Verdict: Four stars.
PAOLO Nutini kicked off his Hydro homecoming ‘residency’ in spectacular style tonight admitting the string of shows were a “Christmas present”.
The Paisley crooner casually arrived on stage wearing jeans and a t-shirt for the first of five festive nights at the Finnieston venue.
“I have been so looking forward to these gigs man. This is a Christmas present for us,” he beamed before he unwrapped a set that was bursting with songs old and new.
Grinning from ear to ear, he added: “Hello Glasgow, let’s have fun.”
And this was an invitation his fans were more than willing to accept.
READ MORE: Paolo Nutini Glasgow Ovo Hydro: Everything you need to know
Opening with Afterneath, Lose It and Scream (Funk My Life Up), the star impressed from the get-go but it was the stunning Acid Eyes taken from latest album Last Night In The Bittersweet that proved to be an early highlight.
Through the Echoes was a moment as the impressive ballad showed off the prowess in Nutini’s voice before a stripped back version of Coming Up Easy reminded fans of his incredible range.
Settling into the set with comfort, Nutini proved to be charismatic throughout his performance with Petrified in Love upping the tempo before a rearrangement of the iconic Pencil Full of Lead.
Jenny Don’t Be Hasty was then played over a rockier melody which on one hand breathed new life into the track. But on the other was perhaps a bold move for fans hoping to hear the original version.
That was just the beginning as most of the classics received a reworking including Candy which had the Hydro singing in unison.
It’s a joy to watch Nutini on stage. He thrives in a live setting and is captivating as he surrenders everything he has to the music.
And his talent and pure artistry is no doubt the reason he’s able to command five nights at the city’s biggest music venue.
An encore of Iron Sky and Shine A Light finished off the show as Nutini bowed in awe at his homecrowd.
He plays the venue on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and next Tuesday.
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