Azealia Banks ‘Back To The Union Jack’ Tour in Scotland
Date: 18th September 2024
Location: O2 Academy, Glasgow
Azealia Banks' highly-anticipated return to Glasgow at the O2 Academy on September 18th was memorable, but not in the way fans had hoped. What could have been an electrifying night turned into a disappointing experience that left many feeling disillusioned.
Back in 2014, Banks delivered a vibrant show complete with a drummer, DJ, and backing dancers, creating an immersive atmosphere that showcased her talent. This time, however, the production felt extremely low budget, featuring a broken screen backdrop and glitchy visuals which lacked the polish of her past performances.
The absence of dancers and musicians meant Banks had to carry the show solo, which diminished the dynamic energy fans expected. Her lateness, over an hour late to be precise, only compounded the disappointment, forcing her to rush through a brief set due to strict venue curfews. Tracks like “Luxury”, “F*** Him All Night” and “New Bottega” felt disjointed, lacking transitions that could have engaged the audience more effectively.
However, no Azealia Banks concert would be complete without acknowledging her divisive and often controversial personality. While her outspoken nature tends to draw fans in, it has also led some to lose patience. This night, her diva demeanour was evident—her late entrance, dismissive attitude, and lacklustre performance gave the impression that she prioritized maintaining her notoriously unpredictable persona over genuinely connecting with her audience. Instead of engaging with fans, her actions felt more like a barrier, further contributing to the sense of disillusionment that permeated the evening.
Azealia Banks' stormy background, both online and in real life, loomed over the night, casting a shadow on the overall experience. While she often thrives on controversy, that energy felt more like neglect than rebellion during the live performance. Fans genuinely want to support her, but the lack of engagement in her rushed set was hard to overlook. When Banks finally took the stage, she performed for less than 45 minutes — a surprising choice for a headliner, especially after keeping her audience waiting for so long. This brevity gave the impression that the show was an afterthought rather than a sincere effort to connect with her supporters, leaving many feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.
Despite these issues, Banks still has a magnetic stage presence. The highlight of the night was her performance of the iconic “212” which electrified the crowd and showcased her undeniable talent. For those exhilarating moments, it felt as if the Azealia everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived.
Interestingly, while many left disappointed, some fans took to social media to praise the concert, with one even calling it "the best 45 minutes of my life”! This illustrates the complex relationship between Banks and her audience: even when she delivers a chaotic performance, her devoted fans remain willing to embrace her.
All in all, Azealia Banks' concert in Glasgow left many feeling conflicted. Although some celebrated the experience online, significant issues overshadowed the night. Delays, disorganisation and a lack of engagement marred what could have been a captivating show. For an artist of her calibre, it felt like a missed opportunity to truly connect with fans, leaving many with a lingering sense of disappointment.
Azealia Banks
Written & Photographed by Kyan Gilfillan - (Portfolio)
