Stephen Sanchez Shines in Glasgow

Stephen Sanchez, an American singer-songwriter, finally touched down in Glasgow for a long awaited headline gig on Tuesday, and it was nothing short of spectacular! With the incredibly talented Tors joining him as the supporting act, this was going to be a special one for sure.

The air was filled with anticipation, with impassioned discussions circulating around his recent successes and the thrilling experiences they wanted to witness on stage. When the lights dimmed and the first notes filled the room, it was the perfect opportunity to delve into not only his incredible vocal prowess, but also the deep emotional bond he forms with his audience through soul-stirring lyrics and captivating performances, making this night an unforgettable celebration of music!

From the minute he arrived on stage, he had an undeniable charm—the type of artist who doesn’t just sing songs, but embraces them. Throughout the night, his voice remained effortlessly powerful, rising during dramatic highs and relaxing during personal moments. When he performed tracks like “Until I Found You,” the audience hung on every syllable, deeply moved. Meanwhile, deeper cuts showcased how much personality and theatricality Sanchez brings to the live setting.

Tors

Stephen was joined on stage by the fantastic Devon-based indie trio, “Tors.” I have had the pleasure of catching these guys live a few times before, most notably when they supported Freya Ridings in 2023. This time, they took it to the next level! They set a welcoming mood early in the evening, encouraging the crowd to chant, applaud, and even had some people up on their feet dancing in the balcony!

Their indie-pop music enveloped the room, combining emotional lyrics and lush instruments. They created a dynamic environment, attracting an ever-increasing crowd and boosting their performance above that of a usual opener. The genuineness of their act worked nicely with Sanchez’s throwback flair, resulting in a delightfully harmonic encounter that astounded us all.

Some highlights from their set included the debut of brand-new songs and of course, my personal favourite from their discography, “Miracle”. Upon seeing the tour poster a few months ago, I wasnt too sure how this would work as a support choice, but I have to say. They were the perfect choice! A nice and soft intro before Stephen took to the stage.

Stephen Sanchez

At 9pm, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived: Stephen took the stage! He opened with a brand new, unreleased track from his upcoming album, “LOVE, LOVE, LOVE,” out in just a few days time. His energy was phenomenal from the start. His performance style reminded me of Elvis Presley—it almost feels like he’s the new version! I was blown away.

He then transitioned into his latest single, “Sweet Love,” another track from the new album. This song has been on repeat in my household since its release! The catchy chorus had the crowd on their feet, clapping and dancing as Stephen hopped, skipped and jumped across the stage.

Stephen’s 1950s/60s influence was obvious after a few songs in. Yet he didn’t let it define him; his stage presence and vocals were incredible. While I’m usually selective with my playlists, I’ll definitely check out the new album on Friday. The songs stuck in my head, and his vocals were outstanding!

The performance of “Be More” was a highlight of the show for me. The high note at the end gave me chills, and I was blown away by the power and emotion in every note. Stephen’s vocal delivery draws you in instantly, with an intensity that feels magnetic. I didn’t realise he had that incredible voice hidden within him. His vocals gave me full-body chills at times, and that’s saying something since I have only experienced chills at three concerts. One of those moments was during a Beyoncé performance, which shows how impactful “Be More” was for me.

Another highlight was “Shake.” This track bursts with energy and is Elvis-inspired, reminding me of “Hound Dog.” The song has a catchy melody and an infectious groove that gets you up and dancing. It’s one of those tunes that stays with you long after the show, playing on repeat in your mind. The upbeat rhythm and lively arrangement made it impossible not to move. The combination of Stephen’s charisma and the vibrant energy of “Shake” created a joyful atmosphere, leaving the audience begging for more. It’s a moment that truly captured the spirit of the entire evening.

Then we had a super special guest! Stephen mentioned that earlier in the day, while walking around Glasgow, he heard a beautiful voice in the distance. This turned out to be a super-talented upcoming singer named Kayleigh, who was busking on the streets. Stephen, being Stephen, the super, kind-hearted man that he is, decided to go up to her and invite her to perform at his show, and that’s exactly what happened! Kayleigh took to the stage to deliver a gorgeous rendition of a Rihanna track, and the crowd gave her so much love! This was such a heartwarming moment, and Kayleigh also mentioned to us that the next time we see her on the O2 Academy stage will be when she headlines, and I really hope that happens! Her voice was gorgeous!

Unfortunately, there is something I need to mention. One thing that was difficult to ignore was how quiet the venue felt at times. The show didn’t appear to be sold out, and gaps in the crowd occasionally left the room feeling sparse, especially during transitions between songs or quieter acoustic moments. O2 Academy thrives on wall-to-wall energy, but here, the lack of a packed audience slightly dampened the atmosphere. At times, applause faded too quickly, creating an unusual contrast with the scale of the performance happening on stage.

Still, Sanchez never lost energy. He performed with the intensity of someone in a stadium, putting his heart into every note and maintaining a captivating presence. He interacted warmly and sincerely with fans, gradually drawing the audience in until, by the end, they sang loudly enough to fill the earlier gaps. While the audience never quite matched the show’s quality, the performance excelled. Sanchez proved he’s more than a viral sensation; he’s a captivating live performer with the presence for much larger venues. I can confidently say his show is one of the most captivating I have seen in a while and I just know as soon as he returns he will sell the venue out!

That brings us to the end of the show. Of course, he couldn’t leave the stage without performing his breakout TikTok viral hit, “Until I Found You.” Through this song, most of us discovered Stephen. It was incredibly special to photograph his show and witness friends and families joining together, singing along arm in arm, smiling, laughing, and exchanging glances as they sang. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and when the music swelled, the room erupted in cheering and heartfelt emotion.

As the crowd erupted in unison, a moment formed; one that will linger in our minds long after the final note. Stephen’s captivating vocal tone, smooth yet powerful, draws you in by the second, as if the music wraps around you like a warm embrace. His voice resonates with the audience, making each listener feel the song speaks directly to them. The connection he establishes is unmistakable. With every word he sings, it’s clear the music comes from a place of authenticity and passion.