Babyshambles @ SECC

The SECC holds its own special kind of dread for gigging types, the monstrous chasm known far and wide for devouring a band's dynamics in the heat of the performance. The devoted 'shambles fans and Doherty rubber-neckers here tonight hold their breath as the band enters. Busting into action, the foursome make a stunning statement of intent with a roaring turn of Carry On Up The Morning. Using this momentum, Babyshambles hurtle through an hour of almost exclusively Shotter's Nation tracks. Taking a quick breather, they return with Drew McConnell clutching a double bass and gather into a tight corner of the vast stage for some low-key tracks taken from older material, Doherty's solo work and his Libertines catalogue. By now it seems they've combated the SECC beast with staggering ease, and it'll take no great effort to whip it up one last time for Albion and Fuck Forever. Down goes the curtain on their first arena tour, and although they still suit the smaller, sweatier stage, they prove that they do arenas on par with the best. [Jamie Borthwick]