FOLLOWING the news that restrictions are to be lifted on Monday 24th January, music fans can rejoice in the knowledge that gigs are on the way back.
After the closure of the live music sector in December, a flurry of shows have been announced and rescheduled for the coming weeks with our beloved venues set to open their doors to avid punters once again. So, as we all dust off our gig calendars after another enforced hiatus, we’ve put together a list of shows that you might want to check out over the next few weeks.
King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution – 26th January – 4th February
Now a staple of the Scottish festival calendar, King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution is known for showcasing Scotland’s most exciting new artists every January. While they were forced to cancel much of this year’s festival, fans will be able to catch the tail end of the line-up when it returns on Wednesday 26th January with a headline show from Joshua Grant. Other acts set to appear at the iconic venue include Dancing On Tables, Hamish Hawk, Uninvited and The Big Day. Some other NYR shows have been re-schedule for later this year.
Tickets and info here.
Celtic Connections 24th Jan – 6th Feb
More than 60 shows will be staged by Celtic Connections after restrictions on crowd capacities are lifted next week. Despite cancelling much of the planned programme, full shows will go ahead at the Royal Concert Hall, the Old Fruitmarket, the Mackintosh Church, the Tramway, Saint Luke’s, The Hug and Pint, King Tut’s and The Glad Cafe from Monday. Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Kathryn Joseph, Iona Fyfe, Rachel Newton and Bruce MacGregor, are among the leading Scottish musicians due to appear before live audiences. A digital programme will also be available, with the festival’s opening night concert taking place at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall this Thursday.
Tickets and info here.
Jawn Ladder @ The Poetry Club, 29th Jan
Glasgow three-piece Jawn Ladder may only be in their infancy, but they’ve made a raucous impression with two recent singles ‘Scarything’ and ‘Prescription for Happiness’. Merging their raw, visceral rock & roll with empowering lyrics that feel as personal as they do relatable, expect a fiery mix of heavy guitars, pounding rhythms and growling vocals when they play The Poetry Club at the end of the month.
Tickets here.
Franz Ferdinand & Hamish Hawk @ PJ Molloys, 31st Jan
Iconic Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand have announced a show at PJ Molloys in Dunfermline as part of Independent Venue Week. A rare chance to catch the band in very intimate surroundings, BBC 6 Music will be broadcasting live from the venue throughout the day as part of their own celebrations. Hamish Hawk will be on supporting duties.
IDLES @ The Barrowlands, 3rd – 5th Feb
What a way to return to the Barras – a three-night run from Bristol punks IDLES. After self-proclaiming that they had “lost the essence of our intentions as a band” during their divisive album ‘Ultra Mono’, the band returned to form on last year’s ‘CRAWLER’ which saw them take leaps forward, sonically and lyrically. Either way, they’re known above all for their incendiary live shows and they’ll be back to doing what they do best with a three-night at the Barras at the start of February.
Alex Amor @ King Tut’s, 9th February
Inspired by Big Thief, Tame Impala and The Staves, Alex Amor has been steadily carving out a reputation for her thoughtful, sophisticated pop tunes. Having recently supported The Snuts, she was nominated for the Sound of Young Scotland and made appearances at a number of festivals up and down the country. With a bright future ahead, she headlines King Tut’s on 9th February.
Get tickets here.
The Lathums @ Various Venues
Wigan’s conquering indie heroes The Lathums continue their rapid ascent with a small jaunt around Scotland this February – they’ll touch down in Aberdeen, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh and Glasgow between 14th and 20th February. Having only formed in 2019, the’ve risen to the forefront of UK indie scene at a breathless pace, securing many milestones along the way – such as garnering early praise from the likes of Paul Weller, Elton John and Tim Burgess, and scoring a Top 20 EP with ‘The Memories We Make’.
Get tickets here.
Wolf Alice @ The Barrowlands, 14th – 16th Feb
Following the release of their triumphant third album ‘Blue Weekend’, Wolf Alice are a band at the top of their game – and they’re all set return for their rescheduled three-night run at the Barras next month. Having named the venue as their favourite in the UK, it’s sure to be a night to remember for all involved.
VLURE @ King Tuts, 18th Feb
VLURE’s King Tut’s show will be their first hometown headline in quite some time, and it’s going to be a memorable one. This band come to life in the live arena – with frontman Hamish Hutcheson leading the charge, their mammoth sound is almost impossible to contain and it can’t be missed. Those who have a ticket for this sold out show are in for a treat.
The Vegan Leather @ Stereo, 19th Feb
Following the release of their expansive nine-track ‘Furious, Not Ominous’ EP in December, The Vegan Leather are preparing to play their first Glasgow headline in over two years this February. A band who are known to turn the party dial to 11, this will be a chance to see their new material in action alongside those deliriously infectious art-pop bangers we’ve all come to know and love. Support comes from fellow Paisley/Johnstone four-piece The Noise Club.
Get tickets here.
Big Thief @ The Barrowlands, 25th Feb
It’ll be a welcome return to Glasgow for Big Thief who are known for their warm and quietly powerful performances. Currently drip-feeding us with material from their new 20-track album ‘Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You’, it’s no surprise that they’ve cultivated such a passionate fanbase over the years.
