REVIEW: Callum Beattie's star is only set to rise higher after Inverness gig
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This review is by Darrel Paterson.
In a world where the music industry is saturated with artists vying for attention, it takes a special talent to stand out from the crowd.
Callum Beattie is one such artist who has managed to capture the hearts of music lovers with his unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. With his captivating voice and soulful melodies, Callum is making waves, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners.
Performing at Inverness Ice Centre, I chose to walk down to the gig from my flat based in the city centre. It was a warm sunny evening so it was a great night to enjoy a stroll ahead of last night's gig. The city was bustling with tourists aplenty and beer gardens full of laughter and joy and football fans cheering on Caley Thistle as they played against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.
As I walked past the river there was a real buzz around as theatre-goers were making their way to see Sister Act at Eden Court, I thought to myself it is great to have so much happening here in Inverness. It has become a hub for entertainment over the last few years which will continue later this summer, with the Get Set for Summer event at the Northern Meeting Park and with LCC Live hosting Rag'n'Bone Man and Clean Bandit.
As I approached the venue, I found myself feeling a little anxious. I have never gone to a concert by myself before, but having listened to Callum's new album Vandals throughout the week, I was looking forward to seeing him live.
I arrived ahead of the support acts Dylan James Tierney and Callum Macphail. Dylan's performance was a great start to the evening. It was the first time I have heard him perform and I really enjoyed it as it warmed up the crowd. His song Winter Breeze was one of my favourites.
After Dylan's set, Callum Macphail and his band took to the stage. I have heard Callum perform before at last year's Ness Gin Fest and I really enjoyed his acoustic session then, his performance with his band is on the next level, they performed crowd favourite Wagon Wheel along with other songs from his album Let Your Love Flow and a number of other songs. The band with their instruments and music got the feet tapping for sure.
During the break, whilst the stage awaited the main man himself, I caught up with Gordon Barron, chief executive of the Inverness Ice Centre.
Asked about the event, Gordon said: "I am completely overwhelmed by the response of the public so far. When we put the tickets on sale 1500 tickets were sold out within 10 days. Callum and his manager Dave have been very supportive of the event. Earlier this year they visited and performed an acoustic night and the excitement has been building ever since."
He added: "We are thrilled to have Callum Macphail and Dylan James Tierney, our events team headed up by Karen Mcbey organised the support acts and they are very popular within the Inverness and Highland region, Callum performed at Ness Gin Fest last year and has been a friend of the Inverness Ice Centre ever since."
The gin fest returns on June 17. It will be the last of a host of events at the ice centre before it goes back to having an ice rink for all the ice sports.
"Ness Gin Fest is set to be another fantastic day building on from last year's inaugural event," Gordon said. "We have some fantastic gin distillers in attendance, where you can try and purchase local craft gins. There are two sessions: 1pm and 5.30pm. It is a great evening with more live music. Tickets have been selling well for both sessions, but gin fans need not be disappointed as there are still tickets available, and can be purchased on the Inverness Ice Centre website."
I returned to the arena ahead of Callum's performance and bumped into friends and family I did not know were going to be there, so I got even more relaxed now that I had people to enjoy the rest of the night with.
Callum took to the stage with such enthusiasm the arena was electrifying thanks to the cheering crowd.
There was a moment when the concert had to stop due to a member of the crowd falling ill. A gentleman collapsed and received treatment.
Paramedics quickly arrived to assist. He was taken to the ambulance with the crowd applauding the paramedics and team who were helping the man to the ambulance.
I have to give a massive shoutout to everyone that assisted, for their quick and professional work.
Callum returned to the stage to let us know that the gentleman has a pacemaker and he has been having a few issues with it over the last few days but he was OK. He wished the man and his family all the best and offered "tickets for life" for his future gigs.
He dedicated the second-half of his set to him, kicking off with his song You Will Never Walk Alone. Callum and his band quickly got the gig back up and running.
Shortly after Callum performed his hit Salamander Street which the crowd all sang along and danced away to.
Callum is undoubtedly a rising star in the music scene, capturing the hearts of listeners with his emotive storytelling and distinctive sound.
With his unique blend of pop, rock and folk influences, Beattie has carved out a niche for himself, setting him apart from the crowd. His ability to connect with audiences through his music is a testament to his talent as a songwriter and performer.
As his career continues to flourish, Callum's star is only set to rise higher, and I eagerly anticipate the musical journey he will take us on next.
Callum will be returning to Inverness later this month, as he performs at the Mikeysline Royal Ascot Ladies Day at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on June 22.
If you would like to buy tickets, email enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk
