Kip Moore Captivates Glasgow with Fiery Country-Rock Performance at OVO Hydro
Glasgow, Scotland – June 10, 2025 — On Thursday night, June 5, American country-rock star Kip Moore delivered a thunderous and emotionally charged performance at Glasgow’s iconic OVO Hydro, reminding fans exactly why he remains one of the most compelling live acts in contemporary country music. From gritty anthems to soul-baring ballads, Moore’s set was a whirlwind of energy, vulnerability, and electric connection — a night that will linger in the memories of Scottish fans for years to come.
A Soulful Opening: Gareth Warms the Stage
Kicking off the evening was rising Northern Irish singer-songwriter Gareth, who took to the stage at approximately 7:30 PM. Known for his viral cover of “Stick Season” and his recent Steal Your Thunder EP, Gareth delivered a heartfelt performance that fused Celtic roots with modern country flair. His acoustic storytelling and raw vocal power held the audience in rapt attention, as he moved through a selection of original songs like “Northern Lights” and “Irish Goodbye,” while also treating the crowd to soulful covers that included crowd-pleasers like “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” His ability to connect emotionally — even in a cavernous venue like the Hydro — set a strong tone for the evening.
Kip Moore Takes the Stage with Grit and Gratitude
As anticipation built, the lights dimmed and the stage erupted with the opening chords of “Beer Money.” Kip Moore bounded onto the stage, exuding the charisma of a seasoned showman and instantly commanding the crowd’s attention. The energy surged as fans rose to their feet, dancing and singing along from the very first line.
Moore quickly followed with fan favourites “Somethin’ ’Bout a Truck” and “Wild Ones,” the latter delivered with raw passion and rock-infused swagger. He blended the rustic textures of country with the pounding pulse of Southern rock, showcasing his unique ability to cross genre lines without losing the storytelling heart that defines his music.
Throughout the night, Moore treated fans to a comprehensive journey through his discography, not just leaning on radio hits, but diving deep into lesser-performed gems and new material. Tracks from his 2020 album Wild World, including “Fire and Flame” and the hauntingly introspective “Southpaw,” were met with enthusiastic approval, revealing a fanbase well-versed in even his solitary, soul-searching catalogue.
One of the most touching moments came mid-set with “Guitar Man,” where the arena’s energy shifted from rowdy celebration to intimate reflection. Bathed in soft lighting, Moore shared a personal story of chasing dreams and fighting doubt, before launching into the emotional ballad. Thousands of phone lights filled the venue, creating a glowing canopy of stars — a breathtaking pause in an otherwise electric night.
The emotional depth continued with songs like “Payin’ Hard” and “Janie Blu,” both pulled from his Wild World album. Moore’s voice cracked with raw emotion as he delivered these tracks, proving that beyond the bravado and bravura, he remains deeply attuned to the quieter, more vulnerable corners of the human experience.
Moore took time between songs to engage the crowd in his trademark down-to-earth style. “Every time I come to Scotland, it feels like coming home,” he told fans, sparking roars of appreciation and chants of “Kip! Kip! Kip!” He shared stories from life on the road, from rough early days touring in a van to the surreal moment of selling out massive venues overseas — a testament to the journey he’s taken with his fans at his side.
Songs like “Fire on Wheels,” his adrenaline-fuelled 2022 single, turned the arena into a dance party, while “She’s Mine” brought back the fun, flirtatious side of Moore’s catalogue. He continued with “Crazy One More Time,” “That Was Us,” and a poignant version of “Running for You,” which brought the evening to a close with an emotional crescendo.
As the band briefly exited the stage, chants for “one more song!” erupted from every corner of the Hydro. Kip returned, grinning, and closed the night with an explosive encore of “The Bull” — a defiant anthem of resilience — and a surprise solo acoustic rendition of “Hey Pretty Girl,” leaving the crowd swaying arm in arm.
By the time the final note faded, the audience was still buzzing. Some stood motionless, soaking it in; others clapped and whistled long after the lights came up. It was clear that Kip Moore hadn’t just performed — he had connected, cathartically and completely, with his Scottish audience.
For fans in Glasgow, Thursday night wasn’t just another tour stop — it was an experience that blended power and poetry, grit and grace. Kip Moore proved, once again, that while country music may be rooted in Nashville, its soul can light up arenas across the world. As fans filtered out into the cool Scottish night, one sentiment echoed above all: When’s he coming back?
