Live Music in Glasgow
Glasgow UNESCO City of Music, is simply mad about all things rock, indie, folk and dance, and of course it has the bars with live music to match. From famous music venues, to pubs with regular sessions, there's barely a bar in Glasgow that doesn't indulge in a little live music from time to time. So from City Centre cocktail bars to West End Irish pubs, check out our guide to live music in Glasgow.
Last updated on 15th August 2017
Located moments from Sauchiehall Street, Buck's Bar is a live-music loving venue. Head to this intimate little joint any night of the week to hear some of Glasgow's best bands; throw in Southern style cooking such as chicken wings and a fresh cocktail menu and you've got a brilliant night.
From disco and dine through to Robbie Williams tribute acts, Alea Glasgow Casino is a top spot for live music in the city. As well as a great selection of live acts, there's also the opportunity to play blackjack, poker and roulette or party the night away until 6am.
Something of a traditional Glasgow pub and a lively gig venue, McChuills has a stage set for live music on Fridays and Saturdays where you'll find some of the best home grown talent bashing out folk tunes and jiving music. Entry is free and the bar is well versed in international beers so you can prop yourself up with a pint in hand and listen to the music go by.
Jinty McGuinty's is the place to go for trad music in Glasgow. With live folk and trad Irish sessions six days a week, performances come from amazing bands, singers and musicians to the glee of Jinty's loyal punters, ready to hear great music, have great craic and work their way to the bottom of a Guinness or two.
Slouch comes down with an epic case of the Wednesday Night Blues every week but don’t worry; that’s a good thing! It’s just part of their mighty impressive line-up of live music sessions that go throughout the week. Tuesday is all about that late night jazz, Thursday sees resident bands play in Slouch Unplugged and Electric Sunday sees live acoustic acts and top rock ‘n’ roll talent take their turn on stage.
Broadcast is a cool Sauchiehall Street hangout; proud owner of a banging roster of live gigs in Glasgow. From killer bands coming to town for one night only to seriously talented local music heroes, if you're looking to catch some cool and quirky live music, Broadcast is the place for it.
O2 ABC hosts an almighty 400 events annually, and it’s one of the most iconic venues for live music in Glasgow. Renowned throughout the city for attracting some of the hottest acts in the world right now, the likes of Adele, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Florence + the Machine have all taken to the stage in the past few years. As if that roster of top talent wasn’t enough to be keeping busy with, the ABC also hosts regular club nights showcasing the best in indie, electro, soul and rock bangers.
Maggie Mays is a certified go-to for live music in Glasgow. An iconic Merchant City bar, restaurant and late-night venue, Maggie’s probably dish out more gigs than anywhere else in the city, with free entry to watch live bands play every night of the week. If you’re looking for a fun place to rock out ‘til late or hoping to sing and dance to an eclectic mix of live acts, Maggie’s is the place.
Bar Gumbo has one seriously cool selection of live music in Glasgow. Both local and visiting bands bring with them brass and strings, blasting out a stomping selection of jazz, blues and soul - the perfect accompaniment to the Bayou cocktails and Southern soul food at this lively West End bar.
Blue Dog is a chic cocktail bar that doubles up as a fantastic den for live music in Glasgow. With plenty of New York style and swagger, this cosy piano bar is renowned for a live entertainment programme best enjoyed with a drink or two from their bespoke cocktail card. Expect to find a stylish retreat with plenty of talented pianists on hand to seranade you with jazz and blues tunes.
Don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible to see some live music without spending a fortune, no sir. Putting on buzzing nights for live music acts throughout the week, Bloc+ waives the entry charge and invites you in for free, where a great night of entertainment, food and drinks lies in wait.
With live folk sessions three nights a week, Ben Nevis is the place to come for traditional Scottish live music in Glasgow. Expect a mighty session with lots of banter every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, live music nights at this Argyle Street favourite are not to be missed.
You can’t really take a guide to the best places for live music in Glasgow seriously until it’s got a nod to King Tut’s. This place is quite simply a legendary venue renowned throughout the country, where Oasis were famously signed back in 1993 and a catalogue of greats including Radiohead, Killers and Manic Street Preachers have all taken to the stage. Come today and you’ll find an ever-impressive list of emerging bands doing their thing on the famous King Tut’s turf.
