Musical Glasgow

Not for nothing was Glasgow named the fourth most musical city in the UK by the Performing Rights Society. However, as that was back in 2010, we think it's time to rethink those rankings to put our delightful Scottish city where it belongs: at the very top of the leader board.

Glasgow has an extremely rich and varied musical history. Just ask bands as talented and diverse as Snow Patrol (who spent their early years performing around the city), Travis (who were formed there) and Biffy Clyro (who went to university there).

Read below for Euro Hostel's essential guide on the hottest places if you're looking to capture some of this magical music inspiration. If you're lucky, you might witness the next big pop sensation performing in the cellar of some little-known venue in the city. Then you'll be able to say "I was there" when they show up on MTV or at the Brit awards.

King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

A little bit of history will always be preserved at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, and it's not of the Egyptian kind as the name seems to suggest. For this is the infamous venue where famed producer Alan McGee first spotted a young pair of musicians calling themselves Oasis and signed them there and then. Legend has it that not even a ten minute version of 'I Am The Walrus' managed to put him off.

Besides that special piece of trivia, King Tut's is a quintessential rock 'n' roll location. With standing room for only 300 people, it can feel very sweaty and extremely cramped. But hey, music is all about enjoying the atmosphere and you'll find none finer than right here. The drinks menu is well-priced and extensive, and there's also a pool table downstairs if you fancy a bit of pre or post-gig sport. 272a St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RL.

The Sub Club

Fancy a hedonistic music extravaganza but don't want to restrict yourself to just one genre? Look no further; while many venues in Glasgow specialise in certain types of music, only the Sub Club has them all. This intimate basement plays host to everyone on the underground music scene, from guitar-slamming emo bands to one-man button-twiddlers, and on Sundays it's home to one of Scotland's most raucous club nights: internationally-renowned Optimo.

Having survived in its present form since 1987, there's no question that the Sub Club knows what it's doing when it hires acts. Anyone is welcome provided they can whip up the crowd with a stellar performance, so if there's anywhere in Glasgow you're likely to catch a glimpse of the Next Big Thing, it's here. Mercat House, 19 Agyle Court, 1103 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8ND.

Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom

All right, any music fan visiting the city is likely to already be aware of the incomparable Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom. It is the venue where Metallica played the best performance of their career, according to the band themselves, back in 1996. A Radio One poll of more than 60 bands also voted it the UK's best music venue.

So what makes the Ballroom special? Quite simply, it's the atmosphere. The cavernous room is guaranteed to be packed to the brim with 1,900 rock or pop fans enjoying the vibes from whatever artist happens to be performing.

And when it's attracting acts including the Scissor Sisters, Two Door Cinema Club, Ed Sheeran and the Kaiser Chiefs, you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding which night to attend. Ticket prices are always reasonable, rarely going above £25 even for the most popular acts. Barrowland Ballroom, 244 Gallowgate Glasgow, G4 OTS.

Nice 'n' Sleazy

If you've ever enjoyed a night out at one of Glasgow's student pub and gig venues, you'll know it's a fantastic experience. But Nice 'n' Sleazy were the ones who invented the concept of pun-and-gig years ago, and they still know how to carry it out in the best way.

Their internationally-famous jukebox still attracts music enthusiasts from all over the world, and it's a great little venue for those who just want to dress down, go out and cool off for a little while in the company of some great live music.

Sure, the open mic night may attract acts that you'd prefer never to hear again, but if your ears are bleeding then you can always venture upstairs for a liberating drink. Failing that, grab an instrument and take to the stage yourself. Everyone's welcome, and the atmosphere is so positive and vibrant that you'll likely get a cheer even if you mess up the odd chord. 421 Sauchiehall Street, City Centre, Glasgow, G2 3LG, United Kingdom 0141 333 0900.

If these locations have already got you dancing in anticipation, then what are you waiting for? Book yourself a hostel in Glasgow and find out why we think this amazing city should be crowned the music capital of the world.

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