Neil Renton picks the tours he's looking forward to the most in 2024, from English Teacher to The Snuts.
2023 was a cracking year for gigs in Scotland. I should know cause it feels like I was at most of them. And 2024 is shaping up to be another vintage twelve months.
Here's some of the many highlights to look forward to.Â
The SnutsÂ
The West Lothian band celebrate the release of their new album Millenniums on their newly created record label Happy Artists Records with a number of gigs.
There's intimate record store events in February followed by a couple of shows at The Barrowlands which are already sold out. If you're going you're in for a treat as the four piece will cement their reputation as one of the best acts around. And if you're not lucky enough to be going, catch them at TRNSMT.
Happy MondaysÂ
Who says nostalgia isn’t what it used to be? Shaun Ryder and the gang don’t believe it. They’ve got three nights at The Barrowlands and if you thought was a recipe for carnage they’re supported by Stereo MC’s and Inspiral Carpets.
They’ll be a crowd that spans generations witnessing one of the greatest acts that this country has produced. Chaotic beauty.
English Teacher
While The Last Dinner Party are quite rightly set to release one of the most anticipated debut albums of the year, let's not dismiss English Teacher as being able to match them.
With the quality of singles such as 'Nearly Daffodils' and 'The World's Biggest Paving Slab' and a tremendous performance on Later With Jools Holland, then album This Could Be Texas could be very special indeed.Â
Foo Fighters
It'll be a different incarnation of the band who roll into Hampden this summer after the tragic passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins. Expect emotions to run high and a pumped up Scottish crowd to match the passion of Dave Grohl and the rest of the band.
Latest album But Here We Are found the rock giants back to their best with the material ready to find it's way alongside live favourites such as 'My Hero' and 'The Pretender.'Â
Taylor SwiftÂ
At which pony the biggest act in the world brings her Eras tour to Edinburgh. Why should you, the average indie loving music fan care? Because Swift is an indie as the rest. She’s got control of her music back and she’s releasing versions of her own work. She can count on the likes of The National and Bon Iver as pals.
And at the time of writing Paramore are still scheduled to support Swift. Haters complain about the price of tickets but with a career spanning set that lasts for three and a half hours it's a bargain.Â
IDLESÂ
If ever a band that was suited to a venue dripping with sweat and lager it's post punk outfit IDLES so it says a lot for them however that they're playing the Hydro. Their fifth album Tangk is due out in February and looks set to be the one that propels them to the mainstream with lead single 'Dancer' a fantastic co production with LCD Soundsystem.
While there's an argument that they're more suited to the type of place where you can see the wide wild eyes of singer Joe Talbot, if there's anyone capable of delivering it's the Bristol group.Â
TexasÂ
Thanks to their performance at Glastonbury last year where they had the entire crowd young enough to be their kids eating out of their hands and on the back of a greatest hit album, there’s a bit of an renaissance about Texas.
Sharlene Spiteri sounds as fantastic as always and she’s got the between song banter to win over the hardest crowd. And what a selection of songs they’ve got on their locker: 'Black Eyed Boy’ ‘Say What You Want’ ‘Inner Smile.’ See you at the front.Â
Peter Hook & The LightÂ
Almost a year since his former band New Order obliterated the Hydro with a spectacular show bass legend Hook will show what he’s got in his locker.
Material from both Joy Division and New Order will be on the menu with what could be the finest set list you’ll experience this year. There’s no chance he’ll get back with Barney and the rest of the group so this is the next best thing.Â