Hayley Kiyoko
SWG3, Glasgow,
Friday, February 1, 2019
I SIGNED up to write my first gig review as soon as I heard that Hayley Kiyoko – an artist that I have admired for some time now – was bringing her Expectations Encore tour to SWG3. I was naturally excited, but I don’t think nearly excited enough to prepare me for the amazing emotional experience to come.
Kiyoko has gone from child stardom in Nickelodeon and Disney Channel shows to being dubbed pop’s "Lesbian Jesus" by her fans, which gives you some idea of the affection in which she is held.
Now 27, the half Japanese, half Scottish singer was brought up in America and found solo success after playing with the Stunners from 2007 until 2011, releasing a number of singles and touring with Justin Beiber.
Walking into the Glasgow concert felt like coming home. The hall was completely packed with so many unique people all united and smiling, and I think there is something so powerful about how we all came together exactly in that moment.
There is a sense of joy that comes from sharing something wonderful with thousands of people you have never met and in all likelihood never will again.
As the show started, the rest of the world had already started to fade around us.
It was a magical moment when the star of the show stepped on stage, a feeling of unity throughout the audience which remained until the final notes.
When Hayley asked us “Do you feel the love in this room tonight?” the audience roared back the affirmative answer. I certainly did … and I don’t believe I’ll ever forget it.
My favourite moment was Girls Like Girls, the first Hayley Kiyoko song I’d ever heard. Everyone in the room was singing along, word perfect, when Hayley turned the microphone towards us. So many voices, so many different lives and backgrounds, and yet we joined perfectly as one. It was a special moment which seemed to restore a communal sense of faith in the good people of this world.
Hayley Kiyoko’s voice, the life-altering beauty of her lyrics, and the sense of connection with the audience combined to create an unforgettable concert.
The stage set was understated and elegant, the back-up dancers unbelievable, and the band well drilled. Did Hayley Kiyoko’s Encore tour meet my expectations? Absolutely.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel