GLASGOW’S much-loved The Lapelles will play a special one-off gig to celebrate the life of their friend and band member Gary Watson this August. The iconic musician tragically died in 2026. The four remaining band members have planned a huge celebration of his life around the 10 year anniversary of his passing.
The gig in Glasgow’s Saint Luke’s sets to celebrate Gary Watson’s life and the lasting impact he has made on the Scottish music community.
Gary is a musician who will live on forever in our hearts and the gig is set to be an emotional celebration of Gary’s life. The band will be joined by special guests as they perform tracks from their seminal self-titled album.
Tickets for this unique gig will go on sale from 6th March, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Glasgow Humane Society, a non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives on the River Clyde and promoting water safety and accident prevention.
In 2015 the five-piece from East Kilbride quickly rose through the ranks and established themselves as a breakthrough act worth your attention. Playing in landmark venues across the country, The Lapelles quickly earned an established fanbase. Gary’s skill for songwriting coupled with the talent and authenticity of fellow members Jack Anderson, Leon Green, Christopher Ballantyne, and Jamie Holmes, resulted in countrywide recognition and the immediate success of their debut single ‘Snakehips.
In the space of just three years, The Lapelles supported artists such as The Last Shadow Puppets, Blossoms, The Kooks, and The View – to name but a few – and at the time of Gary’s accident the boys were set to support fellow East Kilbride band, The Jesus and Mary Chain. Alongside this impressive roster, they graced the lineup of festivals such as Belladrum Tartan Heart and played to a packed tent at the final ever T in the Park.
The tragic passing of Gary happened when he was out celebrating his 22nd birthday with friends. Described by those who knew him as an “unstoppable creative force; a dedicated, humble, and authentic artist who was an avid supporter of the creative scene”.
The songs Gary wrote with The Lapelles are part of a legacy engrained within the music scene, inspiring young musicians and earning the respect of artists such as Franz Ferdinand, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Lewis Capaldi, Twilight Sad, and Circa Waves, who have all paid homage to Gary.
