Although denounced as an expensive white elephant when it first opened, I'm glad that Glasgow has a…read morevenue like the Concert Hall. It's definitely the best large-hall environment for classical music, and it's also pretty good for rock or other amplified concerts too; although it can't compete with the likes of the SECC or the Hydro in staging the larger acts. I think they sometimes over-stretch themselves when trying to stage large ballet productions and the like, as the stage isn't designed to hold a lot of scenery and they just don't have the technical infrastructure that a normal theatre does, but I have to give them full marks for some of the more innovative shows that they have put on here. The biggest and best has to be Celtic Connections, which has grown from a small traditional music gathering intended to bring a bit of relief to dark January winter days, to the world's largest traditional music festival, a truly global phenomenon and a real feather in Scotland's (and Glasgow's) cap. They also use the smaller Strathclyde Suite for smaller shows, events and functions, and often you will find exhibitions or craft fairs taking over the foyers on quiet weekends - the regular Mind, Body & Spirit fairs are popular for example. The architecture of the building is nothing to write home about and is probably best described as 'functional'. Inside it seems very easy to get lost as there are so many different levels and areas to wander about in. It seems very spacious, but when a full house is trying to exit at the end of a performance, suddenly it feels very cramped. Good points - the foyer bar is nice and long so it doesn't get too mobbed. Bad points - There never seems to be enough loos at larger concerts and the interval queues can be lengthy.

I was 100% sure I'd already written this review but there you go, I think I have review amnesia…read more After reading Scott C's review I went back to read what I'd written and *boom* - there was nothing there. Anyway, I'm here now to tell you all about why I think this is a great venue. Mainly, seating. I love sitting down. Too much, if the news has taught me anything. Sitting down is going to kill me, but now I'm the other side of 30 it's my second favourite position after laying down. We went to see Ben Folds perform here and aside from the fact the gig was exceptional, the seats were comfy, well spaced out and generally amazing. We had good seats too - in the main section along the side, and had a great view. The rest of the building is worth a visit, even if you're not going to a performance there. It's a great space, well laid out and easy to navigate. This was my first visit, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the upcoming shows now that I know what a great space it is.

Shocking, power tripping wee "bouncers" one lookd like hed eat the other thing. Making up rules at…read morethe door just so they can refuse a bunch of people who where of age to attend. Appalling attitude towards anyone there even people who where so fortunate as to be favourd by the almighty gods that the "bouncers" think they are. A complete joke to our ever growing scene and an embarrassment to the bands that play. The bands them selfs even said its not right and done everything they could to remedy the situation but mr paul the door"man" had a bad 3 course breakfast this mornin so he made sure what he sayd stayed.

This was my first time at Audio,The accoustics were very good,it seemed a bit dark and had a bit of…read morea damp smell as it is in the railway arches,they had a very well stocked bar and best of all seats I am getting told to stand at gigs nowadays. I was going primarily to see Lou Hickey, but we also caught Fiach Moriarty, who is a charming funny talented young man from Dublin from Dublin. He has had two albums out the first debuted @ 62 in the Album charts, his second 'The Revolution' tackles subjects such as The 1916 Easter Rising, World War 1 and Los San Patricios (the Irish brigade in the 19th century Mexican Army) and debuted in the Irish charts at number 29. Then came Lou Hickey Scottish singer, songwriter, vintage obsessed, gin enthusiast, Ice-hockey and Rugby fan. A sexy mix of quirky jazz & burlesque glamour, Lou's retro pop perfectly reflects her vintage style. I first heard Lou in 2008, in Codiene Velvet club when she collabarated with John Lawlor aka John Fratelli, there debut single, Vanity Kills,Lou often performs @ Club Noir where she sings and DJ's. Lou had also had a solo career from 2006 and Codiene Velevet Club was dibanded in 2010, since then Lou has once again had a solo career, returning last night after having a wee son Lochlan. Last night we were treated to songs from her latest album True Love Ways Minutes Hours Days,Tap Dance and in honour of Halloween Zombie love and many more. I will certainly look out for future events at Audio I loved the atmosphere.

Ivory Blacks more known for being a dive bar than a venue. I have actually never been there to…read moreexperience it as a club or for the recent bands that have ungraced it's stage. Most are metal/rock/industrial so don't see them being graceful. Anyhoo I remember back in the days of Strawberry Fields, where I performed when I was in a band called Freefall. Ah them were the days! Ahhh! Having a memory flashback. :) Well last Friday's performance certainly did grace the stage with plenty of talent at the Scarlett Fever Burlesque Christmas Hullaburloo Show. The stage was beautifully decorated to represent a cosy night in at Christmas with a handmade fireplace and drapes while being entertained by the burlesque dj Lord Holyrude. He had a cracking tartan outfit on by the way. It was a night of seduction and it turned the Ivory Blacks dive bar on it's head. Scarlett Fever had taken over to become a classy evening lounge. Tables were placed out for the audience to sit while been entertained through, dance, comedy, music, singing and with just a little hint of stripteasing. Baron Batholomew Black was a charming compère rounding up a great vibe within the audience. The staff were friendly and very helpful with no bad priced drinks. Although the decor is completely black and to be honest it's not state of the art interior design. It's through the transformation of a little TLC on homemade decor and clever lighting, a different crowd and type of performance the venue worked and became something a little more. A sleazy dive! Lol! Nah I'm only kidding! It just highlighted the better aspects of the venue.

Ivory Blacks is first and foremost, a gig venue. It's relatively small, dark and dingy (some may…read moreargue this is the way all venues should be - adds cahracter!). There's a decent sized bar to the back corner, which stocks all your favourites - ok some may be cheap imitations, but you pay for what you get. It doesnt play host to particularly huge bands, but you'll at least be able to catch a few decent names on the bill. I saw Kris Roe of the Ataris here earlier in the year and, for an acoustic gig, it was absolutely fantastic. Rammed, but fantastic.

The Old Fruitmarket is, without a doubt, in my top 5 favourite music venues…read more You'll find it hidden away within the City Halls venue, where it's been restored over the years to show the space in its original glory. Above the bar, wrought iron supports hold up an awesome balcony where you get a super view of the main stage. I've been to many gigs in here - it's the perfect intimate venue where there's also enough space to dance (not me obv!). There's always some great Celtic Connections events held here. Great place! Can't wait for my next gig here!

The Old Fruitmarket is a gorgeous venue in the heart of Merchant City, that you may not yet have…read morediscovered. I went here for a jazz concert, and the combination of the musical talent and the atmospheric surroundings was quite amazing. There were round tables scattered across the floor, in a jazz cafe style, which created a lovely ambiance that complemented the musical backdrop. The lighting was low and the walls were decorated with fairy lights, which was a charming touch to this beautiful big building. With its original wooden beams and cobbles, this place reeks of history and is a truly amazing venue for any occasion.

My guy and I were in town for a music gig and we had a few hours to kill before the show. We…read morepopped in a few places in the area and this so happened to be one of them. When you walk in, it seems like it has potential, it's quite large and there's plenty of room for large and small groups. I'm not sure if it was the time of night (around 7pm) but all of the lights were on which gave the place a very lifeless feeling. There were plenty of people hanging out- a great mix of people but the lights being on full blast just made everything feel cold. We only stayed for one drink but I was able to browse the snacks menu. Lots to choose from that sounded nice. Drinks were cheap enough as well. I don't think we'd come back here just because it wasn't really our vibe. We like smaller pubs when we can choose them.

I always visit The Bankhouse when in Paisley. The food is excellent. They keep a good beer and the…read morestaff are superb. Very friendly welcome.

The Viper stands out as it is the only proper nightclub for the student age group in the west end…read moreof Glasgow that isn't part of Glasgow University. In fact it seems like the only building full stop in the west end that isn't part of Glasgow Uni. Staying for much of my student life in the west end, this is why I have ended up here on several nights out. I agree with one of the other reviewers - this place is either very busy or completely dead. It seems to depend on whether or not university is open or whether it is exam time - during the holidays the place is notably quieter. Because it is a very small club, there is only one bar and during busy times it can be a nightmare to get served. Thankfully there are often cheap drink offers like a pound for a vodka mix or can of Heineken, though apart from these offers the drinks are quite pricey, especially so for it being a popular student club. The dancefloor is also far too small. There was even one time I went here and the music kept cutting out before the DJ decided to eventually throw in the towel and the club closed down for the night. It is more pleasant usually to sit on one of the seats. Due to the fact it is a small club all in one single room, with the first main area being all seating, it looks more like a pub than a club (usually in reviews I talk about pubs pretending they're clubs). The biggest problem with the Viper is that it only opens until 2am. This is not good enough for any nightclub. The Viper is a decent place, but given that it is the only student club in the west end it could be so much better.

You know the story; it's a Monday night. It's 11pm. You've found yourself drinking with friends,…read moresomeone mentions going out. You decide this is the best plan, like, ever, but where is close by, that's cheap, and that will cater to your drunken needs...? One place, and one place only. Viper (formally Clatty Pats). You arrive at 11.30pm. You stand in a queue while the bouncer looks you and your mates up and down. He waves you in. You pay £3. You can hear the "beats" before you even get upstairs. You walk in. It's either crowded or dead (there is no middle ground here). Tonight it's packed. The bar is 20 people deep. You wait it out. You get to the bar, order 15 vodka lemonades ("That'll be £15") (who knows when you'll get back to the bar!?). You pass them back to your friends through the crowd. Everyone is starting to annoy you. You push past with the final 3 drinks. Some jock knocks them out your hand, all over your dress. You do not look impressed. He apologises drunkenly then laughs. You move past him and his mates. You and your friends manoeuvre your way to the dance floor. You dance. The music changes. It's the popular music of today. Great. You laugh. You drink. The dance floor is now packed. You can't shuffle, far less dance. This does not bode well. You are now grumpy. Some fool who actually has space to dance keeps bumping into you, and a large girl in a bright pink tight mini-dress has pierced your foot with her stiletto for the 12th time. It's time to go home. You fight your way to leave. You don't stop until you get home. You say "let's not do that again for a while". You're friends agree. It's only 1am. You do it all again the next week. And the next, because secretly, you actually love it. End scene.

Great little space (with emphasis on the little)! I'm a big fan of dive bars and felt right at…read morehome here. There's a big room downstairs for larger parties if needed, but this is a friendly little pub full of locals with good prices on drinks. A good bit of fun any day of the week.

Looks like the Cathouse is loved and loathed by 'weegies in equal share!…read more I used to go here for the Under 18s night when I was about 14-15, and it was a smashing time. As far as I can gather from the website, it's much the same as it was back then. Lots of heavy metal upstairs, punk, pop-punk, hardcore and ska downstairs. It's a great place for the alternative kids to hang out, pair off, and headbang the night away. For the over 18s, it's a little different. Lots of classic rock, metal, grunge, punk, all cranked up to 11. It has all been refurbished in the last 5 or so years, and is a lot less grimy than it used to be. It's also a much more pleasant atmosphere since the smoking ban came in. The set-up is great, with the pay point at the top of the stairs, the coat check around the corner, and then on up the spiral staircase to two levels. Downstairs is big, with a bar, big dance-floor, and stage, and more seating around the side. Upstairs is smaller and more intimate, with lower ceilings and plenty of seating space. Honestly, you'll know whether this is your cup of tea by the music alone.

It's been a few years since I've been to the Catty on a club night but I see gigs here a few times…read morea year. As a gig venue it's alright. Not my favourite venue but it's where the smaller rock/metal gigs are, and you'll forgive its shortcomings when it's a kick-ass gig. Proceed up the stairs from street level and you'll reach the ticket desk, cloakroom and toilets. Up the next flight is the stage and smaller dancefloor and on the top floor is the main dancefloor. For me the best place at gigs is to grab a seat at one of the tables that run down the side of the room. The seating is raised on a long bench seat and you can get a decent view over the crowd if you stand when the band comes on.