News

Places That Rock

• 17th May 2010

I’m lucky enough to travel to the USA now and again, and have seen some fine rock bands in some great American venues over the years.

I’m not talking the large outdoor shows or major theatres here. Rather the little clubs where you walk into a dark and vibrant atmosphere that just screams out for some good, loud, rock and roll music. Places like the Mercury Lounge in New York City, Johnny Brendas in Philadelphia or, my personal favourite, the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

There are some very good venues in my home city of Glasgow too. Of course nothing will ever fully replace the legendary Glasgow Apollo, which closed back in 1985. Everyone who was anyone played the Apollo in the 70s and 80s, and many great live albums were recorded there. But there are some newer venues that are now carrying the torch.

The Carling Academy and the ABC attract the larger bands. The Academy was once a bingo hall and is a little out of town, but it is a very good location to find a whole range of music from chart to indie. The ABC, as the name suggests, is a former cinema, excellently refurbished and with a surprisingly good sound. There are also a number of smaller venues that see up and coming bands given a chance to shine such as Nice n Sleazy, Stereo and the Classic Grand.

My favourite Glasgow haunt, and probably the best known outside the city, is King Tut’s Wa Wa Hut. For twenty years now it has provided a city centre haven for fans of good music. With a capacity of 300 it is not large, although I’m sure there have been many more packed in to some of the gigs I’ve attended there over the years. But this is the number one venue where bands want to play in Glasgow.

And of course everyone knows that it was at King Tut’s that Alan McGhee discovered a little band called Oasis, who I hear went on to do pretty well for themselves.

Other venues that I really like in the UK include The Cluny in Newcastle, Rock City in Nottingham and The Borderline in London. I’ve seen a few shows at each over the years and they all have the key combination of excellent acoustics and enthusiastic audiences.

But I’m sure there are many other fine British music venues that I’ve yet to experience. Every fan has his or her favourite place to watch good bands strut their stuff.

So where else should I be adding to my travel itinerary?