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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.
17. Art Brut (Voodoo Rooms)
Shouty literate punk rock is all the rage these days, showing that Art Brut were well ahead of their time back in 2005 when they released debut single/mission statement 'Formed A Band'. The backing musicians may look a bit different nowadays but lead singer and songwriter Eddie Argos remains the same chaotic and engaging stage presence, stretching out 'Modern Art' and 'My Little Brother' to breaking point amidst a litany of quicker-fire 'hits'. Later that week they supported Glasgow's Bis at a concert to mark their 30th birthday, playing a shorter but similarly patience-testing set. | David Hepburn
18. Bob Vylan (SWG3)
Punk duo Bob Vylan, comprising the fiercely private Bobby Vylan and Bobbie Vylan, are hard to pin down, merging elements of grime, punk rock and hip hop. What they produce is life-affirming music that makes you smile and think that things might just be ok in the end - particularly live where their connection with their audience is immediate and intense. | David Hepburn
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19. Remi Wolf (Barrowland Ballroom)
Chosen by Olivia Rodrigo to provide support on the European leg of her 'GUTS' world tour, it was nice to see how much fun Remi Wolf is having now she's headlining her own shows. A sold out Barrowland crowd was wowed by her vocal power as she blasted through a set heavily weighted towards second album 'Big Ideas', which was released in the summer. Everybody had done their homework, with huge singalongs accompanying every song. | David Hepburn
20. Hope of the States (Stereo)
It's been 20 years since one of the great lost bands of the early noughties released 'The Lost Riots', an album that feels as fresh now as it did then. To everybody's surprise they have reformed 18 years after they last performed live and played their second show of a modest UK tour in Glasgow. Probably the loudest gig of the year, the volume was at times punishing, but hearing songs like 'Enemies/Friends' and 'The Red the White the Black and the Blue' felt like a serious case of wish fulfilment for the still-pinching-themselves crowd. There was even new material, so there will hopefully be more to come. I'll just bring my earplugs next time. | David Hepburn