Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Glasgow review: 'a bundle of energy'
Sophie Ellis-Bextor set out to show her Glasgow fans a good time, and she made it look as effortless as breathing, writes Kelly Apter
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow ★★★★
What does a night on the town with your pals and watching Sophie Ellis-Bextor perform have in common? Practically everything. This most genial of popstars exudes warmth and friendliness, from her bouncy ponytail down to her glittery heels. She might be dancing on stage, and we’re wriggling as space allows on the concrete steps of Kelvingrove Bandstand, but essentially we’re all in it together. Ellis-Bextor is here to show us a good time, whether it’s via her own tunes or a clutch of borrowed bangers, and it looks as effortless as breathing.
Skipping onto the stage to Relentless Love, from 2025’s brilliantly-titled album, Perimenopop, the 47-year-old mother of five is a bundle of energy. Wearing a funky mini-dress, soon swapped for a sequined leotard, she declares “I think I’m looking pretty good for a middle-aged woman”, and who could disagree? Ellis-Bextor jumps between eras, making Music Gets the Best of Me and Murder on the Dancefloor from 2001 sound as fresh as newly released track, Dancing Without You.
After 26 years in the business, Ellis-Bextor has an impressive back catalogue to draw from, yet isn’t too proud to please the crowd with some impressive covers. Donna Summer’s I Feel Love, Baccara’s Yes Sir, I Can Boogie and Crying at the Discoteque by Alcazar all send the crowd into a frenzy. A couple of clever mash-ups have a similar effect, with Lady (Hear Me Tonight) by Modjo blending seamlessly into massive 2000 hit, Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love), while Can’t Fight This Feeling slides perfectly into Abba’s Gimme Gimme Gimme.
Throughout, the chat is inclusive and upbeat, until finally the lights go down, and a gentle plea to “Shush” comes from her excellent band. In the darkness, Ellis-Bextor sings new song, Don’t Know What You’ve Got Until It’s Gone, leaving us soothed and ready for home.
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