Mosh? Gosh no!

Everyone thinks Glasgow audiences are the best in the world – but could they be wrong?

Once upon a time it’s a question you would never have thought to ask. Not if you were even halfway versed in the city’s rock and roll lore. After all this is the home of the storied Apollo, the Renfield Street venue with the famous bouncing balcony, a place so loved by touring rock bands that many chose to record their live albums there.

Status Quo were one. Their three-night residency in October 1976 became the double platinum-selling album Live!, regarded by some critics as one of the best of its kind ever. Two years later AC/DC’s entire set was filmed as they opened their Powerage tour at the Apollo. The audio of that gig became If You Want Blood You’ve Got It, another iconic live album. King Crimson, Rush and Roxy Music all recorded live albums at the Apollo while punk legends The Ramones said it was their favourite venue. Like, ever.

I never made it to the Apollo but I’ve been to gigs at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and on Glasgow Green. I’ve been to Barrowland and the SECC. I’ve been to lots of other Glasgow venues in between, small and large, and have generally found them bouncing. I have also interviewed plenty of musicians over the years who speak warmly and honestly about the Glasgow crowds, so I have some (albeit second-hand) insight into how things look from the stage. Or how it did look, once upon a time.

So why the doubts now? Could be a blip, but in a recent review of a gig at........

© Herald Scotland