Glasgow has always been known as the music capital of Scotland because of its legendary groups, iconic venues, and enthusiastic audiences. But now, a new guide is celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage by delving into the key figures, places, and concerts that have shaped its reputation as a global music hub.
The book, titled “Glasgow’s Greatest Hits,” was put together by the three brains behind the famous Glasgow City Music Tours. These tours have been taking music lovers around the city for the past decade, showing them the ins and outs of Glasgow’s vibrant music scene.
In this new guide, Fiona Shepherd, Alison Stroak, and Jonathan Trew take readers on a journey through the doors of both old and new venues in Glasgow. From the Empire and the Apollo to the Grand Ole Opry and the Barrowland Ballroom, the book revisits unforgettable debuts, magical moments, and superstar visits that have left a mark on the city’s music history.
The introduction of the book sets the tone: “Glasgow’s Greatest Hits brings together our most cherished stories and celebrates our beloved musicians, venues, and concerts. It’s not a complete list, and it’s definitely not unbiased, but we hope it captures the essence of Glasgow’s music scene in all its gallus glory.”
The book explores the roots of well-known Glaswegian acts like Simple Minds, Deacon Blue, Orange Juice, and Belle and Sebastian. It also shines a light on lesser-known local heroes and influential figures who have shaped the city’s music landscape over the years.
From Frank Sinatra’s iconic residency at the Empire in 1953 to The Beatles’ legendary concerts in the 1960s, the book covers a wide range of historic moments in Glasgow’s music history. It also highlights unique incidents like Lou Reed being pushed back on stage to finish his set and Abba’s final UK concert where they were joined on stage by students from Hillhead High School.
The book doesn’t shy away from the quirky side of Glasgow’s music scene either. It tells stories of how Oasis caught the attention of a record label after crashing a gig at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and how The Blue Nile once threw their early singles into the River Kelvin.
The book also pays tribute to influential figures like Lonnie Donegan, who played a pivotal role in the skiffle scene of the 1950s, inspiring future rock legends like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. It also delves into the careers of rock icons like Alex Harvey and Billy Connolly, who have left a lasting impact on the music industry.
Overall, “Glasgow’s Greatest Hits” is a nostalgic journey through the city’s musical past, celebrating the artists, venues, and concerts that have made Glasgow a music mecca. Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just curious about the city’s cultural heritage, this guide offers a glimpse into the soul of Glasgow’s music scene.
