Lauran Hibberd at King Tut's, Glasgow: A Night of Alt-Pop, Punk Attitude and Surprises

On September 17th, English singer-songwriter Lauran Hibberd delivered an exhilarating performance at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow, solidifying her rising status in alt-pop. From start to finish, the night was packed with electrifying moments, unforgettable songs, and a surprising highlight — a crowd-pleasing cover of Chappell Roan's infectious anthem “HOT TO GO!”

The magic, however, was initiated even before Hibberd took to the stage, as the evening began with two stellar opening acts, ugly ozo and Housewife, setting the tone for a spectacular night of music. Kicking off the night was ugly ozo, the self-produced brainchild of Jess Baker from the Isle of Wight. Their raw, emotional set delved into themes of feminine rage and supernatural horror, with their debut single “remains” completely gripping the audience. Their haunting, gritty indie sound bore striking similarities to Edinburgh-based band Swim School, as both bands mix dark, emotive atmospheres with powerful, visceral energy. ugly ozo’s stage presence was magnetic, leaving a lasting impression.

Next came Housewife, the Toronto-based indie-rock outfit known for their empowering and unapologetic queer representation in both their music and public persona. The band members identify as LGBTQ+ and their music often reflects their experiences and challenges as queer individuals. With a blend of heavy instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, Housewife creates a sound that is both introspective and anthemic. Their music has a raw and unfiltered quality that resonates with listeners, drawing them in with its authenticity and emotional depth and, through their performances and public presence, Housewife actively advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility within the music industry. The band’s unwavering commitment to queer representation has had a significant impact on their fans and has contributed to a more inclusive and diverse music landscape, making them the perfect opener for Lauran whose predominantly young fanbase appears to consist of a variety of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

When Lauran Hibberd finally took the stage, it felt like a spark had been ignited. Her mesmeric presence, a mix of sardonic humour and rebellious energy, captivated the audience instantly. Decorated with a colourful, flower-laden backdrop that resembled a whimsical garden, the stage contrasted beautifully with her edgy, grunge-influenced sound. The floral arrangements, illuminated by warm pink and purple lights, created a playful, festival-like atmosphere which perfectly complemented Hibberd's unique mix of humour and punk attitude.

Kicking off with “girlfriend material”, Hibberd immediately had the crowd in the palm of her hand, with fans enthusiastically singing along to every word. Her set moved smoothly through fan favourites like “How Am I Still Alive?”, “Honda Civic” and “Bleugh”, each song laced with her signature blend of sharp wit and catchy, angst-filled choruses.

As the set progressed, Hibberd's charismatic stage presence only grew stronger. Tracks like “l'm Insecure” and “Boy Bye” had the crowd laughing and dancing in equal measure.

One standout moment came when Hibberd asked the audience to choose the next song she would perform. Amidst the chaos, fans demanded “Step Mum”, a beloved track that Hibberd delivered with a perfect mix of humour and emotion, showing how connected she is to her fanbase.

While every song had its moment, the true highlight of the night was Hibberd's unexpected cover of superstar Chappell Roan's “HOT TO GO!”, as the crowd erupted when she launched into the high-energy pop anthem, transforming the venue into a euphoric dance party. Her punk-infused twist on Roan's track, with churning guitars and her soaring vocals, added a fresh layer of fun to the euphoric night. The crowd were fully immersed, dancing and cheering with wild enthusiasm. This cover became the pinnacle of the night, with Hibberd clearly enjoying the party-like atmosphere as much as the audience.

The rest of the set stayed electric, with songs like “Shark Week” and “jealous” keeping the audience engaged, dancing, and singing along to every lyric. The grungy “Charlie's Car” and “Hoochie” brought harder, edgier moments with thick guitar riffs and pounding drums, whilst “anti fragile” showcased Hibberd's introspective songwriting. The set ebbed and flowed masterfully, with “so romantic” and “Still Running (5K)” offering the perfect balance between high energy and reflective moments. By the time Hibberd wrapped up with the “2nd prettiest girl (in the world)”, she had fully won over the crowd and this final track undoubtedly sealed the night's success. The audience left the venue feeling part of something special — a shared moment of humour, energy, and musical catharsis.

Overall, Lauran Hibberd's gig at King Tut's was a powerful fusion of punk attitude, playful pop sensibilities, and genuine emotion. The flower-adorned stage added a surreal, intimate vibe, enhancing the fun, festival-like energy of the night. With stellar support from ugly ozo and Housewife, the entire show was filled with dynamic energy and memorable moments. As she continues her rise in the indie-pop world, it's clear that Hibberd's live performances will be a cornerstone of her ascent.

Support Acts:

ugly ozo and Housewife