The gentlemen from my bandβs Glasgow based record labelΒ Β often use the word βbrawβ. The first few times I heard it I wasnβt sure if it was a good, or a bad thing. I am now better informed, and happy to say it is positive, the meaning lying somewhere between βgreatβ and βbrilliantβ.
Glasgow is braw.
I have spent many happy evenings playing gigs in the UKβs fourth largest city. From the iconicΒ Barrowlands, to the ABC on the buzzing Sauciehall Street, to Oran Mor where we had the privilege of using the beautifulΒ Β as a dressing room, to playing to two people at theΒ Β βΒ βeach performer takes their bow, and then another old joke imitates real life β the crowd are introduced to the bandβ.Β We laugh about it nowβ¦sort of. Plus, when the band has to sleep on a kind-hearted mateβs floor, said band could do much worse than to stay in one of the glorious, red sandstone, signature tenement buildings that populate the area.
This week it has been hard to avoid mention of the place, what withΒ Β looming large.Β ArtistsΒ including Coldplay, Katy Perry and local lads Calvin Harris and Paolo Nutini will take to the main stage on Glasgow Green over the three day event. Tickets for the weekend have all been allocated but you can still watch and listen via the website, Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra and ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Three.#BigWeekendΒ follows hot on the heels of theΒ , a week-long programme of workshops and master classes for young people, which was also held in Glasgow. One of the producers, Lanre Leandre,Β , which was created in partnership with ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Learning.
It was also revealed this week that Glasgow would hostΒ Β in December, quite fitting that the announcement came the day before aΒ memorial was held for David Coleman OBEΒ who died in December 2013, as the popular sports commentator presented the show from 1961 to 1983. A special documentary βThe Quite Remarkable David Colemanβ was broadcast on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ One on Wednesday, to coincide with the memorial service. Also this week, details of theΒ Β on TV, Radio and online were released. So there really was no getting away from the place.
Even the Media Centreβs (and About the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ blogger)Β Β has absconded toΒ Β this week, he likes it so much, weβre not sure heβll ever come back. I mean why would he?
As I said, Glasgow is braw.