Vibrant, eclectic, and oh-so-charming, Glasgow is one of the UK’s most exciting cities, but did you know that the Dear Green Place has a thriving music scene? From bagpipes to baselines, Glasgow has played host to some of the biggest artists in the world and has been instrumental in the discovery of some of the most illustrious up-and-coming musical talents.
If you’re looking to catch some gigs in Glasgow, we can help. Here, we explore some of the Glasgow’s most exciting music venues, shops, and festivals, so you can watch your favourite artists, discover unknown treasures, and explore the old stomping grounds of the greats.
While it may not look like much from the outside, this classic venue is the beating heart of Glasgow’s music scene – both past and present. In fact, it was in this exact spot that Alan McGee signed the then-unknown Oasis (and the rest, as they say, is history).
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut is more than just your bog-standard venue. Yes, some of the biggest names in the world have played here (Radiohead, Florence and the Machine, The Killers, and No Doubt to name a few), but it’s the Hut’s electrifying atmosphere that leaves it head and shoulders above the rest. Penned as the UK’s Best Live Music Venue by Radio 1, this iconic space is a must for any musical pilgrimage and is sure to remain a testament to Glasgow’s cultural heritage for decades to come.
Launched in 2017 to replace T in the Park, TRNSMT is still a relatively new festival. But what it lacks in age, it more than makes up for in headliners. Over the past three summers, TRNSMT has risen to become a pillar of the UK festival scene and has played host to some of the biggest names in music, including Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys, and Liam Gallagher.
Revellers of TRNSMT have also enjoyed sublime sets from some of the decade’s most notable hitmakers like Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi, and Catfish and the Bottlemen. So, don your wellies, pack on that face glitter, and head to Glasgow Green for a musical extravaganza you’ll never forget.
Looking to update your vinyl collection? We have just the place for you. Tucked away on Otago Lane, Mixed Up is a great spot to pick up some budget-friendly records – whether you search for something obscure from a long-forgotten artist or grab a new release. Fancy a rummage? Dig around the crates on the floor of the shop to discover some hidden treasures.
While larger spaces and festivals have catapulted Glasgow into the musical stratosphere, it’s the city’s small-to-midsize venues that remain the key to its thriving indie music scene. Hug and Pint opened in 2015, so while it may lack the heritage aspect of King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, it’s a great place to grab a beer and watch some exciting up-and-coming and established local bands.
Located in Glasgow’s iconic West End, Hug and Pint are well on its way to providing (in their own words) ‘The Friendliest Atmosphere in Scotland’.
While Glasgow may be a pioneer of popular music, the city is still incredibly proud of its heritage. Bagpipes have been played across Scotland for over a thousand years, and over 50,000 people come together to celebrate this each year at Piping Live, a week-long festival that celebrates the iconic instrument.
The biggest event of its kind, Piping Live has become an institution among Glaswegians, with some of the most renowned pipers in the world putting on a huge display in the heart of the city.
Gaelic for ‘great melody of life’, Oran Mor is a converted church located in Glasgow’s coveted West End. Their slogan is ‘More Than Just A Great Bar’, and it couldn’t be truer. Huge acts like the late Amy Winehouse and globally-renowned DJ Calvin Harris have played at this iconic Glasgow concert hall, and when you blend that with a mouth-watering mix of artisan cocktails and an electric atmosphere, you get something really special.
No-one would blame you if you strolled past Missing Records without noticing it, it’s fairly nondescript on the outside. But venture through the doors, and you’ll discover one of Glasgow’s best-kept secrets. The shop itself is situated downstairs, with a stairway adorned with graffiti portraits of some of the world’s greatest artists.
What’s more, most of the records sold here are priced at around £2-£3, so you can grab a real bargain!
Since 2013, Glasgow Summer Sessions has attracted festival-revellers from across the UK and beyond, to see some of the biggest names in music. Located on the south side of Glasgow, at the famous Bellahouston Park, the sessions have played to host to Eminem, Avicii, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kendrick Lamar, and The Killers over the years, and is well on its way to becoming one of the most renowned music events in the country.
Tickets for the Glasgow Summer Sessions sell out fast, so it’s best to keep your ear to the ground and get up to speed with when they go on sale.
While Glasgow is known across the world for its colourful history and unique dialect, it’s safe to say that this is a city with a song in its heart. Glasgow has a rich musical heritage, which has been brought into the 21st century with a plethora of festivals, events, and hidden vinyl basements. Fancy making a weekend of it? Stay at Leonardo Hotel Glasgow and discover the perfect place to kick back, relax, and listen to some of your favourite music after a day of exploring the city.
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