mgk, Glasgow review: 'mediocre'
The various grand theatrical gestures scattered through this performance were not matched by the music, writes Fiona Shepherd
mgk, Hydro, Glasgow ★★
Rapper/rocker mgk, formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly, actually known as Colson Baker, and looking to be known as Lord Baker, is hoping to gain Scottish citizenship, he told his Hydro audience. He has bought the land and lairdship surely awaits. Meanwhile, the imagery on his Lost Americana tour suggested a disintegrating homeland. A huge mock-up of the Statue of Liberty held aloft a cigarette rather than a beacon for the huddled masses, while the quasi-Marlborough man livery scattered through the show was teamed with Baker’s razor blade earrings.
In a 20-year career, Baker has pivoted from rap to pop-punk with the latter much favoured in this set. A spotlit guitar descended from the rafters to meet its owner perched in the mouth of Liberty, one of several theatrical gestures which were not matched by the songs.
Opening number Outlaw Overture was Green Day without the snotty playfulness, while poppy jam Starman was entry level melodic punk. Wild boy, one of the few raps of the night, packed more punch. Some tracks were so short that they felt more like excerpts, impeding the momentum built up by his wham-bam drummer. A couple of dancers felt like awkward additions.
However, the fans were happy to hang out with Baker, proffering signs, gifts and joining him on stage (girls only - it was International Women’s Day after all) for Bloody Valentine. A quick sprint through the crowd to a tiny B-stage took him closer to the seats, and to his neighbour Suzie who had made the trip to tell us what a great dad he was. Later, there was cute footage with his daughter but also a song about being “a giant f*** up”.
He rattled through to the home straight, including another musical diversion into diluted country music and a chapter on his “vampire phase”, dabbling in but rarely owning the mediocre material.
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