23 January 2026, McChuills
I’ll start this post by putting the gig in some kind of context. McChuills invites everyone who plays and attends gigs there to enjoy an intimate evening. You can, as I did, get up close and personal to the performers if you’re so inclined. Alternatively, you could stand at the back of the room, maybe 20 yards away to watch and listen from ‘afar’.
Compare that with the previous gig at the large donut in Finnieston which boasts a capacity of over 14,000 and a stage as wide as a four or five lane motorway. If you’re seated, well take some binoculars to get that up close and personal touch. Yes, the stage and light show can be spectacular, the music can be great, as it was at Biffy Clyro’s gig, but did I feel as energized as I did when Rudebeard bade farewell to the audience. Not a chance.
What Rudebeard, and The Three’n’Eights before them, may have lacked in sophistication, they more than made up for by generating a feel-good factor that remained long afterwards into the night.
The Three’n’Eights
It was my first time watching The Three’n’Eights and, in truth, I hope it’s not the last.
There was more than a hint of ska, punk, country and indie rock about their setlist. What linked them all though was the togetherness of the band and the obvious enjoyment they were having playing to the audience.
The trombone should become an essential part of any live show; it just seemed to add a dimension that everyone can hook into. With a fanbase who had been following them for what seemed eternity, and who happily joined in the singing or dancing in the mosh pit created especially for the occasion, just added to the energetic flow of the night.!
With a mix of known and unknown covers, together with songs they’d penned themselves, they came on stage and set the dial at nine and made sure it never dipped below that.
Rudebeard
It’s becoming an annual occasion for me to see Rudebeard at the turn of the year, and they were the very first act who performed as we set out on our own #AtoZMusicalTour at The Bungalow in 2024.
What they guarantee is a blistering set that will have your toes tapping. The songs are invariably short, enabling the band to extend their range of targets to decry. A Smack In The Puss, A Mucky Fumble, Toepokes and Tragedies. You won’t find too many songs of a similar nature.
Rudebeard may have a couldn’t care less attitude about their songwriting, but you can’t deny the way they all come together to give the audience what they want. From the excellent horn section through to guitar, bass and drums, lead singer and head honcho on the night Rod Drysdale ensures everyone has the chance to shine on their instrument(s).
Rudebeard have been making a name for themselves across the country and, if this year’s summer festivals are anything to go by, they’re progressing up the acknowledgement ladder with timeslots on the main stages to look forward to.
If you like ska or punk. If you like your music short and energetic with no fillers. If you are looking for a good night out where you can mingle with the band members without fear of being dragged away by security, then a night with Rudebeard and The Three’n’Eights is for you.
