Kaiser Chiefs - Barrowland Ballroom 18/02/2026

Kaiser Chiefs at the Barrowlands: A Jurassic Jolt to the System

There is no venue in the world quite like the Glasgow Barrowlands, and for Glasgowmusic writer Sara's first ever Barras experience, the Kaiser Chiefs were the perfect initiation. We walked in to find some dinosaur t-shirts in the merch stand, and when the band made their entrance to a full-blown Jurassic Park theme, it was clear we werent in for a standard indie revival set.

The night felt like a deliberate time machine, rolling back 20 years to Employment-one hell of a good album that still carries a heavy punch. When the opening chords of "Everyday I Love You Less and Less" hit, followed by Indie floorfiller "I Predict a Riot," the floor started that famous Barrowland bounce.

The crowd dynamic was spot on. Right in front of us, a mother and daughter were enjoying the show; the girl was incredibly polite, telling us we could jump in front of them for any song we wanted. It was one of those small, nice moments that reminds you why the Glasgow crowd is the best in the world.

Up on stage, Ricky Wilson looked a bit tired at times-hardly surprising given the energy he puts in-but he never lost the room. He's evolved into a proper showman, peppered with showbiz quips that kept the momentum high. It really felt like the rest of the band-Andrew White, Simon Rix, Nick Baines, and Vijay Mistry-were back out there enjoying being 20 again.

While not every track on the debut has stood the test of time, the massive hits absolutely destroyed the dancefloor, just as they have for two decades. There's a time-honoured tradition to their set now, almost like a Brighton beach cabaret but with significantly more distortion. The "dinosaurs" became a running joke, reappearing on the big screen throughout the night. By the time they hit "Team Mate," it felt like the end of the album was just one glorious, blurry mix of every song together.

The encore was a different beast altogether. They kicked off with a cracking cover of the Ramones "Blitzkrieg Bop," which went down a storm, before launching into a string of hits. It was brilliant to hear "Ruby" ring out across the Barras, and by the time they reached "The Angry Mob," the atmosphere was electric.

A bolt to the chest, a sweat-soaked floor, and a brilliant first Barras for Sara.


Full Setlist (18th February 2026):

Everyday I Love You Less and Less

I Predict a Riot

Modern Way

Na Na Na Na Naa

You Can Have It All

Oh My God

Born to Be a Dancer

Saturday Night

What Did I Ever Give You?

Time Honoured Tradition

Caroline, Yes

Team Mate

Take My Temperature

Encore: 14. Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones cover) 15. Never Miss a Beat 16. Sink That Ship 17. Hole in My Soul 18. Ruby 19. Reasons to Stay Alive 20. The Angry Mob

Review by Craig McGee

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