As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow and its inhabitants place a very special emphasis on the art. From folk and trad to pop and rock, Glasgow has a heaving stock of great music and incredible venues in which to hear it. Whether you're an amateur or an aficionado, there's just the place for you to hear some great bands and musicians in the city. From the West End to Merchant City, we've come up with a list of venues for all your slow-swaying and mosh-pitting needs. Rock on, Glasgow, rock on.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
With a host of live music throughout the year, Glasgow institution Bar 91 always delivers on the entertainment front. Come to this cosy haunt on Candelriggs to enjoy jazz, blues, funk soul and more, with free entry and plenty of top tipples. Treat yourself to a pint of the good stuff, a G&T and Scottish fare like a steak and haggis burger to make a night of it.
Head on down to Argyle Street if you're looking for one of the best gig venues in Glasgow. Churning out regular independent names and small gigs, it's fun, it's affordable, and it's absolutely teeming with that live music energy.
Bar Bloc+ is a great venue to spot soon-to-be-big acts in Glasgow. Gigs at Bloc+ are free, so if you're an avid muso with an empty pocket, this Bath Street joint is the place to see great live music on the cheap.
The Barrowland Ballroom is one of the most iconic music venues in Glasgow. Steeped in musical history, this place has been home to everyone from Britney Spears to Bob Dylan. Still as awesome-sounding as ever, it's a killer spot to hear a gig in Glasgow.
Founded by the folks from the now extinct Captain's Rest, Broadcast has a cracking selection of live gigs. A popular spot with discerning musos, alt and indie bands draw a heaving crowd to the cool warehouse style basement venue.
Mono is a sweet bar and arts centre in Merchant City. If you're looking for a chilled hangout with a friendly crowd, cool vibes and eclectic music, Mono has a roster of offbeat bands and quirky musicians for your live listening pleasure.
The king of Glasgow's music venues, Tut's is one mighty force on the Glasgow music scene. Having seen the fledgling careers of Oasis, Coldplay, Blur and Biffy Clyro, King Tut's is the place to catch both established and up-and-coming talent.
Blackfriars is a cool den for alternative live music in Merchant City. A bit of a hidden gem, Blackfriars hosts some kicking nights of live soul, funk, reggae, mod, ska, indie, rock 'n' roll, blues and country. If you love live music and are looking for something a little different, Blackfriars' gigs are worth checking out.
A compact gig venue in Glasgow for local musicians and band talent, not only is BOX all about providing the city with entertainment on home soil, there's a roster of comedy nights and open mic evenings to boot.
The Old Hairdresser's is a cool wee hideout on Renfield Lane. Upstairs in the attic is a tiny venue with a slapdash church hall vibe. A fun spot for party gigs where the crowd of trendy young things dance the night away to thumping local bands and musicians. A twee spot to catch a gig in Glasgow.
