Written by Annie Barber
Photos by Euan Robertson
One hot June afternoon, concert goers descend on Bellahouston park for a female fronted line-up: Lucia & the Best Boys, Skunk Anansie, Wet Leg, and the inimitable Alanis Morissette. Each brought powerful feminine energy to the third instalment of Glasgow’s 2026 Summer Sessions, and the crowd lapped up every second.
As attendees enter the grounds, Lucia & The Best Boys treat them to a stripped back set, featuring a harmonium and mandolin. The band debut their new single ‘Better For The Worse’, a Fleetwood Mac and Florence + the Machine-esque anthem.
With amazing crowd control and skilled musicianship, Skunk Anansie’s set serves as a masterclass on how to put on a show. Part way through, lead singer Skin’s anger is palpable as she makes a speech criticising far right political party Reform, and the crowd cheers in solidarity. The audience goes wild for the band’s hit ‘Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)’, clapping along and singing loudly. Towards the end of their set, Skin gets into the crowd for ‘I Can Dream’, for an immersive and captivating rendition of the track.
Wet Leg come on stage to none other than the Countdown theme song before kicking things off with fan favourite ‘Catch These Fists’. Throughout the whole set, frontwoman Rhian Teasdale oozes confidence, putting on a playful show for the audience. ‘Chez Lounge’ is a hit with the crowd that shouts and sings along loudly. For fan-favourite ‘CPR’, Teasdale uses a vintage landline phone as a mic, and employs her signature brazen performance style, before finishing with the iconic ‘mangetout’.
Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting for arrives. The crowd bubbles with anticipation as Alan’s Morissette’s intro begins. As she takes to the stage to sing her iconic song ‘Hand in My Pocket’, the audience is captivated by her voice, hanging on to every note.
Political messaging and sentiments are peppered throughout the set, true to Morissette’s strong character and the activism that she has committed herself to throughout her career. Facts about violence against women and girls are splashed across the screen during ‘Right Through You’, highlighting the inequalities faced by women worldwide.
‘Jagged Little Pill’ is a crowd favourite that creates a shared moment for the audience as everyone sings along with fervour. Another standout moment in the set is the performance of Morissette’s legendary song ‘Ironic’. Everyone in the crowd knows all of the words, with friends dancing together and singing the lyrics to each other, making it feel like a magical moment.
A gutsy performance of ‘You Oughta Know’ serves as the faux finale, which the audience responds to with loud cheers. As Morissette exits the stage, the crowd begins to chant “one more tune”. Their demands answered, she returns for an encore consisting of masterful performances of ‘Uninvited’ and ‘Thank U’.
With commanding vocals, skilled musicianship, and heartfelt performances, Alanis Morissette proved she is still at the top of her game. Each of the acts put on an impressive set, showcasing their respective talents while treating the crowd at Bellahouston Park to a unique and extraordinary night.
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