Some gigs take months of planning. Others involve an internal argument that lasts right up until the day of the show. This was firmly in the second category.
I’ve been a fan of The Beta Band for many years. In fact, years ago at an open mic night in Edinburgh I ended up chatting to one of the band’s original members, Gordon Anderson, better known as Lone Pigeon. During the conversation he casually informed me that he had written my favourite Beta Band song, Dry the Rain, before explaining that he had eventually left the band after taking too many mushrooms and losing the plot. As introductions to a musician go, it was certainly memorable.
Over the years I’ve also become a huge admirer of Steve Mason’s solo work. While The Beta Band’s reputation has continued to grow with time, Steve’s solo albums have revealed him to be an exceptional songwriter in his own right. His music combines political awareness, spirituality and emotional honesty in a way that very few artists manage successfully.
The only thing standing between me and this concert was money. I spent far longer than I should have debating whether I could justify the expense. Eventually I realised I would regret missing it far more than I would regret buying the tickets, so I did what any sensible person would do and bought two tickets at the last possible moment before dragging Emma along with me.
Before Steve took to the stage, we were treated to a set from support act Cobain Jones. Yes, he really was named after Kurt Cobain. More importantly, he was excellent. What struck me most was how genuinely thrilled he seemed to be performing in Scotland. He told the audience that playing here had been a bucket-list ambition and there was something refreshing about seeing someone so obviously delighted to be standing on the stage.
Then came Steve Mason.
I’ve always thought he comes across as one of the most grounded and genuine people in music, and nothing about this performance changed that opinion. There was no ego, no unnecessary posturing and no attempt to manufacture importance. Instead, there were simply great songs delivered with conviction and intelligence.
What surprised me most was how emotionally powerful the concert turned out to be. Many artists write songs about social issues or politics, but Steve has a way of doing it that feels constructive rather than divisive. Running through the performance was a recurring theme of resisting the worst aspects of the world through compassion, understanding and independent thought. It sounds like the sort of thing that shouldn’t work in a rock concert, yet somehow it absolutely does.
One new song in particular stood out. As soon as I heard the lyrics referencing poets, I knew it would stay with me long after the evening had finished. It was one of those moments where an artist says something that feels aimed directly at your own experiences.
By the end of the night I was so impressed that I headed back to the car to retrieve a copy of my book. Returning to the merchandise stall, I handed it to Steve and took the opportunity to grab a quick photograph. Emma made sure to tell him how much she had enjoyed the concert as I fumbled around trying to operate the camera. The selfie itself wasn’t exactly award-winning photography, but thankfully Emma had the foresight to take a few additional photographs while I was giving Steve the book.
Looking back, this was one of the most inspiring concerts I’ve attended in years. Not because it was the loudest, the biggest or the most spectacular, but because it reminded me that music still has the power to challenge, encourage and uplift people at the same time.
The full concert can be viewed below from our front-row position. If you’ve never explored Steve Mason’s solo work, I’d strongly recommend giving it a chance. I went in expecting a good gig and came away feeling that I’d witnessed something genuinely special.
Don’t believe me? Well here is the full gig so you can see for yourselves from our front row position.
I really loved a new track of his in particular which mentioned poets, so after the gig I went to my car to get a copy of my book and then went back to the merch stall to give it to him and grab a quick photo.
Emma really enjoyed it to and told Steve that as I took the selfie. It didn’t come out too good but thankfully Emma took a couple of Steve and I when I was handing him my book.
The Photos
He was very gracious and had time to chat with everyone, I asked him for an interview so we’ll see if anything come of that, here’s hoping.
Cheers!
Donate
