Machine Gun Kelly
Location: OVO Hydro
Machine Gun Kelly is a hip-hop hitmaker turned modern pop-punk hero. Coming to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on 8th March 2026.
Unapologetically raw and always evolving. From his early days spitting rapid-fire bars to his rebirth as a 2020s pop-punk icon. mgk has forged a unique path to global stardom.
Born Colson Baker. Machine Gun Kelly (stylised as mgk) was drawn to the wordplay and swagger of hip-hop whilst spending his high school years in Cleveland, Ohio. Discovering the genre through the likes of Ludacris and DMX. He began penning lyrics as a teen, honing his skills at freestyle competitions and recording tracks in his bedroom studio. Referred to by Baker as his ‘Rage Cage’. Developing his sharp-tongued bravado on early mixtapes, 2010 single ‘Alice In Wonderland’ turned heads in underground hip-hop circles. Showcasing the off kilter beat and feverishly intense delivery that would become mgk’s signature.
After catching the attention of Bad Boy Records, an imprint of the legendary Interscope Records, mgk’s debut album Lace Up arrived in 2012. Led by defiant underdog anthem ‘Wild Boy’. The soaring, stadium-sized choruses of ‘Invincible’ brought a mainstream breakthrough. Blaring out from millions of TV sets across America as the soundtrack to WWE’s WrestleMania XXVIII and NFL’s Thursday Night Football.
Collaborating with Everyone
Collaborating with everyone from Pusha T and Meek Mill to Wiz Khalifa and Kid Rock, by the time 2015’s General Admission arrived. Baker had established a signature sound driven by dark, gritty portrayals of the world around him. Delving into addiction, broken homes, childhood trauma and internal demons within his lyrics. Album two flaunted the rapper’s vulnerability, welcoming the world into his distinctly unfiltered take on the genre.
Teaming up with pop icon Camila Cabello for hip-hop fusion hit ‘Bad Things’ and making headlines with his blistering takedown of longtime idol-turned-rival Eminem on ‘Rap Devil’. mgk has developed a reputation as one of pop’s most fearless forces. With a lifelong love of rock – having been raised on blink-182 and Guns N’ Roses. He ventured into bold new territory on 2019’s Hotel Diablo, marking a turning point in his sound. Introspective and genre-blurring, the record paired Baker’s confessional lyricism with guitars and unshakeable hooks. Dissecting the manipulation of the music industry on explosive single ‘Hollywood Whore’ and teaming up with Yungblud. As well as Travis Barker for a pop-punk masterclass on closer ‘I Think I’m OKAY’.
His rockstar transformation was truly underway
Starring as Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee in Netflix’s biographical comedy film The Dirt. By the turn of the decade, his rockstar transformation was truly underway. Produced entirely by Travis Barker, mgk’s fifth album, Tickets To My Downfall, ditched his rap roots in favour of high-energy guitars and feel-good pop-punk choruses. Packed with infectious hooks whilst retaining the stark lyrical honesty that fans resonated deeply with. Features from Halsey, Iann Dior and Blackbear introduced Baker’s name to a whole new audience, landing his first No.1 album in the process. The throwback three-chord melodies and bittersweet brooding of ‘Bloody Valentine’ and ‘My Ex’s Best Friend’ helped ignite the early 2020s pop-punk revival. With the album later adapted into a musical film titled Downfalls High starring TikTok star Chase Hudson and actor Sydney Sweeney.
mgk doubled down on his pivot in 2022 with Mainstream Sellout, a darker follow-up once again helmed by Barker. Lead single ‘Papercuts’ channelled 90s grunge with its distorted power chords. Whilst Lil Wayne collaboration ‘Ay!’ dialled up the emo-rap influences and ‘Maybe’ (featuring vocals from Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes) leant into heavier alt-rock textures. Performing to thousands of people each night as part of his monumental Mainstream Sellout world tour. 2024 brought yet another sonic detour with Genre:Sadboy, a collaborative project created alongside emo-rap pioneer Trippie Redd. A pensive, moody venture, its ten songs set the stage for mgk’s latest reinvention.
The master of genre-hopping
Cementing his status as a master of genre-hopping, on 2025 full-length Lost Americana. Baker fused every aspect of his shapeshifting identity into one bold, cohesive statement. From the thunderous arena rock buzz of ‘Don’t Wait Run Fast’ and the 80s new wave shimmer of ‘Outlaw Overture’. To the glowing pop melodies that dominate ‘Miss Sunshine’, it’s a self-critical, heart-on-sleeve collection of songs that serve as a love letter to the many weird and wonderful forms rock n’ roll can take.
An artist who refuses to play by the rules of modern music. mgk is set to return to the UK for a run of headline shows in 2026. Shining a spotlight on his latest era whilst reflecting on over a decade of hits. Don’t miss your chance to see him in action next year.
