Qulture Magazine

21st November 2025

Words: Kenny Ross

Travel to Glasgow they said, on a Friday night they said. The rain was so aggressive it felt personal, and the Hydro was glowing like a giant blue Alexa that’s about to ask if you want to upgrade your Prime membership. Inside? A crowd dressed like the apocalypse is fashionable again—black leather, studs, and enough eyeliner to make a raccoon jealous. I could see that The Hydro’s top tier was curtained off, but people came plenty, to make it feel warm still. I was sent to review this gig for Qulture Magazine, which basically means I had the perfect excuse to stand in a sweaty crowd and call it “work.”

First up, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines. Think Joan Jett if she raided Debbie Harry’s wardrobe and decided Vegas was the vibe, her outfit was definitely a little risqué (sorry, being cheeky – GET IT?) . They were good—tight, confident, they even threw in a cover of Aerosmith’s “Cryin” which I think they pretty much nailed!—but the crowd was still in “sip my £7.90 Pravha and judge silently” mode – Yes, £7.90. For a pint. Of Pravha. I’ve paid less for diesel!

Then came Bloodywood, and holy crap, —these guys detonated the Hydro. Indian Nu-metal with rap installed for free – and a dhol drum that sounded like someone beating the earth’s core. I went from “What the f%$k is this?” to “Where do I sign up?” after about 30 seconds. If you were there, and didn’t enjoy them, then you probably hate life. These guys were tremendous & I immediately added to my Spotify playlist – this is from me, a massive music snob when it comes to bands I have not heard of! I encourage you to give them a listen! My favourite track from their set was “ Nu-Dehli” (do you see what they did there? Like nu-metal with an indi…. Oh forget it!) Last comment for this lot:  Due to me being an old f$%k, I stayed well back from the mosh pit – it was crazy!

Then the lights dropped, and Halestorm arrived like they were here to repossess your soul. Lzzy Hale walked out looking like she eats other vocalists for breakfast and launched into “Fallen Star” from Everest. Her voice? Still a weapon of mass destruction. If the Hydro roof had blown off, we’d have cheered. With 2 mahoosive screens at either side of the stage, no one had any issues watching their set.
The setlist was a buffet of chaos: “I Miss the Misery” and “Love Bites (So Do I)” had the crowd screaming like they’d just stepped on a Lego barefoot. New tracks like “WATCH OUT!”, “Rain Your Blood on Me”, and “K-I-L-L-I-N-G” were heavier, darker—Halestorm basically said, “Remember when we were radio-friendly? LOL.” The Ozzy cover “Perry Mason”? Risky. But I think Lzzy nailed it, and Joe Hottinger’s guitar tone was pure Sabbath worship without sounding like your dad’s tribute band. Arejay Hale’s drum solo was explosive—sticks flying, Hydro shaking, everyone clapping along. He’s definitely an extremely entertaining drummer in rock, and yes, I say that as a retired drummer with wrists that sound like Rice Krispies.

Encore? “I Am the Fire”, “Here’s to Us”, and the towering “Everest” closed the night like a mic drop from Mount Doom. It wasn’t just a gig—it was Halestorm reminding us they’re still climbing, and the view from up there is savage.
Personal gripe? None. I was in the standing area, shoulder-to-shoulder with sweaty strangers (minus the really drunk folk… you know who you are!), and it felt like home for a night. Hydro beer prices are still criminal, but when you’re in the zone, you forget you paid £7.90 for liquid regret. (nb: even a glass of irn-bru was £3.90!) Halestorm & co didn’t just play Glasgow—they conquered it. No gimmicks, no nonsense—just riffs, beats, and attitude. If Everest is their peak, I hope they never come down (disclaimer: please don’t stay up Mount Everest.. you will freeze to death)

Kenny’s Brand new rating system for the Hydro…

Beer Prices: Highway Robbery
Neck Pain: Guaranteed
Bloodywood Surprise Factor: 11/10