she did arrive for a St Patrick's Day show at the Hydro she more than made up for it.

Proudly holding a Saltire flag in the air, she created a moment to remember as she declared her love for The Proclaimers and belted out I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).

Hit after hit followed as Minaj showcased the best of her back catalogue and treated her Glasgow fans to a show to remember.

Kelly Jones at the Royal Concert Hall

The Stereophonics frontman celebrated his birthday in style - by performing in front of a Glasgow audience.

In the setting of the Royal Concert Hall, Jones created an intimate set which showcased his husky voice beautifully.

When Jones plays with the Stereophonics he does up the ante, but it is nice to see his raw talent in a more laid back setting.

Lewis Capaldi at TRNSMT

Scotland's man of the moment pretty much owned 2019 and his debut on the mainstage at TRNSMT music festival was definitely one like no other.
Stepping on stage wearing a Star Wars Chewbacca mask in response to comments made by former Oasis star Noel Gallagher was simply iconic.
He then backed up his comedian persona by showing off his stunning voice to a packed out Glasgow Green.
I think we can all safely say it will be impossible for Lewis to top this show.
Can you think of any other Adele-esque artist who would open with  GBX anthem Bits n' Pieces?
And can you think of anyone else brave enough to alter Noel Gallagher's lyrics to Don't Look Back in Chewbacca? He's one in a million our Lewis. 

The Eagles at the Hydro

Despite the tragic death of Glenn Frey in 2016, The Eagles continue to promote his legacy by touring the world.
Their Hydro show in the summer was a masterclass on how to perform music live.
Take It Easy, New Kid in Town, Hotel California, Tequila Sunrise and Lyin' Eyes were some of the highlights from the show.
But the real surprise was hearing Glenn's son Deacon perform the classic songs that his father wrote. He is a real talent and could help take the band forward for years to come. 

Cher at the Hydro

A real music legend at the Hydro is always going to be special. Cher has a career that has spanned every decade since the 60s and her Hydro show celebrated that.
I thought I had missed the boat for seeing Cher in her heyday but at 73 she managed to put on a show better than some of her younger contemporaries.
The icon even wore her leotard to perform 80s classics I Found Someone and If I Could Turn Back Time - and the moment was just magical.

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Sheryl Crow at the Royal Concert Hall

There is a good chance this is the last time Sheryl Crow will ever perform in the city but she more than made up for that.
This year the singer, 57, released her final album Threads and while the material is some of her best with duets featuring the likes of Stevie Nicks, the chances of her touring the UK with it again are slim.
Sheryl, therefore, delivered a show to exceed the expectations of her fans with a cover of Cat Stevens The First Cut is the Deepest a particular highlight.

Pink at Hampden Park

A performer like Pink needs a space like Hampden Park to showcase her amazing show.
She took over the stadium for several days in the summer and lived up her to showstopping reputation.
From her hit songs to aerobic in the air choreography, this show was a real celebration of the best of Pink.
A surprise proposal between two women also delighted fans and proved Pink is an artist who brings everyone together. 

Rod Stewart at the Hydro 

Rod Stewart is one of the few performers to have played the Hydro several times since the venue opened six years ago - and he never lets his Scottish fans down.
Playing all the hits and backed by a mostly female talented band, Rod performs like he is home when he is in front of a Scottish audience.
And it is something we completely embrace. 

READ MORE: Song called 'Glasgow' which featured in Wild Rose makes Oscar shortlist

Lighthouse Family at the Royal Concert Hall

I grew up listening to The Lighthouse Family and never did I expect that they would be touring in 2019.
Their Royal Concert Hall show was intimate and a real insight into how talented the band is.
Their sound is timeless and the vocals of singer Tunde Baiyewu did not disappoint. He was smooth and sounded exactly like the band's records.
The show reignited my love of the band and I have been listening to them non-stop ever since. 

Liam Gallagher at the Hydro

It was pure rock n' roll and reminder of times gone by when the former Oasis frontman rocked the Hydro this year.  A mixture of nostalgia and the new is a winning combination when it comes to live music. 
What was your best gig in 2019?