Glasvegas are back with their first new music in six years, releasing the first single from their fifth album Airy Fairy.
The record will be showcased at a homecoming concert at the O2 Academy Glasgow on Saturday, 1st May 2027.
The Glasgow band’s enigmatic frontman James Allan revealed to NME he’s now living in Glasgow with his family and working on “a lot” of music.
The album was recorded at a studio close to Airdrie by Allan and founding members, Rab Allan (guitars) and Paul Donoghue (bass).
He said returning to the Glasgow Academy is going to be special.
“Everyone knows about how special Glasgow is to play”, said Allan. “And the audiences. I want this tour and this show to be theatre. I can’t wait to play these new songs live.
“Life is really good. I’m living in Glasgow with my family and working on a lot of music. Feeling very lucky.”
Epic anthem ‘Degüello’ (Spanish for ‘cutthroat’) came from an old film Allan began using as a blanket expression for his bad mood and temper.
“I first heard the word on an old film on TV, but I was using it more like a blanket expression for things that aren’t so good in my personality: my bad temper, a bad mood,” Allan explained.
“But the song is my elaborate plan of being something better. I’m setting off on a quest of trying to be a colourful rainbow…”
He continued: “It’s a funny one, because this album seems to have everyone split on what their favourite songs are. Not only within the band, but also with our families, the record label and those who’ve heard the album. And several songs were floated as the first single, which I think is a good sign.
“I think Rab [Allan, guitar] suggested ‘Degüello’ and he is the one we follow with decisions like this. He often chooses the live setlist. He fancies himself as a man who knows how to please an audience.”
Glasvegas received critical acclaim for their self-titled platinum selling debut album released in September 2008, which reached No. 2 in the UK Album Charts. Their debut was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in September 2009.
Lauded for their unique sound and powerful lyrical content, Glasvegas have a fervent and loyal fan base which has meant the band have embarked on several world tours including a trip to China. They have also toured North America an unprecedented seven times.
Asked what the song tells us about the rest of the record, Allen shared: “I’m pretty terrible when it comes to explaining where the lyrics and melodies come from. They seem to just find their way to me, and it was the same with this album. I think these songs were meant to be in this moment, on this album, and my duty is to weave them together and deliver them to the world, hoping that they connect to someone, somewhere.
“I’d like our music to mean something to those who listen to it, and if even one person hears one song on this album and connects to it, then it is all worth it.”
Glasvegas release Airy Fairy on Friday, April 2 via Modern Sky UK.
Tour tickets go on sale from 10am on Friday October 30 and are available here.