ABSTRACT
“Enthusiastic, vociferous and utterly magnificent” was how the Rough Guide to the World described Glasgow’s gig scene in 2007. Stretching “from gritty pubs to arty student haunts, marvellous church halls to cavernous arenas”, Glasgow was hailed as “Europe’s rock music capital”, with the Barrowland Ballroom in the city’s East End singled out as the venue that “really defines the city”. The largest venue in the city was the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) and some of the artists appearing in October and November included Arcade Fire, 50 Cent and The Sex Pistols. The Barrowland welcomed Super Furry Animals, Calvin Harris, and saw two sold-out shows by Amy Winehouse, her first gigs after being booed off stage in Birmingham earlier in the week. Less iconic perhaps, but now an important part of the touring network, was the Carling Academy, part of Academy Music Group.
