Glasvegas play surprise cover as Shockwaves NME Awards Tour starts

Glasvegas kicked off the Shockwaves NME Awards Tour last night (January 29) at Liverpool University with a set that included an improvised Echo And The Bunnymen cover.

Coming onstage at the delayed time of 11pm (GMT), the Scots launched into 'Geraldine' before continuing on to play favourites from their eponymous 2008 debut album, such as 'It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry' and 'Polmont On 'My Mind'.

To a backdrop of vivid flashing white lights, frontman James Allan remained reserved throughout the gig, speaking only to thank the crowd for applause and to announce upcoming songs.

The band also played 'Fuck You, It's Over' from their Christmas mini-album 'A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss)'.

The gig was watched by the likes of The Rascals and The Last Shadow Puppets frontman Miles Kane and Echo And The Bunnymen legend Ian McCulloch.

The presence of the latter inspired Glasvegas to make a last minute change to their setlist to include a cover of 'The Killing Moon' from the Liverpool band's 1984 album 'Ocean Rain'.

Later crowd favourite 'Go Square Go' sparked mass sing-a-longs of: "Here we fucking go!" before the encore of 'S.A.D Light' and finisher 'Daddy's Gone' brought the show to a climactic and thunderous close.

Glasvegas played:

'Geraldine'
'Lonesome Swan'
'It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry'
'The Killing Moon'
'Fuck You, It's Over'
'Polmont On My Mind'
'Flowers And Football Tops'
'Ice Cream Van'
'Go Square Go'
'S.A.D.Light'
'Daddy's Gone'

Earlier Florence And The Machine kicked off the night with a characteristically hyperactive performance, with the stage adorned in flowers and a large harp.

Forntwoman Florence Welch's set included none of her usual covers, but instead featured tracks from her forthcoming debut album, including the provisonally titled 'The Drumming Song' and previous singles 'Kiss With A Fist' and 'Dog Days Are Over'.

White Lies then played their first show in the UK since their album 'To Lose My Life' shot to Number One on Sunday (January 25).

Arriving late to the venue because their plane was cancelled in Berlin, the trio took to the stage dressed entirely in black and opened with 'Unfinished Business' before going on to play tracks such as 'EST' and finisher 'Death'

Halfway through the set singer Harry McVeigh told crowd: "We went to number one this week Liverpool", before going on to thank fans for buying the record.

Playing before the headliners Friendly Fires continued the evening's energy with a high-octane set that included several onstage surprises.

Playing songs off their debut self-titled album, including 'Strobe' and 'Photobooth', Friendly Fires frontman Ed Macfarlane got the crowd moving with an animated performance that saw him dancing passionately throughout.

For 'Paris' the band then invited two Brazilian drummers up on stage, who then staye don to help provided a carnival flavour to set closer 'Jump In The Pool'.

The Shockwaves NME Awards Tour continues tonight (January 30) in Glasgow. NME.COM/Awards/Tour for full information.

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