Dylan John Thomas at Glasgow’s OVO HYDRO
Dylan John Thomas brought the house down at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on Friday night, marking the final stop of his 2024 tour with a rousing performance that celebrated his meteoric rise from local busker to arena headliner. The East End native, named after Bob Dylan, captivated the sold-out crowd with an energetic set, making his first arena show a night to remember.
Opening the night were fellow Scottish acts Murdo Mitchell and Vistas, making it a full Scottish bill that set the perfect tone for the evening. Murdo Mitchell’s performance including covers and original material captivated early arrivals, while Vistas brought their signature sound, ramping up the energy and getting the crowd on their feet well before the main act took the stage.
Opening with the infectious ‘Jenna,’ DJT set the tone early, igniting the youthful and lively audience with his signature high-energy sound. The setlist pulled heavily from his self-titled debut album, featuring crowd-pleasers like ‘Feel the Fire’ and ‘Up in the Air.’ Each track resonated deeply, with fans singing along to every word.
However, it was the more intimate moments that showcased the 27-year-old’s ability to connect on a personal level. His moving renditions of ‘Wake up Ma’ and ‘If I Didn’t Laugh’ – songs reflecting his tough upbringing – brought an emotional element to the evening.
Thomas’s gratitude was clear throughout the show. Reflecting on his journey from busking on Buchanan Street to headlining Glasgow’s largest venue, he appeared in awe of the moment, sharing his disbelief and thanks with the crowd.
A standout surprise of the night was his cover of ABBA’s ‘Mamma Mia’, a bold yet fitting addition to the set. The crowd responded with as much enthusiasm as they did for his original tracks, turning the Hydro into a giant singalong.
The night finished with a short encore, closing with fan-favourite ‘Nobody Else’ and his biggest hit, ‘Fever.’ As the final notes rang out, Thomas left the stage to roars from the crowd, solidifying his place as one of Scotland’s most exciting rising stars.
