Snow Patrol – Live Review – Scarborough Open Air Theatre
By Victoria Holdsworth, June 2025
Snow Patrol are a band who, for the past twenty years, have crafted a sweeping journey of heartache and hope in striking fashion – capturing the raw ache of longing and the quiet promise of redemption.
Emerging from the alt-rock and post-Britpop wave of the late ’90s and early 2000s, the Northern Irish-Scottish band have carved out a niche rooted in emotional sincerity, sweeping melodies, and understated grandeur. On a balmy evening in Scarborough, they delivered a back-to-back masterclass of hits that showcased exactly that, taking to the stage in front of a sold-out crowd.
“Bold, brash, and captivating”
What first struck me was the audience demographic, proving that Snow Patrol’s music has spanned generations, appealing to a broad section of society through its relatability.
As the band emerged from the side shadows of the stage, they launched straight into ‘Take Back the City’ – bold, brash, and captivating – setting the tone for what was to be an exceptional night of music, as they switched seamlessly between tracks from their back catalogue to rouse the crowd.
Gary addressed the crowd and seemed genuinely taken aback by the sea of faces before him, chanting his name.
Classics such as ‘Chocolate’ and ‘Called Out in the Dark’ followed, delivered with a fresh energy I hadn’t seen the last time I caught them live. Gary’s self-deprecating humour and honesty endear him to fans, and the band’s sound translates effortlessly to larger venues without losing any sense of intimacy.
The performance of ‘Run’ was a true standout – a showcase of Gary Lightbody’s lyrical vulnerability and cinematic ambition. The crowd sang every word back to him, eventually overpowering the sound system to the point where he simply smiled and let them take over, the rest of the band playing on.
“Progression”
Snow Patrol’s sound has evolved slowly but deliberately over the decades. Early albums bore a rougher, more indie sensibility, while later work embraces lush, electronic elements. Their 2024 track ‘All’, from The Forest Is the Path, is a prime example of this progression and excellence.
Another standout was ‘The Lightning Strike’ from the 2008 LP A Hundred Million Suns. Its atmospheric staccato piano lines paired with a heartbeat-like rhythm of steady drums, while graphics in the background added a further ethereal quality – swirling leaves seemingly chasing Gary across the stage as he paced. It was the perfect song to usher in the finally darkening skies.
Throughout the set, the band maintained their signature tone – wistful, romantic, occasionally epic, but never saccharine – and Gary’s vocals have never faltered with time.
‘Open Your Eyes’ was another crowd-pleaser, with the audience taking over vocal duties once more, Gary orchestrating them from the front of the stage. But for me, ‘Make This Go On Forever’ was the most innovative and musically captivating of the night. The contrasting layers of drums and guitars created a mesmerising space where Gary appeared lost in his own words, pleading to be saved from the darkness. Truly epic.
“A cultural touchstone”
As the set neared its close, most of the audience were on their feet for ‘Chasing Cars‘ – an earnest, aching ballad that has become a cultural touchstone. Arguably overplayed, but undeniably timeless.
‘You’re All I Have’ ended the main set before the encore, and I’m fairly certain every resident along the east coast heard every note and every lyric, as the crowd reached a phenomenal volume.
The obligatory shuffle off and straight back on again followed, with just enough time left for two final songs: ‘What If This Is All the Love You Ever Get?’ and ‘Just Say Yes’ – the crowd once again overpowering Lightbody’s vocals in the closing moments.
Critics have occasionally dismissed Snow Patrol as being too safe or middle-of-the-road, and it’s true they rarely stray far from their emotional core. But that’s also their strength. In an age of irony, Snow Patrol thrive on sincerity. Their best songs feel like the soundtrack to late-night drives, breakups, reconciliations, and quiet triumphs – and live, they’re both dependable and emotionally resonant.
So, while they may never be the most experimental band in the room, they’ve mastered the art of emotional storytelling through music. If you’re after something that feels like both a warm blanket and a gentle gut punch, they remain one of the most reliable acts to turn to.
Images: Cuffe & Taylor
Victoria is a former English teacher and lifelong musician who has successfully combined her two great passions: words and music. Over the past 20 years, she has written for a variety of publications, giving her the opportunity to witness outstanding talent and meet some truly inspiring individuals. With a deep love for rock, indie, metal, and all things weird and wonderful in between, Victoria also co-runs an independent record label with her friend Tetley.
