KAREN DIÓ BRINGS BRAZILIAN PUNK ATTITUDE TO KING TUTS

LIVE REVIEW | KAREN DIÓ w/ Hana Lili | KING TUT’S, GLASGOW | 7th September 2026 by Kim Sabatelli

Monday nights are typically pretty quiet…but not when you’ve got Karen Dió headlining the King Tuts stage in Glasgow! As soon as doors opened, the most dedicated of fans headed straight for the barrier, while others sorted themselves out with a pint or two from the bar. It’s important to keep hydrated, after all.

Welsh alt singer-songwriter Hana Lili and her band were the openers for the evening. Walking out confidently, in a geographically appropriate tartan skirt (loved it!), it was clear she felt at home on the stage. Kicking off their set, they introduced a grungy vibe to the room; Hana had a nonchalant coolness while drummer George Macdonald was particularly noticeable for the wild energy he brought to the performance.

They moved through their set at pace. ‘Rotten’, a slightly heavier song, was a particular highlight, with its weighty sound providing plenty for the crowd to get their teeth into. Even though it was still relatively early in the evening, heads were nodding and people were clearly getting into the music.

It wasn’t all music and no chat though; at one point, Hana joked that although she was obviously “really intimidating” (she definitely isn’t – she seemed lovely), she still wanted people to come and chat to her after the show. It was a nice touch that made her performance all the more personal.

The band finished strong with ‘Sick of Myself’, a song which Hana wrote to vent about those times when you feel like shit. She reminded her fans that you don’t need to pretend you’re okay if you’re not, and that it’s okay to be honest about it. Wise words!

Hana Lili (Kim Sabatelli/Northern Exposure)

By the time Brazilian punk Karen Dió was due on stage, the audience were warmed up and ready for her. From the moment she appeared, it was clear her set would be full of attitude. Dió delivered a performance packed with energy and personality, jumping, kicking and repeatedly throwing her hair back and forth as she moved across the stage. The crowd responded in kind, with a mini pit breaking out at one point.

There was a real ’90s feel to some of the songs, in particular ‘Stupid’ which gave major Veruca Salt vibes. Dió also showed her versatility with a cover of Chappell Roan’s ‘Casual’. It was well done and her vocals were full of angst and emotion.

During a chat between songs, she asked if there were any other Brazilians in the room – there was only one and she got a massive cheer (shout out to Nina!). It was notable that while Dió was fierce when performing, her interaction with fans showed her sweet side. She was truly appreciative of everyone who came out to see her that night.

Dió saved a politically charged moment for the end, shouting “Free Palestine!” to the crowd as she headed off stage. The loud applause that followed made it clear that the audience were firmly behind her.

Overall, it was a night driven by raw energy and unapologetic attitude. Definitely not your typical Monday evening!

You can listen to Karen Dió’s new music here.