CITY TO CITY
Glasgow
Gallus conduct Uncut around some of their home city’s significant spots
ALTHOUGH Gallus are named after a pub in Glasgow’s West End, they arrange to meet Uncut on the other side of the city at St Luke’s, a converted church in the East End. That’s partly because the 600-capacity St Luke’s is a venue that the group have twice headlined, but it’s also because they now avoid Bar Gallus after an acquaintance stole the door from a toilet cubicle. That’s a very Glasgow reason to be barred. This is as hedonistic a city as any in the UK, and therefore a great place for young bands to take their first steps.
“One of the great things about Glasgow music is there is always a history of bands,” says Dolan, who cites groups as diverse as Mogwai and Biffy Clyro as influences. The small size and friendly nature of Glasgow creates a unique scene, in which superstars rub shoulders with fans. Bassist McGoldrick talks about the importance of seeing Franz Ferdinand in local bars, venues and record shops as he was growing up. “Franz Ferdinand were the quintessential Glasgow rock band,” he says. “They had a buzz about them and were approachable. Being 16, 17 and having them right in front of you was really exciting.”