He played his biggest show in the Scottish city.

Ahead of his massive day headlining Saturday at All Points East festival, Benjamin Coyle-Larner (known as Loyle Carner) transformed what was once an Industry Hallmark of  Glasgow into a sold-out night of melody. The open-air Galvanizers Yard is the biggest gig he’s played in the city to date and even this stage felt too small for his musical might.

Harvey Dweller opened the night with his saxophone and DJ decks. The Jazz and techno-inspired musician fuses the two genres with an added dose of Dub. The buzzing crowd warmed to him quickly, and heads soon nodded in time with music. 

Loyle walked out onto a black stage and launched into Hate from his 2022 sensation Hugo, Benjamin’s storytelling ability has received praise from the biggest of names — and tonight he began weaving a tale from song one. The crowd were soaking it in from the get-go as phones were raised to record and arms were thrown in the air. 

Showing his appreciation, Loyle shared, “Not many people know this, but I’m actually half Scottish”. A cheer erupted as he added, “I wish I had the accent”.

Later he grabbed a Scottish flag from the stage and commented, “It’s not a kilt but it will do”. If there’s one way to get a Glasgow crowd behind you it’s appealing to their patriotism and Loyle balanced this perfectly tonight.     

With him now under our wing, the beginning chords of Loose Ends struck. The track features vocals from Jorja Smith and, while the English artist was not at the Yard tonight, her majestical voice transcended from the recorded track as if she were. 

Carner wasn’t done showing his appreciation and affinity with Scotland just yet as he continued, “I used to go to Prestwick, look at The Isle of Arran and think one day I want to own that island. I don’t own it yet, but you know”.

Having recently welcomed his second child into the world, Loyle has had time to reflect on the early days with his now four-year-old first-born son. It’s no secret how much he loves his family and having his mum and son in the crowd tonight was special for him. He dedicated Homerton to his four-year-old who he wrote it for and simultaneously struck a chord in everyone’s heart. 

After repeatedly asking, “Is the world moving fast for you as well?” on Speed of Plight, Loyle left the stage but not for long as cheers demanded him back. On his return, he shared a new poem that brought a tear to his eye as well as our own. You could have heard a pin drop as he spoke his words from the heart that told of the changes experienced in life while following your dream. 

Ottolenghi drew the night to a close and Loyle said his last words, “My name is Loyle Carner, Coyle-Larner, take these words and go forwards”. 

Loyle Carner is one of the most impressive storytellers I have had the joy of witnessing live. We can only wait with sheer anticipation as he moves on from Hugo’s success and reimagines its songs while creating his next album in the years to come.

All photos by Isla Kerr.

See Loyle Carner live: