Mogwai and Forest Swords | Gateshead Glasshouse | 26th Feb 2026
Deja vu! A mere two weeks after having my socks blown off in Paisley, I get to witness it all again, this time in my own neighbourhood!
Back to the Sage, sorry "Glasshouse", it'll always be the Sage in my brain. My first ever Mogwai gig was at this same venue almost 15 years ago to the day, on the 27th Feb 2011. I became pretty obsessed with their music from that day onwards. But that's a story for another feature, 30 years of Mogwai, which I've been working on for ages. It will come out this year, honest!
I didn't apply for a photopass until way too late, as I'm a busy and forgetful chap! So, here's a handful of shots from the best seat in the house, just, behind the mixing desk. It might be the best-sounding Mogwai show I've attended. The lighting was outrageously good and I sat there wishing I was in the photopit! Forest Swords' light show and projections were incredible.
The setlist for Mogwai was packed with bangers; it felt like a big party set. Bringing the house down with a phenomenal version of My Father My King. 20 minutes of sheer sonic adventures, that still somehow leave me wanting more. Superb evening. My only regret is not getting tickets for Manchester, too.
