Barrowland Ballroom

Striking illuminations from outside lead way to some really faded glamour inside.
There is nothing beautiful about the ‘Barras’ except the sound. Man, it is glorious.
It is because of a gig here in 2008 that I committed to moving to Glasgow, I now live nearby and am always on the hunt for another chance to get back in here.

Easily my favourite gig venue in Glasgow (and maybe Scotland!). I love it!
I’ve been to the Barrowlands a lot over the years to see some of my favourite bands play (Killswitch Engage, Trivium, In Flames to name a few) and I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this place. The sound quality is spot on, it’s a good size and drinks are well priced. What more do you need?!!
Queuing up outside for a gig, you are bound to find something to entertain you and I’ve pretty seen it all (including a guy diving head first into a skip to see what goodies he could find) but it’s Glasgow… nothing surprises us anymore! Standing under the iconic, brightly lit sigh the adrenalin starts to kick in and you just KNOW it’s going to be a good night!
The ballroom is a great size and I’ve always managed to get a really good view of the stage. The gigs I go to tend to be overrun with mosh pits so I’ve learned the best spots to stand, haha! Oh and I’ve always managed to miss any high flying um… pints?! But whether that happens at every single gig, I’ve no idea. As long as I’ve got space to head bang I’m pretty happy!
I always get excited when I band I love announce they are playing at the Barrowlands because it’s by far the best venue. I would it rate it higher if I could! Staff have always been friendly and on the ball. Never had any problems.

The barrowland ballrooms is a glasgow instituation … famous or infamous depending on what way your looking at it.
I love the signage outside … its pretty special when all lit up at night and i hope they never change it. It kind of reminds me of old glasgow and really fits in with the area.
Ive been to a few events here now and always had fun. If you ignore the metal detectors on the way in you will be fine. The dancefloor is huge and has a little ledge most of the way around next to the pillars and this is where i stand as i suffer with short girl syndrome! Gives you a great view of the stage.
The downside is the place is a little run down. The queues for the female toilets is a joke. They really need to sort this out.
Randomly there was a food stall last time i was there selling hotdogs and such.
Despite this i love the barrowlands and i hope this place is here for many many more years.

The Barrowland ballroom has iconic status in Glasgow and has a well deserved reputation as The place to go for a good gig. Acoustics are great and it has a sprung floor which is fun. Outside has to be the largest signage ever, you definitely couldn’t, t miss it. It is rumoured to be the largest of its kind in the UK .
The ballroom is spacious, however is standing room only. There is a bar in the ball room, in addition to the other on the lower level. Drinks are served in plastic glasses only and sadly the beer isn, t great either.
Security is quite tight on admission, most concert goers however are accepting of such these days .
In the past have I have seen the great and the good here, Deacon Blue, Van Morrison etc. Tonight The Lumineers were playing, being a progressive folk/​rock group from Denver, Colorado .
Their live performance was awesome, with great participation from the audience, who seemed to know all their songs. I did remember to look at the ceiling which is quite a work of art in itself.
If you are petite it could be hard to see over the heads of the audience so I would recommend standing to the side for better visuals .
Awesome place.

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.

«The Spiritual Home», as my friend described it. From the drab toilets, to the labyrinthine cloakroom and starry ceiling, the bouncy floor and the overcrowded bar, there truly is no better place in Glasgow for a gig!

Classic glasgow venue, usual quirks with old ballroom type rooms and venue prices for drinks etc. The room really has its own sound, best experienced with an ‘in amongst it’ attitude… But if you’re not so keen then stick to the middle of the room for a good balance of sound and atmosphere and the slight step at the sides is great for those less blessed with height.

The question is do you deserve an upgrade as well as and update. Last time I gave you 4 stars and I find myself stuck at the same spot. Now the weird thing is if you ask me my favourite music venue in Glasgow. I would tell you the Barras! So why do I struggle to give it that extra star? It’s maybe the beer. It’s awful in my opinion, poor options and over priced.
However it is the best music venue in Glasgow… But Is it that good for watching a band? I’m not convinced unless your right down the front. I went to see blur recently and had a good night, but was not blown away. Was it the band or the venue?
Am I having an argument with myself? Yes I am.
Ok **** it. If it’s my favourite place to see music then it must be five stars. Add in the history and the atmosphere and you have a world famous venue. The Barras. The best venue in Glasgow to see live music.

Came here recently for the fantastic Blur gig and wanted to add a few things to my review. I’m very much still in love with the Barrowland Ballroom, nothing will ever change that. Please never take it away!
I can never remember queuing to get in here. I’ve arrived at gigs early for support bands and just before the main bands come on and have always just walked in to get searched. You don’t get that much these days. Maybe some other establishments could take a leaf out of their book?
The bar queue is a bit of a nightmare sometimes, but I tend not to drink much at gigs so this doesn’t bother me too much. The bar downstairs next to the cloakroom can sometimes be a little more quiet.
Queues for the toilets can be long but always go down fast. Don’t expect the Ritz here ladies, not much has changed décor-​wise in this place and that includes the toilets.
Merchandise is on this level too, with an old-​skool hot food hatch next to it, The smell of fried onions always makes my mouth water.
The Barras can’t be beaten for atmosphere, bands and artists agree. Glasgow crowds are the best too, obviously, so it’s a match made in heaven.

This could be the shortest review in history: The best concert venue in Glasgow.
This really doesn’t do anyone any good though, so I’ll expand on why. In terms of everything you want in a venue it’s perfect: the sound is excellent, sight-​lines are good, it never feels overly cramped, and while it doesn’t sell the best beer in the world the queues are never horrendously long (I’m not much of a drinker at gigs, so this doesn’t bother me at all). The sprung floor makes for a good bounce if you’re caught in a mosh, and it’s got a great layout, with bits to the side if you want to get away from the main crowd.
It also hasn’t changed at all. I’ve been going to gigs here for more than 20 years (I have the tinnitus to prove it), and it doesn’t feel like it’s had a lick of paint in that time. In many ways it’s a time capsule of live music in Glasgow, with all of the old gig posters lining the walls of the back exit, and it’s the sort of place that Glasgow should cherish. There are definitely fewer gigs there now that the O2’s exist, but the bands in the know always seem to want to come here, and that’s testament to the experience that both bands and punters get when they come here.
If you’ve been to loads of gigs here, I’d recommend you check out Nuala Naughton’s book «Barrowland: A Glasgow Experience». It isn’t perfect, but it has a list of pretty much all of the concerts played there since Simple Minds kick started using it as a concert space — and it’s great fun ticking off the ones you were at.

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…

Unilocal 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.

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!!!

I came here for the Biffy Clyro 3 nights-​gigs and it was awesome! The room is great, you can see the stage from everywhere in the room and the sound is really good. For these special gigs, Barrowlands even add some Biffy lyrics on the Barrowlands stairs, tiny detail but everyone liked it! Can’t wait to be back in Glasgow to attend a gig here!
By the way, the ballroom is in the middle of The Barras, a really cool market with good food and shops :)

It’s hard to say much about the Barrowlands that hasn’t already been said. It is famous, legendary and deservingly so. I was here, as were several other Unilocalers as it turned out, to see Basement Jaxx deliver yet another fantastic gig!
It’s been a few years since I was last here for Arcade Fire but it hasn’t changed a bit. The smell is the same, the bar is the same, the toilets are the same, in fact the only thing I noticed that was different was the security but these are the times we live in.
The atmosphere was, as always, bouncing! The layout helps remove the chatter as there is a distinct area near the bar for the people who want to go to a gig to talk and drink (nope, I don’t understand why either) but for the rest of us there is plenty of room to start… er… throwing some shapes, or whatever it is the kids are doing these days.
One day this place will change. It will be repainted, they’ll update the bar, and the ticket prices will rocket. People will complain so my advice to you is to get here before that happens.
Barrowlands is very much a venue of its time, big enough to still host some big names, but small enough to feel intimate and connected. It’s the perfect gig venue.

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.

The Barrowland Ballroom is a legendary gig venue located just east of Merchant City in the city’s Gallowgate area. It’s easy walking distance to the city centre. The venue itself is up a number of steps, so not great if you’re not able to move very easily. Also there is no seating due to the size and shape of the hall itself (it really is a ballroom!) which is probably a good thing for the atmosphere but again not great if you can’t stand for long periods.
Always a good atmosphere and the bands themselves seem to love playing here, which leads to good gigs. No interesting beers sold however!

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.

There’s a lot of mythology surrounding the Barrowlands but I have to say, it doesn’t half live up to its reputation. I’ve been coming here since the 80’s and despite the number of gigs I’ve attended here tailing off a bit during the last decade thanks to the rise of the Carling /​O2 venues, I’m happy to say there are a few more bands I like playing at the Barrowlands again now and I was here last week for the immense Defenders of the Faith tour headlined by Amon Amarth. I’d always rather come here than go anywhere else in Glasgow for a number of reasons.
Mainly, it’s just a brilliant hall. Wider than it is deep, you can pretty much get a good view from anywhere. And if you’re 5’4″ then a good view isn’t always easy at a gig. The crowd always seem to be jumping, bands always seem to have a brilliant time and I always go away with my ears ringing and my feet hurting (although that may have something to do with my choice of noisy metal bands). It’s big enough that you can get a really good crowd in but it doesn’t feel impersonal like the SECC. For atmosphere and sound quality, you just can’t beat it.
The bar is small but the service is quick and prices aren’t too terrible — I think we were £5.50 for two bottles of beer the other night. I like that they have a separate soft drink bit so if you’re not drinking you don’t have to queue at the bar. The ladies toilet is surprisingly decent for such an old venue — large and clean (Glasgow Garage, take note). From walking up the Gallowgate towards the flashing neon sign, to exiting out the back stairs with their generations of old gig posters lining the walls, there’s nothing I don’t like about the Barrowlands.

The Barrowlands must be the best live music venue going. And it’s been going for a while — largely unchanged for decades, the sprung dance floor and diamond-​panelled ceiling of the main room has seen every notable band and singer perform over the years. Often played by acts who could easily fill venues many times larger, the atmosphere is legendary.
My early gigs there were Orbital (of which I largely have no recollection) and The Stone Roses. More recently saw Frightened Rabbit rounded off their world tour here with me and the crowd loving every second.
The exterior neon sign is a Glasgow landmark

I love the Barras as a gig venue.
I’ve been to my fair share of gigs here and it’s my number one venue of choice. It’s basic but the sound and atmosphere is like no where else I’ve ever been to.
We popped in today for the Glasgow Doors Open Day and got a chance to look over the place when there were only a few people around (check out the pictures).
It was great to see the back stage area including the «green room», changing /​makeup area and back stairwell (which is full of amazing old gig posters). I have to admit I thought that backstage would be impressive, considering the top acts that have appeared there over the years, but I guess the acts get the same ‘down to earth’ feeling as the gig goers, it’s basic [outdated?] but it does the job.
As part of the doors Open Day they provided a guided tour, but we decided to do our own thing and bought the Barrowlands book which was available ahead of general release, which looks like it could be an interesting and informative read.

Die ehrwürdigen Barrowlands sollte man unbedingt besuchen wenn man in Glasgow ist. Wenn man davor steht fühlt man sich dank der Leuchtschrift wie auf der Reeperbahn und drinnen sind die Leude mindestens genauso betrunken. Daher Vorsicht: Wenn man auf dem Konzert nach vorne geht, sollte man damit rechnen, dass man den ein oder anderen (vollen) Bierbecher abbekommt. Ein Spaß ist es trotzdem!

Ein Besuch lohnt schon alleine wegen der beeindruckenden Leuchtschrift draußen. Drinnen ist es mehrstöckig und durchaus optisch ansprechend. Es gibt verschiedene Bars, wo man zwischen verschiedenen Bier– und anderen Alkoholsorten wählen kann.
Der Konzertraum ist recht groß, aber auch nicht riesig. Der Sound geht so.