Glasgow Apollo Iconic Shows with Faces and Queen: Reliving Musical Magic
The Glasgow Apollo holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers. Situated at Glasgow’s Renfield Street, this iconic concert venue was Scotland’s leading stage during the 1970s and 80s. Despite being open only about 12 years, it left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural history.
Situated at the top of Glasgow’s Renfield Street, it attracted hardcore music fans from across the country.
The theatre is considered by some as a big part of Glasgow’s history, despite it only being open for about 12 years. But in 1985, the building closed and was later demolished following a fire in 1987.
In 1973, it became the Apollo after it was taken over by founder, Frank Lynch, a well-known nightclub manager in Glasgow and the manager of a young Billy Connolly.
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Many iconic musicians and bands performed at The Apollo including:
- 10CC
- ABBA
- AC/DC
- Bob Marley and The Wailers
- The Osmonds
- Chuck Berry
- Diana Ross
- Earth Wind and Fire
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Joy Division
- Johnny Cash
- KISS
- Led Zeppelin
- T-Rex
- Pink Floyd
- Queen
- The Kinks
- Wham!
The Apollo holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers in the city in a time before the Hydro and even the SECC.
Scott McArthur, from Glasgow, attended his first gig there in 1981, where he saw Judas Priest. From that point, he was hooked and loved the live music scene.
He and his friend, Andrew Muir, set up the Glasgow Apollo website in 2004 to carry on its legacy. It started as a fun hobby, but quickly grew in popularity, with the Facebook page now at 16.8k members.
Here are some enchanting memories from the Apollo, where legends graced the stage:
Glasgow Apollo Iconic Shows
Queen:
The legendary rock band Queen, led by the charismatic Freddie Mercury, performed at the Apollo. Their electrifying shows left audiences spellbound. Hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You” echoed through the venue, creating an unforgettable experience for fans.
The Rolling Stones:
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards strutted their stuff at the Apollo in 1976. The energy, the music, and the sheer rock ‘n’ roll magic reverberated within those walls. Fans queued for tickets, eager to witness the Stones in their prime.
Fleetwood Mac:
Fleetwood Mac graced the Apollo stage with their ethereal sound and captivating performances. Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar solos, Stevie Nicks’ haunting vocals, and the band’s harmonies transported the audience to another realm.
Judas Priest:
For Scott McArthur, attending his first gig at the Apollo in 1981 to see Judas Priest was like taking a drug. The loud, sweaty atmosphere made him feel part of something bigger than himself. The Apollo became a haven for music enthusiasts, where memories were etched forever.
The Apollo Website:
Scott McArthur and his friend Andrew Muir set up the Glasgow Apollo website to honor its legacy in 2004. What started as a fun hobby quickly grew in popularity. The Facebook page now boasts 16.8k members, all sharing their love for the Apollo.
Fans often queue outside the venue to secure front-row spots or collect concert tickets elsewhere in the UK.
Fans of Bob Dylan (pictured above) queued for tickets outside the Apollo in 1978, even though he wasn’t due for another month and the concert would be in London.
Entry was only £7.50 each.
The Apollo may be gone, but its magical memories continue to resonate. From AC/DC to Queen, this historic venue remains immortal in the hearts of those who experienced its musical enchantment.
