It's getting into summer, so we're starting to see the rise of more and more optimistically outdoorsy events - we're primarily looking at you, West End Festival, but also Outdoor Cinema and Bard in the Botanics. Aside from that, we've noticed some entertaining diary clashes in the music section - we reckon there's not ta lot of crossover between Leftfield and Elton John's fanbases, for example, but some people might be genuinely torn about missing The Eagles of Death Metal for At the Drive-In/Mars Volta offshoot Antemasque (or vice versa). Choose wisely.
Things to do
West End Festival, various venues, Fri Jun 5-Sun Jun 28
The West End’s month-long community festival is a riot of activities and events, the centerpiece of which is the Mardi Gras-style parade on Sunday June 7. Check out our guides to the fest's best family and music events, especially the Oran Mor All-Dayer.
John Cooper Clarke, Platform, Fri Jun 5
The Bard of Salford returns with more salty, working class spoken word in a defiant punk spirit (and with fantastic hair).
Rally & Broad, Stereo, Sun Jun 28
The current season of performance cabaret night R&B finishes with an ‘Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye’ special, featuring AL Kennedy, Findlay Napier, Michael Pedersen, Kirsty Logan and Maud The Moth.
Theatre
Spamalot, King’s Theatre, Mon Jun 1-Sat Jun 6
Based loosely on The Beatles-of-comedy’s low-budget movie classic ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, this touring version of the same multi-award winning Broadway show created by Eric Idle gets its coconut-clacking hooves moving to make a triumphant return to Scotland.
13, Tron Theatre, Thu Jun 4-Sat Jun 6
A group of Londoners are afflicted by a terrible dream in this new work written by Mike Barlett. Torn between hope and despair, the city must choose its path between a quasi-religious grassroots leader, and a Prime Minister deciding whether or not to take the country to war.
The Producers, Theatre Royal, Mon Jun 15-Sat Jun 20
Mel Brooks’s classic comedy centres on a failed Broadway producer, Max Bialystock, who engineers a musical flop so he can pocket the insurance money. This latest touring production features Jason Manford as hapless accountant Leo Bloom and Ross Noble as deranged Nazi playwright Franz Liebkind.
Twelve Angry Men, Theatre Royal, Mon Jun 22-Sat Jun 27
Tom Conti takes on the lead role made famous by Henry Fonda in Sidney Lumet’s 1957 courtroom drama (itself adapted from Reginald Rose’s original script), in which a lone juror attempts to convince his peers to deliver a ‘not guilty’ verdict in the homicide trial of a young man.
Bard in the Botanics: Love’s Labour’s Lost, Botanic Gardens, Jun 24-30
Back to defy the Glasgow summer showers once again, al fresco Shakespeare company Bard in the Botanics return as part of the West End Festival with one the Bard’s wittiest and most sparkling comedies.
Film
Outdoor Cinema: The Matrix and District 9, Glasgow University, Thu Jun 4 & Fri Jun 5
Catch two modern sci-fi masterpieces in the atmospheric surroundings of Glasgow Uni’s West Quadrangle, as part of the Glasgow Science Festival.
Spy, general release from Fri Jun 5
‘Bridesmaids’ director Paul Feig and star Melissa McCarthy re-team for this espionage comedy, as CIA desk jockey Susan Cooper (McCarthy) is tasked with stepping out of her comfort zone and into the field.
Jurassic World, general release from Fri Jun 12
Chris Pratt continues on his post-‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ leading man trajectory in this highly anticipated dino-franchise reboot.
Mr Holmes, general release from Fri Jun 19
Ian McKellen has impressed the critics with his turn as the elderly and now-retired detective, who contemplates unsolved cases, nuclear war and the decline of his own once-sharp mental powers.
Minions, general release from Fri Jun 26
For those with children of a certain age (typically around 30ish), the new ‘Star Wars’ movie is the biggest film event of the year. For those with actual children, it’s this much-anticipated spin-off starring the wee yellow critters from the ‘Despicable Me’ movies.
Slow West, general release from Fri Jun 26
An ensemble Western with a local accent, ‘Slow West’ spotlights rising star Kodi Smit-McPhee (‘The Road’, ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’) as a Scot on a bloody mission in the old West, with sterling character support from Michael Fassbender and Ben Mendelsohn.
Art
Mick Peter: Pyramid Selling, Tramway, until Jun 14
It’s your last chance to see Peter’s exhibition of new sculpture mimicking the ‘witty’ style of cartoonish graphic design from the 60s and 70s.
Maud Sulter, Street Level Photoworks, until Jun 21
A first detailed examination and exhibition since 2003 of works by award-winning artist and writer, curator and gallerist of Ghanain and Scottish heritage Maud Sulter (1960-2008). Granted exclusive and unique access to the Sulter archive, curators have brought together key chapters in her multilayered photographic art practice, spanning projects including Hysteria, Syrcas, Les Bijoux and 1989’s critically-acclaimed Zabat.
Luke Fowler & Mark Fell, The Modern Institute, ongoing
Fowler and Fell's new film revolves around the testimonies and collected documents linked to the complex and often contested history of Pavilion, Europe's first feminist photography centre. ‘To the Editor of Amateur Photographer’ examines a radical shift in photography whilst also foregrounding the problems of presenting history through archival fragments and personal recollections.
Comedy
Reginald D Hunter, SECC, Fri Jun 12
Straight-talking, hard-hitting American satirist stand-up Hunter is never far from a stooshie (see the controversy surrounding his taboo-language laden set at the Professional Footballers Association awards dinner a few years back for proof). The self-proclaimed “comedian, swashbuckler and scientist” brings his latest show to Glasgow.
Science Fiction Double Feature, The Admiral, Sat Jun 27
Nothing to do with ‘Rocky Horror’, but instead a double-whammy of comedians warming up their Fringe muscles by riffing on their favourite movies: ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Beetlejuice’. Though if you ask us, neither of those were really sci-fi.
Music & Nightlife
Nas, O2 Academy, Tue Jun 2
One of the undisputed mac daddy’s of American hip-hop, Nas revisits his 1994 album ‘Illmatic’ – which is frequently hailed as one of the greatest rap albums of all time – in full live in concert just over 20 years on from its release.
George Ezra, O2 Academy, Thu Jun 4
Folksy acousto-pop from the Brit Award-nominated singer-songwriter.
BBC Music at the Quay, BBC Scotland, Thu Jun 4-Sun Jun 7
A full weekend of music performances and live broadcasts across the BBC network, including a corking BBC Introducing line-up on Sunday featuring Honeyblood, Jonnie Common, Kloe, Kobi Onyame and more. Check out our preview for more info.
Lord Huron, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Fri Jun 5
AKA LA-based musician Ben Schneider – paying tribute to his Michigan roots with the Lord Huron moniker – plus his Americana cohorts. They tour their second album ‘Strange Trails’, the follow-up to their if-you-love-Fleet-Foxes-then-you’ll-like-this debut album ‘Lonesome Dreams’.
Wu-Tang Clan, O2 Academy, Fri Jun 5
One of hip hop's most seminal crews the Wu continue to march onwards. Their latest album ‘A Better Tomorrow’ was released to mixed reviews late last year, but it’s their better yesterday that will no doubt invoke the biggest roars from the crowd.
Superliminal, The Poetry Club, Sat Jun 6
The semi-regular performance night returns with a live set from Prodigy-meets-Nine Inch Nails industrial types Jesus Loves Amerika and some spoken word from local comics hero Grant Morrison.
Hector Bizerk, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Sat Jun 6
Scottish Album of the Year Award-nominated hip hop group touting a rudimentary in-your-face blend of drums, rap and positivity.
Machines in Heaven, Drygate, Sat Jun 6
Glaswegian indie-tronica trio with a flair for experimental pop and a healthy following thanks to exposure slots on BBC Introducing. Support comes from fellow synthy types Bessa and Arm Watches Fingers, plus a DJ set from Mr Turner.
Subculture: Ivan Smagghe, Sub Club, Sat Jun 6
Harri & Domenic are out of town for the weekend, but they’ve subbed in eclectic Frenchman (and Andrew Weatherall affiliate) Ivan Smagghe and ever-more-familiar face Telford to hold the fort for them.
The Go! Team, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Sun Jun 7
Brighton’s finest six-piece patchwork indie band return with new album ‘The Scene Between’, promising yet more three-minute pop wonders drawing on all arenas of the musosphere.
Ariana Grande, The SSE Hydro, Mon Jun 8
Former Broadway musicals and Nickelodeon TV child star become all-grown-up R&B and dance-pop madam. She tours her big-selling, star guests-studded second album ‘My Everything’.
Earl Sweatshirt, O2 ABC, Mon Jun 8
An American rapper best known as a member of the Los Angeles hip hop collective Odd Future, young Earl Sweatshirt was infamously sent to Samoa by his mum a few years ago, to a school for at-risk boys, giving rise to the virally-popular Free Earl campaign. He tours his latest solo album ‘Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside’.
Antoni Maiovvi & Umberto, Glad Café, Tue Jun 9
Two synth composers with a love of 1980s horror scores, Antoni Maiovvi and Umberto's collaborative project 'Law Unit' adds an industrial sheen to their typical output that 'puts you in the mood for LA circa 2019, or the Detroit of 1987'. Icy, metallic and RoboCop-esque, then.
The Gaslight Anthem, O2 Academy, Tue Jun 9
Brawny New Jersey quartet providing an indie bar band spin on Bruce Springsteen’s panoramic cars-and-girls blue collar rock. One of those last-gang-in-town groups whose fans hang on their every word like gospel, they tour their latest album ‘Get Hurt’.
Patti Smith, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Tue Jun 9
American singer-songwriter, visual artist, poet and first lady of punk rock Patti Smith comes to Glasgow to perform her all time classic 1975 debut album ‘Horses’ in full. It’s a record that has inspired countless careers over the years, particularly among female musicians.
Blur, Barrowlands, Tue Jun 9
With tickets released at just a month's notice (for a venue well below their potential capacity), this one was a guaranteed sell-out, so if you've managed to bag a ticket then we're sure you're feeling very smug indeed. Albarn and crew are touring 'The Magic Whip', their first new release in 12 years.
Chet Faker, The Art School, Tue Jun 9
Australian electronica musician whose 2014 debut album ‘Built On Glass’ was a huge hit down under. He comes to Glasgow for a date rescheduled from last year, hoping to transfer the same success to the UK.
Elvis Costello, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Thu Jun 11
Veteran English singer-songwriter and guitarist Napoleon Dynamite, AKA Little Hands of Concrete AKA Elvis Costello plays the new wave-y hits and more on his Detour tour.
Bdy_Prts, Stereo, Fri Jun 12
Glasgow alt-pop duo comprising a pair of familiar faces from the local scene – Sparrow and the Workshop’s Jill O’Sullivan and Jenny Reeve of Strike The Colours et al – return to active duty with a new single ‘Cold Shoulder’ and their first live date in some time.
Subculture Boat Party, Sub Club, Sat Jun 13
Harri and Domenic take to the high seas for an evening house and techno dance sesh featuring Telford and east coaster Fudge Fingas, before heading back to the Sub Club for the after party. Be at the Glasgow Science Centre by 6.15pm at the latest to get on board.
Faith No More, O2 Academy, Sun Jun 14
Having re-united for sporadic live shows in 2009, the Mike Patton-fronted hard rock titans are back with a new album entitled 'Sol Invictus'. You may have heard the new single 'Superhero' (aka 'Leader of Men') on t'radio - if you like the sound of that, head along for more.
Ariel Pink, CCA, Mon Jun 15
LA lo-fi psychedelic pop weirdo Pink heads out on tour in support of his latest album of oversexed sing-alongs ‘pom pom’, his first sans his usual backing band Haunted Graffiti.
L7, The Garage, Mon Jun 15
Following revived interest in the likes of Sleater-Kinney, Kathleen Hanna and like-minded riot grrrl proponents, it's only sensible that the punks who once responded to literal muck-flinging by throwing a (freshly) used tampon at the crowd are back on the road.
FFS, The Art School, Tue Jan 16
Putting the super in supergroup, the ingeniously monikered FFS is a hybrid of Scottish indie favourites Franz Ferdinand and American art rock veterans Sparks. They bring their self-titled debut album, as led by the fantastically rude single ‘Piss Off’, to Glasgow.
Antemasque, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Tue Jun 16
Fans of The Mars Volta and At the Drive-In rejoice, as Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s latest collaboration hits UK shores. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2014, featured Flea on bass, though sadly he’s not a permanent member of the band.
Eagles of Death Metal, The Garage, Tue Jun 16
Josh Homme-affiliated sleaze-rock posse with a penchant for wonderfully-named alter-egos (Shanky McBuzcock, Carlo Von Sexron, The Sexy Mexy) and, er, 'lively' stage shows.
Fleetwood Mac, The Hydro, Tue Jun 16 & Wed Jun 17
After a test run at the Hydro last year, the Mac return to Glasgow with keyboardist Christine McVie in tow, completing the group’s definitive line-up. There’s a new album in the wings as well.
Dan Deacon, CCA, Thu Jun 18
Baltimore experimental electronic musician, sound sculptor, composer and all round sonic polymath Deacon makes a long-awaited return to Scotland in support of his latest excellent album ‘Gliss Riffer’. Often performed in-the-round and always featuring lots of audience participation, his shows are unique and exhilarating.
Elton John, The SSE Hydro, Fri Jun 19
The Rocket Man heads out on a summer arena tour with full band in tow, playing hits from 50 years (!) in the business.
Leftfield, Barrowlands, Fri Jun 19
London progressive house heavyweights Leftfield – architects of the classic 1995 debut album ‘Leftism’ – come back with a bassy bang, with their first new record in 16 years ‘Alternative Light Source'. And when we say 'their', we mean 'his', as remaining member Neil Barnes continues to go it alone without Paul Daley.
Mogwai, Barrowlands, Sat Jun 20 & Sun Jun 21
One of Glasgow and Scotland’s greatest ever bands, post-rock titans the ‘gwai celebrate their 20th anniversary with a couple of special shows where else but at the Barrowlands. The supports are extra special: Loop, Prolapse and Pye Corner Audio on the Saturday, then The Vaselines, Forest Swords and Sacred Paws on the Sunday. Be sure to get down early.
Oran Mor West End Festival All-Dayer, Oran Mor, Sun Jun 21
The West End Festival's music programme peaks with an all-day mini-fest at the Oran Mor, featuring 14 of Scotland's finest including Aidan Moffat & Bill Wells, The Phantom Band, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Man of Moon, RM Hubbert, Tuff Love, De Rosa, The Dirty Beggars, Ultras, Stanley Odd, Kathryn Joseph, Yusuf Azak and Marc Rooney.
Taylor Swift, The SSE Hydro, Tue Jun 23
Only Scotland’s biggest arena could hold America’s biggest lovelorn pop sensation. The ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ and ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ star will be there in June – check out our ten reasons why you should be there too.
Idina Menzel, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Wed Jun 24
The Oscar-winning Broadway star and singer of animated anthem 'Let It Go' performs a solo gig in the grand Royal Concert Hall.
Siobhan Wilson, The Glad Café, Wed Jun 24
Jazz-inflected, bilingual folkie singer-songwriter who’s one to watch on the Scottish rising talent scene.
Dead Kennedys, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Thu Jun 25
San Francisco punk legends still going strong some 25-plus years after their formation. Uncomprimising numbers such as ‘California Uber Alles’, ‘Nazi Punks Fuck Off’ and ‘Too Drunk to Fuck’ should still get the faithful pogoing, as will their (far superior) rendition of Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’.
Gladys Knight, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Thu Jun 25
Board the midnight train to Georgia with Motown legend and ‘Empress of Soul’ Knight, visiting Glasgow a full five years after her alleged ‘UK Farewell Tour’.
Ela Orleans, CCA, Sat Jun 27
Glasgow-based Polish experimental and ambient musician who describes her music as 'movies for ears'. Her LP ‘The Upper Hell’ was made with Howie B, the renowned musician and producer who has worked with artists including Björk, U2, Robbie Robertson, Elisa, Tricky, Mukul Deora and The Gift.
AC/DC, Hampden Park, Sun Jun 28
AC/DC’s Rock or Bust World Tour comes to Glasgow, promising maximum rock or your money back. The indestructible Australians tour in support of their 15th studio album ‘Rock or Bust’, which features songs such as ‘Rock or Bust’, ‘Rock the Blues Away’ and ‘Got Some Rock’n’Roll Thunder’. In conclusion: rock.
John Legend, The SSE Hydro, Tue Jun 30
The chart-topping soulful American singer-songwriter behind deathless first-dance-at-the-wedding number ‘All of Me’ and Sam Smith collabo ‘Lay May Down’ comes to the Hydro.