O2 ABC Glasgow

With a capacity that can handle up to 1,300 concertgoers, the O2 ABC Glasgow is one of the largest permanent live music venues in Scotland. Located in the central part of Glasgow, the venue has two auditoriums, with the second able to accommodate a further 350 attendees. The building that houses both of these venues was constructed in the 1890s although it was largely rebuilt in the first half of the 20th century. The building has been used for a variety of purposes, such as a picture house, an ice-skating venue and a dance hall. It still retains a huge mirror ball in the main auditorium, from its time as a dancing palace. The venue was converted from its use as a multi-screen cinema from 2002 and acquired by the Academy Music Group in 2009, which rebranded it.

O2 ABC Glasgow events

There are a staggering number of events that are put on during an average year at the O2 ABC Glasgow. In excess of 400 separate events are not uncommon in an annual programme. The venue is large enough to attract international touring artists, as well as many of the UK's finest live performers. In the past, the stage of the O2 ABC Glasgow has been graced by bands such as Royal Blood, Florence and the Machine and Kasabian, for example. However, it is not just touring bands that perform there – it is also a venue that attracts solo artists, such as Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Gregory Porter. Popular artists such as Adele and Bruno Mars have also taken to its stage to sing for large Glaswegian crowds.

The venue is not just used for live music, either. It is a favourite among Glasgow's clubbing community, as well. One of its regular club nights, for example, is named Love Music, which blends soul, rock music, electronica and indie in an eclectic mix. It has been running since 2005. Jellybaby and Propaganda are two other weekly club nights that are regularly well attended at the venue. In 2014, the O2 ABC Glasgow was selected as the location for the official after-party for MTV's European Music Awards, an event that featured a DJ set by Rudimental.

O2 ABC Glasgow information

The venue is located on Sauciehall Street, which can be accessed most easily by rail travellers from Charing Cross station. Alternatively, Buchanan Bus station is only a few hundred metres away. Drivers will find that there are no on-site parking facilities. However, a private car park is not far away, situated just off Bath Street. It has several accessible parking bays for visitors who require them.

Similar venues to the O2 ABC Glasgow

It is possible to find gigs at other concert venues at StubHub. Look for listings at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, for instance. Another good option is Cathouse Glasgow, situated on Union Street.