The Apollo: ‘Where sounds thundered into your soul...’ TIMES PAST
THERE is still a lot of love out there for Glasgow’s famous Apollo Theatre. Our Friday feature on the legendary venue, which played host to everyone from Bowie to Diana Ross, prompted a flurry of messages from Times Past readers keen to share their memories.
Alan Ross summed it up with a poetic description of what the Apollo meant to a generation of music fans here in Glasgow and from further afield.
“The Apollo was the place where pop stars previously heard on a crackly vinyl record blazed into life on stage,” he told us.
“The Apollo was where the sounds thundered into your soul…”
The venue began life in September 1927 as Green’s Playhouse, Europe’s largest cinema, with at least 4210 seats. A large roof-top ballroom opened in November 1928 and it became the city’s most-loved entertainment hub, with cafes and vestibules which could cater for up to 10,000 people.
In 1973, it became the Apollo, and hundreds of top-selling acts, from the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney to Rod Stewart and Elton John, played there.
It closed in 1985 and was demolished in 1989, making way for a multi-screen cinema.
Alan’s first gig at the Apollo was Wizzard back in 1974 as and his final trip there was to see the Eurythmics in 1983.
“In between there was David Bowie, Queen, Nazareth, Sparks, The Jam, The Who, John Miles, Be Bop Deluxe and so many more… all of which brought technicolour to a working-class Glaswegian’s life,” he recalls.
“The ticket prices were so reasonable – the most I ever paid was £6.75. Good night Glasgow Apollo – you will never be forgotten.”
Dougie Fyfe was a regular visitor to the Apollo and recalls its earlier incarnation as Green’s Playhouse, which incorporated a cinema and a ballroom.
“The films at the cinema were too terrible to recall, but I still bear scars from the itching and scratching required after three or so hours on one of Greens infamous ‘divans’,” he jokes.
Dougie has fond memories of going to see The Who in 1970, supported by The James Gang from America.
“It was a good night,” he recalls. “I remember during The Who encore, an elderly gent in a tuxedo walking up and down the aisles hitting anyone standing on the seats with his walking stick.
“I was also fortunate to see Genesis with Peter Gabriel as lead singer and YES do a three-hour non-stop set including 15-minute drum solos.
“I saw Gallagher and Lyle supported by Chris de Burgh, Wishbone Ash, Groundhogs and Diana Ross, as well as Neil Sedaka, America – supported by Poco – and 10CC to name a few.”
Dougie adds: “At the time, 10CC had its original lineup and their hit, I’m not in Love, had just charted. They were definitely one of the most accomplished live acts around, as they still are.”
Do you remember the Apollo? Maybe you recall it as Green’s Playhouse? Did you work there? Or did you see your favourite band take to the stage?
We would love to hear your stories and see your photographs. Email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes. co.uk or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow East Investment Park, Glasgow G32 8FG