The first time I saw Scottish alternative rock legends Del Amitri was on Sept. 26, 1985. They were supporting indie rock pioneers The Smiths at Caird Hall in Dundee, Scotland. They had joined The Smiths for the brief Scottish leg of the Meat Is Murder tour, and although I was there for the headliners, I’m grateful I arrived early. I vividly remember Justin Currie’s urgent, pleading vocals, complemented by Iain Harvie’s melodic yet melancholic guitar work. At times staccato, at others soaring, Harvie’s playing propelled Currie’s songs of relationships, longing, disappointment and, only occasionally, resolution.
Their self-titled debut album stayed with me for months afterward, all the way until the next time I saw them at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, N.J., on July 28, 1986. They had been opening for Lloyd Cole and The Commotions on that tour but played a rare headlining show that night. I remember a few friends and I plastering flyers around the neighborhood beforehand — glorious, celebratory times.
Fast forward nearly 40 years to June 21! Del Amitri returned to the United States (their previous tour was in 2022) to perform for a nostalgic, sold-out crowd at The Atlantis in Washington, DC, the intimate sibling venue to the legendary 9:30 Club next door.
Ironically, I had just flown home from Boston after contributing photos and memorabilia to a The Smiths exhibition hosted by The Smiths Museum celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Queen Is Dead. Scotland had also just played Morocco in a World Cup match, and it somehow felt like fate that I would be flying home that very day. Logan Airport was awash in colorful kilts and practical brogues. Back at The Atlantis, members of the Tartan Army enthusiastically chanted, “No Scotland, No Party!” before Del Amitri took the stage and periodically throughout the evening. It was a proper day for Scotland in America.
The evening’s setlist spanned nearly the band’s entire career. They opened with fan favorites “Stone Cold Sober” and “Kiss This Thing Goodbye” from 1989’s Waking Hours. Currie and company immediately cast their Glaswegian spell over the audience. Harvie, sporting both a black kilt and a leg cast, wore each with equal pride.
Watch the official music video for “Kiss This Thing Goodbye” by Del Amitri on YouTube:
The band also showcased newer material, including “Mockingbird, Copy Me Now” and “Missing Person” from 2021’s Fatal Mistakes, before returning to beloved classics such as “Always the Last to Know” and “Just Like a Man” from 1992’s Change Everything. Currie’s bittersweet songwriting has inspired audiences for decades, his songs filled with heartbreak, hope and emotional honesty that still resonate today.
Despite Currie’s 2024 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, his performance was remarkable. His stage banter may have become slightly more understated, but his vocals remained expressive, and his commitment to his bass playing never wavered. Andy Alston’s accordion beautifully enhanced songs such as “Nothing Ever Happens,” “Be My Downfall” and “Tell Her This,” adding another emotional layer to ballads that continue to tug at heartstrings decades after they were written.
Throughout the night, Currie’s timeless melodies kept the audience swaying, clapping and reflecting on the memories that had brought everyone together to share this music once again.
Another highlight was “Roll to Me,” arguably Del Amitri’s biggest hit. At just over two minutes long, the upbeat tune offered a welcome burst of optimism amid an evening filled with poignant reflection, and the crowd happily embraced the change of pace.
Watch the official music video for “Roll to Me” by Del Amitri on YouTube:
Del Amitri closed the night with an encore featuring “Lucky Guy,” “Nothing Ever Happens,” “Move Away Jimmy Blue” and a stirring rendition of “Be My Downfall,” once again accompanied by Alston on accordion. It was a fitting conclusion, ending the evening with one of the band’s most enduring songs about longing, temptation and vulnerability.
Whether in 1986 or 2026, Del Amitri still commands a room through elegant melodies, emotionally rich songwriting and a quiet confidence that has only deepened with time. Their music has aged beautifully, and so has the band itself. Thistles of Scotland indeed.
Opening the evening were Washington’s own post-punk indie-pop favorites Dot Dash, whose jangly guitars and irresistibly catchy melodies provided the perfect start to an unforgettable night.
Here are some photos of Del Amitri and openers Dot Dash performing live at The Atlantis on June 21, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Nalinee Darmrong.
