Walk Of Fame
Glasgow has a legendary music scene and there is no better way to explore it than a walking tour
GLASGOW is famed for its music scene – from contemporary and classical to Celtic and country, you can hear it all in the “dear green place”. This vibrant metropolis was named a UNESCO City of Music in 2008 and boasts legendary venues such as the Barrowland Ballroom, SSE Hydro, Royal Concert Hall and, of course, the intriguingly-named King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.
The bands, orchestras and singers that have performed on these hallowed stages are too numerous to list here.
And a walking tour is one of the more unusual ways for music lovers to immerse themselves in the sounds and sights of Scotland’s biggest city.
Fiona Shepherd, co-founder and lead guide of Glasgow Music City Tours, says, “Our tours celebrate this city’s terrific music scene. Bands are always telling Glasgow audiences that this is one of their favourite places to play live – and we agree!
“We wanted to highlight the amazing music heritage of Glasgow, which stretches back centuries.
“Our walking tours stir musical memories for those who live or have lived here, and are a fascinating way to introduce the city to those who have never visited.”
There are three tours on offer – the Music Mile, the Merchant City and the Scottish Trad Trail Tour, the latter also includes a delicious dinner as well as folk music performances.
The 2.4km (1.5 miles) Music Mile Tour is a whistlestop jaunt around Glasgow city centre, an area teeming with music venues past and present.
The two-hour tour is packed with musical myths – told by enthusiastic performers, fans and writers – and starts outside the iconic Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Fiona says, “Our Music Mile Tour is a trove of great stories, including many tall tales from long-gone notorious haunts such as the Apollo and the Empire Theatre.
“It culminates at the world-famous King Tut’s, which is practically a pilgrimage site for fans of Oasis.”
The Mancunian rockers were signed by Creation Records co-owner Alan Mcgee at the venue in 1993.
The Merchant City Tour explores the myths and legends of Glasgow’s best-loved venues. At 2km (1.25 miles) long, it kicks off outside the Clutha Bar on Stockwell Street.
“We use Glasgow’s many venues, past and present, to tell the story of the city’s love affair with music,” Fiona says.
“Our guests love walking along the Album Pathway in Barrowland Park, checking out their favourite gigs from the beloved Barrowland Ballroom, as well as visiting the world’s oldest surviving music hall, the Britannia Panopticon.”
Arranged like the spines of records on a shelf, the Album Pathway lists the names and dates of bands that have played at the Barrowlands since 1983 – it was created by Glasgow artist Jim Lambie.
The final option is the Scottish Trad Trail Tour, which combines an hour-long walking tour around some of the city’s oldest streets with a satisfying meal and, as the name suggests, the chance to take in a folk music performance.
It’s the shortest tour at 1.2km (0.75 miles) but the guides pack plenty into the excursion – exploring the folk revival of the 1950s and ’60s, then on to Celtic Connections and beyond.
Guests will enjoy a two-course meal of hearty, home-style food at Mharsanta Scottish restaurant, followed by a contemporary folk music session from some of Glasgow’s up-and-coming talent. Fiona says, “We’re excited about the return of our popular Trad Trail tours for Celtic Connections in 2023, which honour Glasgow’s rich folk music history and feature some insider Celtic Connections anecdotes.” This 4.5-hour experience is the perfect way to introduce visitors to the Scottish folk sound and help them learn more our traditional music culture. And whichever tour you choose, it’s sure to hit all the right notes.