If you love arts and music, Glasgow truly has something for you. You can take in some wonderful live music including high-energy rock shows, and classical operas while visiting some of the local pubs with exceptionally talented Scottish acts that offer traditional music. In fact, there is so much live music in Glasgow that it’s a wonder that the music notes don’t flutter wildly over the waters of the River Clyde.
A UNESCO ‘City Of Music’
The quality and quantity of live music on offer in Glasgow are such that it helped made the city be categorized as a UNESCO City of Music. The city is packed to the rafters with world-class venues that offer a wide variety of entertainment with some exceptional solo acts and homegrown ensembles. In fact, Glasgow talent has already made its mark on the world stage with bands like Primal Scream, Simple Minds, and Franz Ferdinand (rising electronic dance music fan favorite).
The city also hosts the Scottish Ballet Company as well as the Scottish Opera. It has the perfect recipe for enjoyment with fabulous choirs, a thriving jazz scene, and many folk groups. You only need to book a Glasgow hotel break and pay a visit to the city.
Legendary Music Venues In Glasgow
There is a live music event within easy distance of your accommodation on any given night. You can also head to the city center in order to spend the evening at one of Glasgow’s famed pubs where live music will be offered. Most of these pubs play host to artists from Glasgow’s vibrant underground dance scene and Indie rock. Spend some time at King Tut’s Wah-Wah Hut, Nice’n’Sleazy, or The Sub Club to enjoy the music.
A Rich History Of Glasgow Rock
The theaters and music venues in Glasgow are clustered around Argyle Street, Sauchiehall Street, and Buchanan Street. Some of the popular venues include the Royal Concert Hall where you are able to enjoy the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. This venue is also pivotal to the success of the Celtic Connections music festival. If you want to enjoy the celebration, you should visit Glasgow in January.
You should head east from the Barras market to arrive at the Barrowland Ballroom, which is the venue that put Glasgow on the Rock map in the 1950s when Elvis and Chuck Berry records were offloaded at the nearby dock. In fact, fans flocked to the dancehall in order to enjoy the music of these pioneers. The hall can accommodate up to 2,100 fans and has seen bands like Oasis and U2 perform there.
From Pop To Folk
Go down the banks of the River Clyde and turn to the ultra-modern SSE Hydro. It is located closer to the armadillo-shaped Scottish Exhibition & Conference Center. Both these venues host huge crowds while the Hydro can accommodate more than 13,000 fans and has seen Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj perform in the past.
If you love the traditional live sounds of Scotland with bodhran drummers, evocative fiddlers, and soulful clairsach harpists, there are two venues for you – such as the Ben Nevis and the Scotia. These two pubs have a great history of offering a stage for traditional Scottish music performers from across the country. Add to the allure by ordering a pint of great ale and a dram or two of Scottish single malt whiskey.
The aforementioned article provides information on why you need to explore the musical joys of Glasgow without further delay.