Stu’s December Rundown
December was an electric month of live music, with a mix of familiar faces and exciting new talent making their mark. I kicked off the month with The Roadrunners on 7th December at Classic Grand. Their live version of "Fault" was a true highlight, transforming the haunting, slow-paced Spotify track into an electrifying performance. They really bring their songs to life on stage, showcasing impressive vocal ranges and powerful electric guitar work.
Next up were The Kairos, performing on 12th and 13th December. The first gig was at Sneaky Pete's in Edinburgh, which I was overly impressed with. The narrow, intimate space really made for a fantastic atmosphere. The support acts, Twisted Ends and Red Vanilla, brought their own energy, though Red Vanilla was held back by poor sound issues beyond their control. Still, their vocals reminded me of Heart, and they’re definitely a band I’ll be following in 2025. The Kairos were the headliners, and their performance was nothing short of spectacular. The buzzing atmosphere before they took the stage turned into an all-out party once they started playing. "Punchline Fistfight" hit hard, and the band’s raw energy, killer riffs, and strong vocals had the crowd jumping from start to finish
The very next night, I caught The Kairos again on 13th December at SWG3 Poetry Club in Glasgow. While the initial atmosphere was quieter, I put that down to the difference in venue size and setup. Once The Kairos hit the stage, they quickly brought the crowd to life with the same high-energy set. Ample House and Levengrove, the support acts, held their own, with both bands showing promise and good sound. The Kairos once again made the night feel special, with "Punchline Fistfight" bringing the crowd into a frenzy, leaving no doubt that these are guys to watch in the coming year. I even had a chance to chat with the band after their Edinburgh gig, and they were genuinely down-to-earth and happy to sign items and share a used drumstick—just solid lads who seem destined for bigger things
Then came The Shambolics' performances on 21st and 26th December. Their gig at PJ Molloys in Dunfermline was going to be my final gig of 2024, but as fate would have it, the band announced a surprise Boxing Day homecoming gig in Kirkcaldy. With all funds raised through ticket sales going to the Kirkcaldy Food Bank, it was a show I couldn’t miss, especially since it was their first return to Kirkcaldy in five years. The gig itself was a celebration, with the band delivering a polished set that had the whole crowd singing along. The intimate venue and the band’s infectious energy made the night one to remember. It was a special moment that perfectly kicked off the festive season.
The Shambolics made both their December gigs feel special, proving their ability to connect with fans on a deep level. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, and the crowd’s excitement only added to the sense that these are still relatively new, up-and-coming bands with massive potential. Their catchy melodies were evident in the singalongs throughout their set, and the atmosphere was electric.
Lastly, The Shambolics' Boxing Day gig in Kirkcaldy lived up to all expectations. The hometown crowd gave them a warm welcome, and the energy was through the roof from the moment they took the stage. The intimate venue again played a big role in creating a personal experience for everyone there. This gig felt like the perfect end to the year, and I’m certain that 2025 is going to be another exciting chapter for these talented bands.
