In a downstairs cavern in Glasgow’s Garage nightclub, a rock god is rehearsing an intimate concert for 100 or so devotees later that evening. This is Michael Jay Shuman, bassist and song-writer in Queens of the Stone Age.

I’ve never really met any real-life rock ‘n’ roll royalty, but Mr Shuman is living up to all my pre-conceived notions of them. I’m with Donald MacLeod, kenspeckle owner of The Garage nightclub on Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street and a bit of a legend himself in this shaggy old business.

They greet each other with hugs: “Hey, man; how’s it goin’ dude,” says the guitarist. “I’m good,” says the jaggy impresario, “still up to no good, but surviving.”

Mr Shuman is not in the least put out by the unannounced appearance of a journalist and is polite and solicitous. “Hey man; it’s good to see you: welcome.” There’s a hand-clasp and I’ve become bashful. Mr Shuman with his wavy peroxide blond hair is sporting an effortlessly cool green leather jacket and those year-round, all-climate shades that only rock stars get away with.

This is a surprise encounter for me and I’m regretting my choice of a light grey cardigan. Later, the musician will dazzle a young gathering of fans, stepping in among them to perform ethereal guitar licks. In a few weeks’ time he’ll join the rest of his day-job band as they continue their international tour.

The Garage on Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street has been put up for sale (Image: Colin Mearns)

The Garage is one of Scotland’s best-known and most popular night-clubs and concert venues which stands up defiantly in the age of stadium rock. Musicians and bands have been turning up here, often at short notice, to re-live the thrill of those dark, sweaty venues where they first began to rock.

Now, it faces an uncertain future, following the announcement by Mr MacLeod last month that he’s selling up and moving on. He’s been here for 33 years and hopes that any new buyer will continue to operate it as a club and venue. I’m not convinced that his heart is in this sale, although there’s already been some interest.

“Look, if a decent buyer comes along and they want to maintain this place as a venue, then great, but if not, I’ll continue to run it as best I can. I've been doing this for 33 years and 35 in the Cathouse [his other Glasgow venue], but I'm finding that The Garage in particular needs somebody new in place for the challenges that lie ahead, and........

© Herald Scotland