IT’S only a matter of days before Scotland’s biggest music festival returns to Glasgow Green in what is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded events of the year. Making its eagerly anticipated return to the city following a hugely successful inaugural event in 2017, this year’s TRNSMT Festival has been extended to five days with hundreds of thousands of music fans expected to descend on Scotland’s music capital in the next two weeks.
With headline performances coming from none other than Stereophonics, Liam Gallagher, Arctic Monkeys, Queen + Adam Lambert and The Killers, the festival is set to showcase a fantastic array of established names, breakthrough artists and local talent across two weekends. Boasting one of the busiest line-ups on the festival calendar, there really is something for everyone.
As the festival draws ever closer, TTV have compiled a list of some of the best acts worth checking out. From rock & roll legends to headliners of tomorrow, TRNSMT is the place to be this summer. Limited tickets are available here.
THE NINTH WAVE
Firmly recognised as one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging talents, 2018 has proved a busy year for The Ninth Wave. Along with unveiling their fantastic second EP Never Crave Attention, the four-piece have made their presence known all over the UK aswell as mainland Europe. Boasting a brilliantly captivating frontman in Haydn Park-Patterson, their homecoming show at TRNSMT is not to be missed.
When/Where: Friday 29th June, King Tut’s Stage
PALE WAVES
With one instantly addictive pop gem after another, Manchester’s Pale Waves have fostered a dedicated following all over Europe and further afield. A precursor to the band’s eagerly anticipated debut LP which is due to arrive in the coming months, the Matt Healy-produced All the Things I Never Said EP received critical acclaim upon its release at the start of the year. Bursting with gothic ambition and a shimmering eighties-indebted pop charm, it’s fair to say that they’re a band destined for the bigger stages.
When/Where: Friday 29th June, King Tut’s Stage
ANTEROS
Returning to the festival for the second time following a memorable performance at last year’s inaugural event, Anteros are ready to step up to the King Tut’s stage at TRNSMT 2018. Led by the magnetic Laura Hayden, the four-piece have cut their teeth on the UK touring circuit in recent years and have emerged all the better for it. With a debut album said to be on the way, their infectious, high-energy brand of indie-pop is sure to go down a storm with festival crowds this summer.
When/Where: Friday 29th June, King Tut’s Stage
THE SNUTS
Exploding out of West Lothian with heaps of ambition and the swagger to boot, The Snuts embarked on their very first Scottish headline tour earlier this year and it sold out in advance. With only one official release and a few demos on Spotify, the band have gathered the kind of cult-like following which suggests that big things are to come. Known for their blistering live shows and surging, anthemic brand of indie-rock, the release of debut single ‘Seasons’ underlined their massive potential.
When/Where: Saturday 30th June, King Tut’s Stage
WOLF ALICE
With the release of their terrific second album Visions of a Life, Wolf Alice cemented their reputation as the most vital rock band in the UK. Having played to audiences all over the world over the last 12 months, the four-piece are no strangers to the big stages and are sure to triumph yet again in what will be one of their biggest Scottish shows to date.
When/Where: Saturday 30th June, Main Stage
LIAM GALLAGHER
It goes without saying that the former Oasis frontman is one of the star attractions at this year’s TRNSMT. Having just about torn the roof off the SSE Hydro back in December in what was a night to remember for all those involved, Gallagher is set to re-ignite his special relationship with the Scottish fans this weekend with another blistering set of solo favourites and Oasis classics.
When/Where: Saturday 30th June, Main Stage
CONFIDENCE MAN
Arguably one of the best live bands on the planet right now, Confidence Man are quite frankly a must see. Combining their high-energy pop bangers with wild, choreographed dance routines, they have to be seen to be believed. A fantastic addition to the line-up, they are the ultimate party band and TRNSMT will mark their first ever show in Scotland.
When/Where: Sunday 1st July, King Tut’s Stage
THE MAGIC GANG
Responsible for releasing one of our favourite debut albums of the year so far, The Magic Gang have gathered a substantial following around the UK thanks to their soaring, heartfelt brand of indie-rock. With big singalong choruses and hooks aplenty, the four-piece are sure to seize even more Glasgow hearts.
When/Where: Sunday 1st July, King Tut’s Stage
ARCTIC MONKEYS
The band of the moment right now, Arctic Monkeys continue to bask in the glory of their sensational new album Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino. In what is a huge coup for the festival, their appearance at TRNSMT marks their only UK festival appearance of 2018. In recent months, the legendary outfit have performed shows all over UK and Europe, changing up the set as they go and keeping fans guessing along the way. One of the main talking points of this weekend is likely to be what gems Alex Turner and co. will pull from their revered catalogue.
When/Where: Sunday 1st July, Main Stage
THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT
Last year’s Tenement Trail headliners return to Glasgow to open the Main Stage on Friday 6th July. Led by Glasgow-born Phil Campbell, the band will be the perfect precursor to the classic rock bands which will follow later in the day thanks to their gritty anthems and fiery rock & roll spirit.
When/Where: Friday 6th July, Main Stage
LUCIA
Another one of the nation’s most sought-after rising talents, 2018 has proved to be something of a whirlwind year for LUCIA. Since making an explosive impact at The Great Escape back in May, the singer and her band have performed to receptive audiences all over the UK and in mainland Europe as her star potential continues to flourish. TRNSMT will be a massive homecoming for the outfit and a chance to see just how much they have developed over the last few months.
When/Where: Sunday 8th July, King Tut’s Stage
LEWIS CAPALDI
In the small space of 12 months, Lewis Capaldi has jumped from a mid-afternoon slot on the King Tut’s stage to opening the Main Stage at this year’s TRNSMT. It’s testament to his irrefutable star power and immense songwriting skills that he has come so far in such a small space of time. With a dedicated fanbase that is seemingly expanding all over the world at an eye-watering rate, we are in no doubt that he will receive a rousing reception at this massive homecoming show; arguably the biggest show in his career to date.
When/Where: Sunday 8th July, Main Stage
CATHOLIC ACTION
With an album full of devilishly infectious pop songs, exuberant guitars and foot-stomping rhythms, Paisley’s Catholic Action are a welcome addition to any festival lineup. Refusing to rest on their laurels, the outfit have been quietly working away behind the scenes following the release of their hit-packed debut album In Memory Of at the tail end of last year. Having steadily amassed a cult-following around the UK, the band have suggested that a new record could already be on its way in the near future and TRNSMT may be an opportunity for the four-piece to showcase some of this material live.
When/Where: Sunday 8th July, King Tut’s Stage
FRIENDLY FIRES
Bursting back onto the scene earlier this year with one of the songs of the summer in ‘Love Like Waves’, TRNSMT 2018 will mark Friendly Fires’ first Scottish gig in over five years. Seemingly revitalised following their brief hiatus, the four-piece are quite simply made for festival season; expect a generous live percussion section, funky beats, blissful comedowns, a colourful explosion of material both new and old aswell as some eye-catching dance moves from frontman Ed Macfarlane.
When/Where: Sunday 8th July, Main Stage
