NCL students wow 12,000 at Capaldi Hydro show

New College Lanarkshire music students got the gig of a lifetime this week when they performed for 12’000 people at the OVO Hydro as the support act for Lewis Capaldi.

Broghan Showell, Lauren Kelly, Rhys Walker, Connor Frame and Ryan Fyffe got the big break after the Bathgate singing sensation heard their music when he returned to his old college to give a guest lecture in September.

Singer Broghan, 20, said she still couldn’t believe it.

 “Two nights earlier I was playing a gig at the Railway Tavern in Caldercruix to literally 12 people. Stepping out on to that stage in front of 12’000 was like an out of body experience. Afterwards I was so hyper, I couldn’t stop jumping, I felt like I was going to hit the roof of the Hydro!”

Lewis Capaldi recently told the BBC’s Afternoon show that he enjoyed his time at NCL so much he’s tempted to come back as a lecturer, so Broghan’s band may not be the last he inspires!

Guitarist Connor Frame said the Someone Like You singer had been amazingly generous.

“He had tremendous advice for us on his visit and gave us a few pointers on the night of the gig. You can tell how much Lewis thinks of the course and lecturers, he recognises the value it brings to young musicians.”

Broghan is releasing her new single next month ahead of finishing her course at NCL this May.

She said: “We’ve been trying not to talk about finishing because we start crying! We’re all really good friends because we’ve been through so much together. We started on Zoom during the pandemic, then met in person, then started doing gigs together and now playing the Hydro. It’s been an incredible journey.”

She shared that after the Hydro gig people have started messaging her on Instagram asking how to become a musician.

She said: “I tell them all the same thing, go to NCL. The lecturers are brilliant and you’ll learn so much. I just love it.”

Music lecturer Yvonne Tipping said it was fantastic to see students seize this opportunity.  “This is our first year running the BA Music Performance course and we wanted to make it special. With the help of Lewis, I think we’ve succeeded!”

Music applications now open for 23-24 for the NQ Rock and Pop, HNC/D Music, BA Music Performance Degree. Apply today.

You can hear Broghan’s music here.