The Roadrunners at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut – January 16th, 2025

The "Gig Life Crisis" continued in style this year with The Roadrunners taking the stage at the legendary King Tut’s in Glasgow. A venue that speaks for itself, King Tut’s is a rite of passage for any band on the rise, and The Roadrunners proved they’re more than ready for the challenge.

The night was supported by a strong lineup, though I arrived late and missed the start of The Take Backs’ set. However, what I did catch has put them firmly on my radar for 2025. They delivered a standout cover of Primal Scream’s "Rocks", which had the crowd fully engaged, and just before that, they played an original track called "Midnight Queen".

With its fantastic bass line and overtones of ‘80s classic rock, it was an instant like for me. I’m hoping this track makes it to a recording soon. While the vocals were a little raw in places, you get the sense that with more live experience, the singer’s voice will naturally polish up. I’m already looking forward to seeing them again.

Unfortunately, due to the midweek timing of the gig and a 4 a.m. rise for work, I wasn’t able to stay for Spectral View or The Karavats.

The Roadrunners, though, made my shortened night worthwhile. Their set was a lively mix of originals and well-chosen covers, including "American Idiot" with the lead guitarist stepping in on vocals and "Teenage Dirtbag", which sparked a nostalgic singalong. The highlight of the night was an unexpected Sabrina Carpenter cover, which ended with a pair of pink fuzzy handcuffs being thrown onstage. The lead singer handled it with charm, casually twirling them around her finger mid-performance—a moment that perfectly captured the band’s playful confidence.

While the lead singer’s vocals undoubtedly steal the show, it’s worth highlighting the impressive talent behind her. The lead guitarist delivers some genuinely technical and memorable solos, the drummer’s skill shines through particularly on the original track "Evil Angel", and the big bassist exudes coolness, effortlessly locking in with the rest of the band without ever seeming fazed by what’s happening around him. Together, they’re a tight, gifted group that elevates their sound to a whole new level.
For me, their originals are where they truly shine. "Fault" continues to stand out as a personal favorite, with the lead singer’s incredible range on full display. Another highlight was "Devil in God’s Clothing", an upcoming release with a lyric that feels worthy of superstardom. If a modern icon like Beyoncé or Taylor Swift released “Devil in God’s Clothing,” you could bet the music world would be falling over itself with praise.

The Roadrunners are a band moving confidently in the right direction. With their ability to balance catchy covers, strong original material, and natural stage presence, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before they attract the attention they deserve. If they keep delivering songs of this caliber, the sky truly is the limit.
If you haven’t caught them live yet, now’s the time to do it — you won’t regret it.