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    Barrowland Ballroom

    4.7 (75 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues
    Closed 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

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    Eilidh G.

    If music was a religion then this would be my church!! If I could give it more stars I would, this place is my most favourite place in the whole world.. I'm a gig girl and I go to loads of gigs, but no place compares to the Barrowlands.. I've seen so many bands here.. I love it when bigger bands come to Glasgow who could fill a bigger venue but choose to do two nights here as they love playing it.. Lots of bands and singers have said it's their favourite place to play.. There is no better atmosphere at a gig than here, I love it when the crowd sings all the words and you just see the lead singer unable to hold back their smile.. So what makes it so special you might ask.. Well on arrival to the venue you are greated with the most amazing light show of signage ever.. As soon as you see this the excitement just builds and builds.. You go inside and it is run down and grungy but this adds to its appeal.. I've heard people say it needs a refurb, but I think if this happens it will lose its spark.. To be fair the toilets could do with a refurb.. But please no one touch the ballroom itself.. So you go into the ballroom and it is just perfect, as I'm small I always go to the front left as you get an excellent view, but room to move and most importantly dance.. The dance floor is sprung, so when the bouncing and jumping starts you feel like you're going to hit the roof.. The roof is something I also love all the squares and stars and most importantly the glitter ball.. If you've never been it's a must.. For a while most bands were playing at the academy but more recently bands are returning to the Barrowlands, much to my delight.. Best music venue EVER... Fact!!!!

    Briony C.

    Yelp Shame strikes again - I've never reviewed the Barrowlands?! Whut! Thankfully I was there last night, so it's nice and fresh in my mind. Glasgow's best gig venue, without a doubt. Care to challenge me? Send me a compliment to tell me where's better (or better still, write your own review and send me the link, haha). As you walk down the Gallowgate, you'll be greeted by the most epic signage in the whole world which just adds to the excitement of whatever band you're about to see. Inside, you head up a flight of stairs to the merch, bar and loos level, and then another level up is the main ballroom for gigs. It's a really gorgeous space in a way that can't really be described - it's old, it's classic, classy and charming. There's even an attendant in the loos! The main dancefloor is bouncy which is a load of fun, although my personal preference is to stand to the right of the stage on the wee step up as then you get a great view of the stage and can see over heads. In recent years there's also been a roller disco here on a couple of occasions, which apart from my OH&S concerns (e.g. wet floors, staff not wanting to give out water) is an experience I'll never forget. If there's a band playing at the Barrowlands and you're even a slight fan, you better grab tickets fast or it'll sell out. You won't regret it.

    from official website
    Gavin M.

    While I'm all too aware that the excellent atmosphere, character and heritage of this venue make it one of the best places you could possibly ever go for a gig, I do feel slightly that I got a bit of a bum deal with regards to the bands I saw here. Basement Jaxx provided a decent enough way to spend two hours, but they're hardly legends of rock, and I came to see hillbilly metal outfit Pantera when I was 16 more out of desire to witness unbridled chaos rather than for their frankly terrible music. The half bottle of high commisioner "whisky" I supped before going in means my only real memory of that one is insulting a ticket conductor on the train afterwards. Sometimes I miss being an arsehole.

    Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5
    Lindsay C.

    The Barrowlands is a legendary music venue - I've seen so many amazing gigs here over the years, stood on the stage and had the pleasure of skating in it during a roller disco! That fabulous neon frontage signifies a great night ahead! It's a reasonably large venue with capacity of 2100 yet manages to feel intimate and creates a great connection between band and audience. The acoustics are excellent and the atmosphere is rare to find elsewhere. A legacy of its original purpose as a dance hall is the sprung floor, making gigs that little bit bouncier! I quite like to perch at the sides where the little step up gives my short self a better view. There's a full bar on one side of the hall and a bottle/can bar tucked in the back corner. There's a bar on the first floor level too with seating (there's a small stage area here too but I've never seen it used) and there's sometimes the smell of burgers on this level too (though I've yet to figure out where it's coming from...) The venue is a little aged but that's all part of its character and charm. The ol' Barrowlands magic can't be beat.

    Steven B.

    I keep hearing rumours about this place closing down, and while on the outside that might look like a good idea (on the inside too actually, there are tiles seconds away from falling from the roof permanently) it is the home of a thousand warm memories for me. So many of my favourite bands have played in here, such as Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine and most recently, Alice in Chains (the best concert I have been to in years). The atmosphere in here is always electric and the bands I have spoken to who have played here have always commented on how much they love the venue. I will never forget seeing Nine Inch Nails in here soundcheck 5 songs before a gig, with just me and 9 other people in the place. Such an amazing moment. I love this place.

    Shiny lights!
    Iain P.

    I've only ever been here for concerts rather than nightclub (if it is a nightclub any more), and it's a decent venue. Back in the 90's it was great for sound, but had horrific security staff who were the stereotypical alpha-male gorillas in shirts. Nowadays, they're superb and provide what they're supposed to - safety, security and assistance for concert-goers. Sound at the venue is usually pretty decent and the stage is large enough for a good stage show if the band so choose. Parking's easy as well. Touch wood, I've never had a problem parking on one of the nearby streets even for a sold-out concert.

    Above & Beyond 'Group Therapy' tour, 20 April 2012
    Wayne H.

    Excellent sound system - I couldn't hear out of my right ear for days. Backlit panels and light show: B+ The inside is like an old high school gymnasium crossed with a blues venue; outside looks like run-down Chinese computer plaza. It's hilarious. Dance floor is spacious but not to the point of being cavernous. Having only one bar is a negative but speedy service more than made up for it. The food stand was also open on the night of my visit. This was my first time seeing Above & Beyond outside of the U.S. and Barrowland did me alright.

    After the show's done...
    Tony C.

    Now that I've finally been back for the first time in (not saying how many years, it's embarrassing) ages for an actual gig, I had to post an update. First, had to attend a pre gig meet n greet organised by the headliners, Halestorm. Organised to military precision (you'd expect nothing less from an American band, I expect) and ran as smooth as smooth can be. Everyone got their VIP merch, their meeting and photo opportunity with the band, who were not only super cool but genuinely happy to meet folk who admittedly paid extra for the privilege. After being given the option to rejoin the VIP queue and get in early to be at the front - I had to trek off and meet my mate who wasn't as big a fan of Lzzy Hale as I am - we pitched up in time for the first of the two support bands. Sound was a clear as a bell no matter where we stood for both of them. For the headline set, the sound was even more sharp. Halestorm are as professional a band as there is on the circuit at the moment, and their stage presence shows it. Somewhere like The Barras is ideal for a band that want to show off and put on a hell of a show. The lighting was impeccable, the sound crystal clear and the show was easily one of the best I've ever seen anywhere, let alone somewhere as legendary as the Barras. Plus, you know, it's where Lzzy Hale hugged me. Twice. We'll always have The Barras...

    Paul C.

    It's been a good while since somebody put 10p in the meter to illuminate the ol' Barrowlands sign. And what a shame. Newcomers to the city and tourists may deem the stuttering neon light show to be tacky, but for Glaswegians the sign is as much an icon of the city as George Square or the coat of arms. Of course, the Barrowlands means different things to different generations. Having opened in 1934, the oldies remember it as being a place for jigging and jiving. Indeed, it is genuinely astounding how often you encounter someone who met their husband/wife at one of the famous dance nights in the ballroom. Later generations know it as the best live music venue in the UK, and one of the best in Europe. This is not only my opinion, but the opinion of countless bands who have name-checked it in interviews. Its popularity stems from its design. With bars situated at the back of the main hall, revellers can continue to watch the band while they queue for a drink while the springs underneath the floorboards ensure the bouncing in Glasgow is that little bit higher than anywhere else. The whole place also exudes a throwback feel, from its shabby-chic decor to the enormous disco ball which hangs precariously above the crowd. Unfortunately the Barras struggles to compete with the O2 machine in terms of live music these days, but a handful of bands still insist on playing here, and here alone, when they visit. An essential Glaswegian experience.

    Basement Jaxx rock!
    Rob K.

    I've been here for gigs a few times over the years, but never rated it highly as a music venue. Controversial opinion to have in these parts, but I just didn't get it. Until Basement Jaxx on Sunday. Sure, it's still manky (in desperate need of Kim And Aggie to tackle the toilets!), dark, dingy, falling apart and in desperate need of a huge refurb. But I totally got it. The gig was awesome, there was a great atmosphere, and I had a total blast! I think it maybe depends on what type of gig you see here? The bar is really limited - Belhaven Best was revolting, but the Tennents was passable.

    Jimmy Eat World @ The Barrowlands 2016

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    Barrowland Ballroom Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Barrowland Ballroom

    Not just because of their music, but because there is no atmosphere like the atmosphere in the Barrowlands.

    Mentioned in 21 reviews

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    The Classic Grand - Col. Mustard & the Dijon 5

    The Classic Grand

    4.0(27 reviews)
    0.8 miCity Centre
    ££

    First time in here last night for the band Glasville for their sell out show. We were upstairs in…read morethe top room for the show and it was a pretty decent sized space. There were a few seating areas dotted around the outskirts of the room but we were down on the main floor. The sound was great and although I wasnt drinking the bar prices looked decent. £2 for a vodka and mixer! Overall I was pretty impressed with the classic grand as a gig venue and i would happily see more gigs here!

    I don't mind the Classic Grand as a gig venue. It's not one of my faves but it's decent enough. My…read morefriend is a huge Nashville fan and got tickets to Glasville so although I'm not a fan of the show (and can usually be found head banging at a heavy metal gig) I did my good friend deed and went with her. Showed our tickets at the entrance and headed up the stairs. The venue itself was a decent size. A few areas with tables/chairs and of course, the main floor, stage and bar. Not a huge venue, but a decent size. The bar was pretty busy but we got served really quickly. £1.80 for a can of diet coke? I'd have been better off ordering a vodka + mixer for £2.00. Anyway, we found a place to stand and waited for the band to come on. Sound quality if's not the best I've heard at a gig bit it was okay! Music wise, not bad but not really my cup of tea. They did put on a good show though and the crowd seemed to enjoy it! Not sure why 6ft tall men insist on standing infront of women who are barely over 5ft but don't get me started on that... Anyway, I'm not here to review the band or the ignorant habits of others. Toilets were clean and we managed to leave pretty quickly after the mad rush to the exit. My friend had a great time and I'm now looking for a head banging gig to take her too. Time to introduce her to my sort of music!!

    Photos
    The Classic Grand - Level 2

    Level 2

    The Classic Grand
    The Classic Grand - Level 1

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    Level 1

    Nice N Sleazy - Ground floor Sleazy's, taken from The List website

    Nice N Sleazy

    3.9(84 reviews)
    1.4 miCharing Cross, Sauchiehall Street, City Centre
    ££

    The best open mic night I've ever been to. We're visiting from Los Angeles and we found them around…read morethe corner from where we're staying. We saw a bunch of musicians walking towards the venue and stopped a gentleman (who was absolutely phenomenal) to learn more and he shared that Mondays, this is the place to be for live music. Everyone was amazing and we couldn't ask for a better way to spend the night in Glasgow. 5 stars well earned!

    That we were going to Nice n Sleazy on Sauchiehall (pronounced SUCKY-hall) Street had been…read moredetermined before we departed London. Actually, in truth, I may have gotten word that this mission was not optional while en route to Scotland. In any case, there was no way we were going to pass up the opportunity to visit this Glasgow institution (deemed so because a friend of mine once sat next to Brad Pitt here) and partake of their £2 White Russians. There's free wifi to delight your internet-deprived drinking companions and plenty of people watching to be had. Our night was sadly cut short when smoke began to fill the room and I suggested we skedaddle. Once outside we discovered the street in process of being shut down and multiple firetrucks working on extinguishing the fire above. Past its prime Nice n Sleazy certainly is but that doesn't mean you shouldn't also put this bar on your Glasgow to-do list.

    Photos
    Nice N Sleazy - Buckfast, just £3.05.

    Buckfast, just £3.05.

    Nice N Sleazy - There is no guesswork at...

    There is no guesswork at...

    Nice N Sleazy

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    Maggie May's - Original Dug

    Maggie May's

    3.5(42 reviews)
    0.3 miMerchant City, City Centre
    ££

    'Let's go to the pub, let's go to the pub, let's go to the pub'…read more It's a phrase I respond positively to. After a wee band practice down the road at Creation Studios, I was enticed to go here. It was really busy. Pricy at the bar, as has been mentioned elsewhere, but I was on the soft stuff after band practice, really thirsty. Quite a nice warm interior, really trendy, with a good mix of people in there. They have a promiment advertisement for a 2 course lunch just now priced at £6.95 which I might consider, going during the day when it's presumably nowhere near as busy. A popular place with alot of stuff coming up including live music that I might or might not go to if money allows. A nice place.

    This self-styled indie/rock bar is a relative newcomer to Trongate, and hopefully a sign of the…read moreregeneration here. We dropped by one Tuesday night and ordered a double Southern Comfort and coke and a bottle of Kopparberg. This came to £9.10, which was waaaay more than we had expected. We took a seat in front of the giant football screen to recover from the shock. Up to the minute rock music plays in here, at a comfortable level to talk over. On nice afternoons, the big windows slide open to let the air circulate and provide a nice atmosphere, linking the indoor seating to the outdoor. Live bands play on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The cocktail menu is quite extensive and cocktails are named after rock classics like Purple Haze and Desperado (gotta love The Eagles!!) At £5.95 for the least expensive though, they don't come cheap. The stripped floorboards and warehouse setting further lend to the rocky atmosphere. A small selection of bar bites is available, most intriguingly the "Good Olives" at £1.95 and the "Even Better Olives" also priced at £1.95. Hmmm...what?

    Photos
    Maggie May's - S'mores calzone

    S'mores calzone

    Maggie May's - Chicken fingers

    Chicken fingers

    Maggie May's

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    Barrowland Ballroom - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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