The Zutons

The latest gig on our A to Z Musical Tour was ……

The Zutons at SWG3 in Glasgow

In the mid 2000s, it would have been hard not to have heard a Zutons track on the radio, maybe on TV and certainly if you went to any of the music festivals around this period. Their debut album, Who Killed …… The Zutons, was a manifesto for indie dancing. Catchy tunes, delivered with a devil may care attitude.

After a couple of albums though, the band went their own separate ways, leaving some happy memories for the rest of us to savour.

To the great relief of many though, they are back with a new album, The Big Decider, released on 26 April 2024 and touring the UK again in support of a batch of these newly recorded songs. In truth though, it’s a greatest hits show and while some reading this might not think they know much about The Zutons, a listen to the playlist below might jog some happy memories.

Last night at SWG3, they sauntered onto the stage, looked out at audience and swung back into action with a set packed with the debut album songs, a couple from their other earlier output and a smattering of new songs we can all look forward to listening to again and again.

From the opening bars of Zuton Fever to the closing chords of the same song reprised, the band were in party mode. Enjoying playing to the Glasgow audience as much as we enjoyed listening to the songs booming out of the sound system.

There is something about The Zuton’s that can’t be forgotten, literally. Their songs are catchy and you can’t help but enjoy the infectious groove that emanates from each tune .

The core of the band, Dave McCabe on vocals and guitar, Abi Harding on sax and vocals and Sean Payne in the drummer’s seat and vocals are a powerful trio and were ably backed up by three touring band members taking lead guitar, keyboards and bass. Combined, they brought out the best in each other, delivered the songs we remembered with a touch of funk/rock class and reminded us all how good the music was in the noughties.

There were times during the set when the tempo was deliberately lowered to deliver a few of the ballads the band are remembered for. While Valerie was met with the expected supporting vocals from the crowd, without exception, when the tempo was raised on songs like Pressure Point, Why Don’t You Give Me Your Love, new song Creeping On The Dancefloor and crowd favourite You Will You Won’t, the band came into their own.

Playlist for the majority of songs that were part of the Setlist for the tour

Zuton Fever
Confusion
Don’t Ever Think (Too Much)
The Big Decider
Pressure Point
Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love?
Pauline
Dirty Dancehall
Best Of Me (Acoustic)

Rise
Hello Conscience
Disappear
Valerie
Remember Me
You Will You Won’t
Creeping On The Dancefloor
Zuton Fever Reprise

The Zutons delivered an explosive performance during a set list packed with greatest hits embellished with a blend of new material. The Zutons are back. The new album tracks sound great and should become gig favourites this year.

If you’re holding a summer party this year and looking for a band to keep things going from start to finish then The Zutons should be top of your list of acts to book.

Support Act

Casino walked onto the stage with that cool swagger of a band knowing they are heading in the right direction.

A tight outfit, like the headline act, they played a mix of funky rock based music which set the scene for the rest of the evening. While their recorded output to date is relatively limited, it should only be a matter of time before an album is available to listen to.

If you’re heading to any festivals this year, then look out for the band on the lower reaches of the order of play. You won’t be disappointed. In Casino parlance, I reckon it’s a safe bet we haven’t heard the last about them.