Blues Bands in Glasgow

Blues bands in Glasgow

What to expect from live blues in Glasgow

Glasgow has a long-standing live music culture, and blues bands in Glasgow typically blend classic Chicago and Texas blues with British blues-rock influences. Most groups offer a set built around recognisable standards, groove-based originals, and audience-friendly arrangements that suit both attentive listening and background ambience. Expect strong vocals, guitar-led lines, and a rhythm section that can shift from slow blues to upbeat shuffles without changing the overall feel. For planners, this usually means reliable pacing across the night, clear song structures for speeches or transitions, and flexible volume levels for different room sizes.

Suitable occasions and formats

Blues works well when you want live music that feels polished but not intrusive. It suits informal social settings and structured programmes alike. Common bookings include:

• Pub or club nights, ticketed showcases, and festival fringe stages
• Corporate receptions, networking events, and brand activations
• Weddings (drinks reception, dinner sets, or evening party)
• Private parties, milestone birthdays, and community events

Many Glasgow blues bands can provide either a focused “listening set” (jazz-adjacent dynamics, lower stage volume) or a more energetic blues-rock set designed for dancing later in the evening.

Practical information for visitors and event planners

Typical line-up: Trio (guitar, bass, drums) to quintet (adding keys, harmonica, or a second guitar).

Set structure: Often 2 × 45 minutes or 3 × 40 minutes, with options for shorter background sets.

Price range: Approximately £500–£900 for local pub/restaurant or small private events; £900–£1,500 for weddings and corporate bookings; larger productions with additional players, lighting, or extended hours may exceed £1,500.

Equipment: Some bands are “self-contained” with PA, microphones, and basic lighting; others require a venue PA and engineer. Clarify whether backline (amps, drum kit) is provided by the band or the venue.

Space and power: Allow roughly 3m x 2m for a trio, more for keys or extra players, plus safe cable runs and at least two independent power circuits when possible.

Booking considerations: Confirm start/end times, soundcheck window, noise restrictions, travel/parking, breaks, and whether you need music during speeches. A written agreement, deposit, and cancellation terms are standard.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book?

For peak dates (summer weekends and December), 6–12 months is common. For midweek or off-peak, 4–8 weeks often works.

Can the band keep the volume low for dinner or speeches?

Yes. Ask for a “background set” and confirm use of brushes, smaller amps, or in-ear monitoring if needed.

Do I need to provide a PA system?

It depends. Check whether the band supplies PA, microphones, and an operator, and whether the venue has a built-in system the band can plug into.

What information should I send when requesting a quote?

Date, venue postcode, indoor/outdoor, guest count, performance times, preferred line-up size, and any production limits (curfew, sound limiter, access times).