Best live music in Glasgow

King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut

While most know it as the place where Oasis was discovered, there’s more to King Tut’s than Britpop. Since playing early shows here, the likes of Radiohead, The Verve, Coldplay and The Strokes have all gone on to hit the big-time, so there’s always a chance of catching superstardom in the making. NME calls it “quite possibly the finest small venue in the world” and it’s no wonder, with multi-band bills almost every night of the week, 52 weeks of the year.

What’s on at King Tut’s?

Glasgow didn’t really need UNESCO to crown it a City of Music – we knew that already! After all, the city’s music scene is nothing short of legendary and it hosts an average of 130 music events every single week. Rock, indie and dance effortlessly mingle with Celtic and classical, and every Glaswegian’s an expert.

Since Native Glasgow is so brilliantly central, you can be listening to live music just minutes after you’ve left your apartment. Whether you’re after a boozy pub with an open mic night or a fabled rock mecca, you’ll find it right here.

Here are just five of our own favourites, to kick off your Glaswegian music tour.

St Luke’s

What was originally St Luke’s Parish Church on the outskirts of Glasgow’s Merchant City is now a breath-taking music venue, beautifully restored to show off all its original features, like stained glass windows and an 1800s pipe organ. Catch up-and-comers and big names alike, from Jessie Buckley and Joan As Police Woman to top notch tribute bands and club DJs.

What’s on at St Luke’s?

The Old Fruitmarket

Home to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, this glorious spot is also Glasgow’s oldest purpose-built performance space. In January it’s home to the annual Celtic Connections music festival and in June it’s Glasgow Jazz Festival, while classical, rock and folk concerts fill its vaulted ceilings the rest of the time. It’s broadened its scope over the years too, with theatre and comedy performances on the bill.

What’s on at the Fruitmarket?

The Barrowland Ballroom

Starting life as an actual ballroom – sprung dance floor and everything – this iconic venue now boasts a prominent neon frontage and a capacity of 1,900, as well as one of the best gig atmospheres you’ll ever experience. The Barrowlands has proudly hosted legends like David Bowie, U2, The Stranglers, The Clash, Muse and Foo Fighters, just to name a few. So, it’s no surprise that both Metallica and Oasis have said it’s one of their favourite venues in the world.

What’s on at Barrowlands?

The SSE Hydro

Scotland’s largest entertainment venue regularly plays host to the megastars of music, and it’s little wonder. This imposing Foster + Partners-designed building welcomes up to 13,000 fans at a time and is ranked globally alongside the likes of Madison Square Garden and The O2. From classic rockers like Kiss and The Eagles to Khalid and The Chemical Brothers, there’s something for every musical palate.

What’s on at the Hydro?

Base yourself at Native Glasgow and experience Glasgow’s celebrated music scene.

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