There’s nothing like a live gig
I recently saw Alice Cooper and Deep Purple perform at the Hydro.
It was great to see a bunch of legends on stage playing some of the unforgettable classic rock tunes that I grew up with.
I thought – with all these guys still playing at around 70 years old, what chance have young bands got these days?
With the rise in large venues like the Hydro throughout the country, there seems to be a growing disparity between small bands and more popular acts.
We are seeing heavily-marketed bands that can fill 10,000-plus size arenas getting more popular.
As a result smaller, lesser-known bands have a huge hill to climb.
This may be a downside for young, up-and-coming bands but it also means we can go and see great bands – and there are plenty of them – in small and medium size venues. I love going out in Paisley. For me not much can beat the enjoying the thrill of loud music alongside a group of like-minded gig- goers in a small, intimate setting.
No matter the size of venue, live gigs are one of life’s most intense and unforgettable experiences.
Getting up close to the action, being able to hear everything like the cymbals crashing and guitar coming out of the amp, is infinitely more pleasing to my ears than being miles away from the stage.
Paisley is a great music destination.
Within a mile or so you have a number of venues available for you to choose from.
So if you are not quite sure where to go, let me point you in the right direction.
These spots, in my opinion, host the most interesting acts, best crowds and the most euphoric atmospheres in truly interesting surroundings.
Those who can say they’ve frequented every one is basically an honorary roadie or groupie – so you’d best get cracking.
For original and tribute acts check out The Bungalow and Callum’s Cavern.
For covers bands see what is going on at The Tea Gardens, The Old Swan, The Library, Hamishes’ Hoose, The Cave and The Anchor.
This weekend is looking good starting with Hamishes’ Hoose who have The Republic of Soul on tomorrow night at 8pm.
The Bungalow welcomes Lemon Soul, who cover classics such as Stop in the Name of Love, Rescue Me, Baby Love, My Guy, Say A Little Prayer and Really Saying Something.
Get ready for some classic soul tunes ensuring a full dancefloor.
Entry is free and the soul tunes kick off from 8pm.
It’s looking like another busy weekend at The Cave starting with Alan McKim tonight at 9pm.
Saturday at 6pm sees Heebie Jeebies take to the stage before Last Resort take over from 9pm till late.
On Sunday from 6pm Cherry Red 53 finish off the weekend’s entertainment in style.
The Old Swan hosts Wreckless at 8pm tonight while Trunk Monkey’s set kicks off at 4pm tomorrow.
Monday is the pensioners special session with The Spuds at 3.30pm and Heavy Load from 6pm on Wednesday
The Tea Gardens has upped its game this week with live music on Saturdays starting with Junkyard Dawgs at 9pm and The Record Players on Sunday from 6pm.
Del Mac and Guest are at The Anchor on Sunday from 4pm.
Jen McLauchlan is your host on Monday at 4pm.
Open mic nights next week can be found on Sunday at The Bungalow from 8pm with Cat Caldwell, Monday 8pm at The Abbey Bar hosted by Dunky Hunter, Andy Lindsey at The Anchor on Tuesday from 8pm, and Johnny Barr on Wednesday at Burger and Keg 8pm.
Also on Wednesday, Andy Lindsay is at The Patter Bar from 8pm and The Library open mic is Thursday from 8pm.
Last but not least, Alan McKim will be hosting at The Afton on Thursday from 8pm.
There’s lots of live music to be enjoyed in the town this week so get out and support local bands and venues.