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For as long as I can remember I’ve been attending live music to a near-obsessive level, averaging at least two gigs a week (alongside the accompanying fairly serious theatre, comedy and cinema habits - but that’s another story).
From tiny venues in record shops, to arenas and stadiums, it’s where I feel most comfortable, enveloped in the comforting embrace of those that share my passion.
There’s the excitement of seeing the next big thing before anyone else (“oh well, of course when I saw Arctic Monkeys the first time it was in King Tut’s”) or enjoying roaring along to every lyric from your favourite band (see: number two on my list). Whether you are in the middle of a circle pit or sitting at a church pew, every live performance has its own unique vibe.
This year has probably been the best in my gig-going life, with just a handful yet to come, and coming up with a top 20 (or 21 - I cheated) has been difficult.
There’s no room for buzzy new bands like NewDad or The Last Dinner Party, music legends such as Bikini Kill and Paul Heaton, personal favourites including Yard Act and Dream Wife, new discoveries Video Age and Rosali, or even the mighty Fontaines D.C.
Then there are the ones I missed out on, including Oliva Rodrigo (couldn’t get tickets), Chappell Roan (was away), and Charli XCX (couldn’t afford it, but have I told you I saw her play the QMU back in the day...?)
Still there’s always next year, which will hopefully contain a few nights out as good as these 21.
13. The Umbrellas (Mono)
American indie popsters The Umbrellas sound like the sci-fi baby of about eight of my favourite bands and it was a real pleasure to see them in action shortly after the release of their critically-acclaimed second studio album 'Fairweather Friend'. Musically and spiritually they seem to have a special connection with Glasgow, making for a lovely evening of jangly guitar music. | David Hepburn
14. Suede/Manic Street Preachers (Edinburgh Castle)
Two giants of the British indie scene teamed up for a tour that was essential for music fans of a certain age. Both Suede and the Manics are still releasing albums that are up there with the best of their earlier works and the career-spanning sets played at Edinburgh Castle showed why they remain two of the most exciting bands to see live - led by age-defying frontmen Brett Anderson and James Dean Bradfield. | David Hepburn
15. Girl in Red (Barrowland Ballroom)
Sometimes the perfect alchemy of performer, audience and venue can produce something genuinely golden. That was the case with Norwegian singer-songwriter Girl in Red's two nights at the Barrowland Ballroom. Every song about romance and mental health was greeted like a world-conquering number one by her adoring fans. | David Hepburn
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16. CMAT (SWG3)
Belle & Sebastian's two-day Bowlie Weekender was a highlight of the year, featuring two headline sets from the Glasgow indie band alongside a host of friends including Butcher Boy, Camera Obscura, The Vaselines and The Joy Hotel. It was Irish singer-songwriter CMAT who arguably stole the show though with a fun-filled set of songs you could swear you've known for years. She'll be headlining bigger stages than this in years to come. | David Hepburn