One rising star of Glasgow's music scene almost missed his big break to play the Hydro's stage, if it wasn't for his mum.
Ewan McKenna, 19, had the life-changing experience of playing to 14,000 while supporting Nathan Evans and the Saint Phnx band at Scotland's largest music venue.
He secured the chance after winning a competition he admits he didn't want to enter, but was encouraged to put his name in the hat by his family.
That competition saw him go from pub singer to arena star, and he's ready to take the next big step in his journey.
READ MORE:
'Welcome home': Glasgow indie rock legends announce huge Barrowlands show
Viral star bringing huge event to Glasgow for first time
Susan Boyle to play huge surprise show in Glasgow
Ewan has gained popularity after relentlessly playing in pubs across the city, including the reveller-loved Wunderbar.
He started playing guitar during the Covid pandemic and fell in love with playing music, then began performing at every chance he got.
Ewan explained: "I was playing about seven times a week.
"I'd work during the day. I'd come home, play a gig at night, and then at the weekends you could have like three or four."
He tried going to college to study music, but said he felt like it was "too much like being back at school," so he opted to learn up on stage instead.
Middle child Ewan has had massive support from his family, and if it wasn't for his mum, he might not have had his big break.
Ewan explained: "My mum kept on at me to put in for the competition when it was announced, and I kept saying no because I thought I didn't have a chance, but I'm glad I listened to her now."
He beat tough competition and secured 54% of the votes, which earned him an invitation to the Hydro.
READ NEXT:
'We will miss her': Glasgow's Barrowlands pay tribute to 'Scottish music legend'
Irish rappers Kneecap unveil Palestine-Saltire flag mural ahead of Glasgow Hydro gig
Fans in hysterics as badminton game starts in crowd at Barrowlands gig
Fans fume as they're left 'queuing for hours' at 'Glasgow's biggest rave'
On the night, Ewan was struck by the grand scale of the venue and amused that everyone else seemed very professional with "a team of people," whereas he turned up with his mum, dad, sisters and girlfriend in tow.
Stepping on stage, Ewan was overwhelmed. He explained: "See if nobody had filmed it, I don't think I would even remember or believe I was actually there."
A self-proclaimed Oasis mega-fan, Ewan was also awestruck by performing in the spot he'd watched his idols perform from.
He said: "I'd seen Noel Gallagher playing the Hydro the year before, and I was standing right where he was standing.
"I was just trying not to freak out."
Following the Hydro show, Ewan didn't know what to do. He explained: "Right after it, I was completely lost. I had a feeling that I was like 'Oh, everything's just going to come, everything's going to be brilliant.'
"No, it's not like that at all.
"I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing now. I feel like I should be doing something, but I don't know what I'm meant to do.
"I played the hydro on Saturday and had Sunday to let it sink in, and I was back working on Monday, and I was like, 'I can't do this'."
That feeling has made him determined to make the most of the opportunity he has now to build a career in music.
He's going to be performing his first headline show at King Tut's in just a few days and has exciting plans for 2026.
Ewan said: "I've been working hard in the studio and I'm hoping to release some music in 2026, which will be good to get people to hear what I've been working on."
Ewan's King Tut’s ’New Year's Revolution’ show is on Saturday, January 3, 2026 alongside Kloans, Syrena and Val Mavis.
For tickets and more information, click HERE.
Share