Edwyn Collins‘ triumphant Return: A Night of Unfulfilled Hits and Emotional Resonance
Teh air crackled with a unique energy at the Theater Royal, Glasgow, on September 27, 2025. It wasn’t just a concert; it felt like a reunion of shared histories, a collective acknowledgment of time’s passage, and a celebration of a remarkable artist. You could sense the years lived, the lives unfolding, reflected in the faces of the crowd.
Collins’ performance wasn’t simply a retrospective, but a poignant reminder of a career brimming with potential hits that, for various reasons, never quite reached their deserved heights.Consider “Don’t Shilly Shally,” a defiant anthem delivered with a silver-topped cane, embodying the spirit of a song that should have been ubiquitous.
Throughout the evening, Collins masterfully weaved between his solo work and the beloved catalog of Orange Juice. He revisited classics like the driving “Simply Thrilled,” the raw energy of “What Presence,” and the iconic squelch of “Rip It Up.” More intimate moments arrived with the fragility of “In A Nutshell” and the introspective ”Intuition Told Me (Part One).”
A Surprise Reunion: The Heart of Orange Juice Returns
But the night held a surprise that sent a palpable shockwave of delight through the audience.James Kirk (guitar) and Steven Daly (drums), the original rythm section of Orange Juice, joined Collins onstage. Only bassist David McClymont was absent, residing in Australia.
This marked the first time the trio had shared a stage since 1981, save for a brief charity event in 2008 following Collins’ stroke. They launched into ”Felicity,” a song penned by Kirk, and a fan audibly declared it “the best song ever written,” a sentiment Collins playfully echoed.
Of course, “Felicity” isn’t the best song ever written, but it’s impact was undeniable, especially when promptly followed by the equally brilliant “blue Boy.” It was a potent reminder of Orange Juice’s unique blend of intelligence, vulnerability, and infectious energy.
The performance felt like a definitive statement. While Collins will undoubtedly continue to create, this concert carried the weight of finality. As the final notes of “Blue Boy” faded, tears flowed freely – a mixture of joy, sorrow, and profound gratitude. You couldn’t conceal your affection for this artist, and no one in the audience was trying to.
Edwyn Collins – Theatre Royal, Glasgow, September 27, 2025: Setlist
* Falling and Laughing
* Dying Day
* Make Me Feel Again
* The Campaign For Real Rock
* Gorgeous George
* Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation
* Knowledge
* Wheels Of Love
* What Presence
* In Your eyes
* In A Nutshell
* Intuition Told Me (Part One)
* Simply Thrilled
* Consolation Prize
* I Can’t Help Myself
* Rip It Up
* Don’t Shilly Shally
* A Girl Like You
* Low Expectations
* Home Again
* Felicity
* Blue Boy
This wasn’t just a concert; it was a testament to resilience, a celebration of a singular artistic vision, and a poignant reminder of the songs that should have been, but remain eternally cherished by those who understand their brilliance.
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