Life Without Buildings Announce First Glasgow Gig Since 2002 With New Reunion Show

Life Without Buildings are back with their first Glasgow show in over two decades, reigniting the art-rock spark fans have longed for.

A Long-Awaited Homecoming for Glasgow’s Art-Rock Darlings

If you were a fan of the early 2000s indie scene, then you know few bands captured that raw, smart, and slightly quirky essence quite like Glasgow’s own Life Without Buildings. After a 24-year hiatus from their hometown stage, this cult-favorite quartet is gearing up for a reunion show at Saint Luke’s on November 17, marking their first gig in Glasgow since 2002.

Life Without Buildings bringing art-rock to new life

Earlier this month, the band announced two reunion dates at London’s iconic venue Koko, as part of Rough Trade’s 50th-anniversary festivities—and those shows have already sold out. But lucky for Glaswegians, the band has added a special hometown date just days before their London appearances. And supporting them will be local band Comber, adding a delicious dose of Glaswegian talent to the night.

Ticket sales for Saint Luke’s kick off at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 30. Don’t miss your chance to snag a spot at this rare reunion show—the excitement is palpable.

Reunion Buzz Fueled by Recent Collaborations and Viral Moments

This reunion doesn’t come out of nowhere. Life Without Buildings’ singer Sue Tompkins recently collaborated with the gritty post-punk duo Sleaford Mods on their single “No Touch,” released last December. The track features on Sleaford Mods’ latest album, The Demise Of Planet X, which dropped on January 16.

“She’s absolutely fantastic... her voice was just beautiful... it reminded me of ‘Debut’ era Björk. It was quite punky.”

This collaboration introduced Life Without Buildings’ distinct sound to a new generation and reignited interest in their work.

The official poster for Life Without Buildings’ reunion gigs

The Band’s Origins and Lasting Legacy

Formed in 1999, Life Without Buildings quickly became known for Sue Tompkins' signature "talk-sung" vocal style—a quirky, conversational approach that set them apart from other post-punk and math-rock bands of that era. Their only album, Any Other City, released in February 2001, became a cult classic, thanks to its sharp, spiky sound and Tompkins’ intriguing vocal delivery.

The band even had the honor of supporting The Strokes during their first-ever London headline show, cementing their place in indie rock lore.

Sadly, the band parted ways in 2002, with guitarist Robert Johnston explaining that Tompkins wanted to pursue visual art full-time. None of the members had planned on music as a career; they started as friends having fun but felt the pressure mounting as their project gained serious traction.

Life After the Breakup: Art, Design, and Writing

Since disbanding, each member ventured into creative fields outside music. Tompkins and bassist Chris Evans focused on visual arts, Johnston took up graphic design, and drummer Will Bradley pursued writing.

In 2007, fans received a treat when the band released Live At The Annandale Hotel, an album capturing their energetic 2001 performance, preserving the magic of their live shows.

TikTok Revival: “The Leanover” Finds New Life

Fast forward to 2021, and Life Without Buildings experienced an unexpected resurgence. Their track “The Leanover” went viral on TikTok after singer-songwriter Beabadoobee posted a lip-sync video featuring the song. This viral moment introduced the band to a fresh wave of fans, many discovering their music for the first time.

“It can take you somewhere or to a certain somebody – it can also be a wilful thought, say if you’re singing along in the backseat of your stepdad’s car.”

Tompkins chimed in with an artist’s perspective:

“I love discovering new music, old music, anything that just makes me feel something new and excites me… I think it’s just that you find things at the right time.”

Ready to Rock Glasgow Once More

This reunion is more than just nostalgia—it’s a testament to a band whose art-rock ingenuity continues to resonate. For those lucky enough to grab tickets, this is a chance to witness Life Without Buildings’ singular sound live in their hometown, a rare moment that carries decades of history and fresh energy.

Will this show spark a longer reunion or new material? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Life Without Buildings are back, and Glasgow is about to feel their unique pulse once again.

FAQ

• How long has it been since Life Without Buildings last played in Glasgow?
  They haven't performed in Glasgow since 2002, making this their first hometown gig in 24 years.
• When and where is the new Glasgow reunion show?
  The show will take place on November 17 at Saint Luke’s in Glasgow.
• Are tickets for the reunion shows available?
  Tickets for the Glasgow show go on sale at 10 a.m. on January 30, with London shows already sold out but available via waiting lists.
• What kind of music does Life Without Buildings play?
  They blend post-punk and math rock with a distinctive talk-sung vocal style.
• What have band members been doing since their breakup?
  Members have pursued careers in visual arts, graphic design, and writing, with some recent musical collaborations reviving their profile.

If you’re as inspired by Life Without Buildings as we are, why not bring a slice of that indie magic home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and decorate your space with a touch of cult art-rock spirit at Architeg Prints.