A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION AND LOVE: LIVERPOOL’S KEYSIDE MEET GLASGOW

LIVE REVIEW | KEYSIDE | GLASGOW KING TUTS WAH WAH HUT 13th March 2025 by Amanda McEachen

This week, Liverpool four-piece Keyside brought their shimmering live charisma and
modern charm to the iconic Glasgow venue King Tuts Wah Wah Hut on Thursday, 13th
March.

I was ecstatic when Keyside announced their tour, knowing they were to play King
Tuts. The famous venue shines talent every single night of the week, and it felt like the
perfect spot for Keyside to be under the spotlight in Glasgow, bringing their performance
from one city with a thriving live music scene to the next.

Two weeks prior to the gig, the Liverpool band released their newest EP named ‘Michael
(What’s Your Call?)’. This release was no disappointment to fans, containing the same
Keyside charm that shines through their discography, intertwined with new additions that
work impeccably with the band’s jangly-pop feel. The EP contains a 4-song soundtrack,
including two previously released singles that are absolutely loved by fans, ‘Runaway’ and
‘Rhianna, Please Don’t Cry’. The release is a perfect representation of what Keyside are
about; danceable and rhythm-driven tunes packed with powerful lyrics.

Upon entering the venue, the floor was already packed with fans, I made my way up the
stairs and to the back to obtain a good view for the rest of the show. When 9:30 pm finally
hit, the lights were dimmed, and cheers were shouted with pint glasses being raised with
joy at the front barrier. Keyside kicked off the set with their vibrant tune, ‘Nikita’, gig goers
instantly began dancing to the vibrant melody and joined in singing the chorus with lead
singer Dan Parker.

Keyside (Amanda McEachen/Northern Exposure)
Keyside (Amanda McEachen/Northern Exposure
Keyside (Amanda McEachen/Northern Exposure

A personal highlight from the gig occurred quickly into the set, when the band played their EP title track ‘Michael (What’s Your Call?)’. The chorus contains such an infectious hook that it would be impossible for an audience member not to join in. Fans sang along in unison, and I came to the realisation there is nothing better than hearing a packed King Tuts crowd screaming a song that you absolutely love; it was an incredible
experience, and the band were evidently elated for the same reasons.

The band’s charismatic energy rang such a happy tone into the room, frontman Dan Parker
was never not smiling, showing how much the band truly love what they do. Oisín McAvoy,
Keyside’s powerhouse drummer, played a pivotal role in shaping the night’s energy. His
tight and driving drumbeats anchored the band’s sound, sending pulses through the crowd
and keeping the momentum alive from start to finish. Lead guitarist Ben Cassidy
performed intricate riffs with an enthusiastic and lively stage presence, matching the
energy that Keyside’s songs bring to the fans. Bassist Max Gibson anchored songs with
rippling basslines, the synergy between this and Oisin’s drums were undeniable, they
rhythmically created a powerful backbone that elevated every track.

Keyside (Amanda McEachen/Northern Exposure
Keyside (Amanda McEachen/Northern Exposure
Keyside (Amanda McEachen/Northern Exposure
Keyside (Amanda McEachen/Northern Exposure

Other songs played include Keyside classics such as ‘Down My Way’ and ‘Paris to Marseille’, riveting consistent energy. ‘Turn Back The Time’ hushed the crowd more silently with its nostalgic laid-back bittersweet melody with Dan playing his acoustic guitar throughout.

After an anticipated encore, Keyside returned and played fan favourites ‘Runaway’ and finishing the set with ‘Angeline’. The crowd roared with cheers and were the loudest they had been the whole night, finishing the gig off in style. Everyone was dancing and waving hands around the room to celebrate, thrilling the atmosphere.

Keyside left fans fully invested in their songs, bringing people together with their love for the band and being a testament to why live music is so special. If you’ve not listened to Keyside yet, now is the time, the band are proving themselves as one of the most exciting up and coming acts in the UK music scene, don’t miss a chance to catch them live!