Paisley has a special place in its heart for the husky tones of its most famous son of modern times, the legendary Paolo Nutini.
And having packed out Glasgow's gigantic Ovo Hydro venue for a four night run this week, his popularity shows no sign of waning.
The Buddy legend has made no secret of his preference for more intimate venues over huge arena gigs but his adoring fans certainly seemed pleased to see him and rocked the Hydro, so much so that Paolo announced to the crowd: "You're great, you would think it was a Friday night, but it's a f****** Wednesday".
However, having seen Paolo blow the roof off Oban's Corran Halls during his long-awaited return to the stage in September, where crowds of fans filled the hall with chants of "Go Paolo Nutini", the special rapport Nutini has with his followers cannot be enjoyed as much in mammoth venues.
However, that is not to detract from the strength of Paolo's performance and his fantastic voice was as much in evidence as ever.
For detractors who say Nutini is not a performer to be seen live, his performance in Glasgow on Wednesday night was flawless.
Backed by his band, he launched into Afterneath from his latest album Last Night in the Bittersweet, before launching into upbeat sister track Lose It.
He teamed it with hit (Scream) Funky My Life Up from the acclaimed 2014 album Caustic Love in a set which included the soulful Acid Eyes.
One thing about Paolo Nutini is that he can belt out a ballad like no other and the crowd went wild for the beautiful Through the Echoes - and took up Nutini’s offer to “sing along” - but his delightfully soulful tones could still be heard throughout the rammed arena, in a stirring rendition of the hit that’s sure to become a classic.
Paisley rocker Paolo, in a move which would perhaps disappoint Paolo purists, belted out classic hits Jenny Don’t Be Hasty and New Shoes in a kind of medley, but the songs had been reworked with a more bluesy, rocky twist in a move away from their original format.
Also in for a new, revamped treatment was fans’ fave Coming Up Easy, which pulled in the sales for hit 2009 album Sunny Side Up.
It may be a sign of his development as an artist and movement towards a more soulful style than his earlier works or even just the sign of a creative genius reworking classics he’s played more often than not as he matures in style, regardless, they proved a hit with the crowd on the night.
Lacking in the diva-esque stylings of the average rock legend, the always humble seemed genuinely moved by his packed surroundings, telling the crowd: “Thank you for coming out tonight, don’t think I take it for granted.”
He’s a genuinely nice man off-stage and on, which also endears him to his fans and his admiration was reciprocated from the Glasgow crowd.
The encore included the popular Iron Sky and the show, which was accompanied by kaleidoscopic, trippy videography, closed on the haunting Shine a Light from the newest 2022 release.
And although the rousing all-time classic No Other Way (which happens to be this reviewer’s favourite Paolo, in case you’re interested) was skipped from the set - as was the hit-making Last Request from debut These Streets album, the jubilant crowd didn’t seem to notice amidst the mix of old hits and new classics in the making.
Paolo takes to the Hydro stage again for sell-out gigs tomorrow (Friday) and Sunday this week, with an extra date added on Tuesday (December 20) due to demand.
