King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut marks 25 years of unforgettable history

Everyone has their favourite venue, the place where they first saw their favourite band or a show that blew them away.

For me, that venue is King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow.

Affectionately referred to as just Tut’s, the world-renowned venue celebrates its 25th Birthday this month and to commemorate this special occasion, they’ve decided to throw a year-long party and welcome back some of their favourite acts including The Courteeners, The Cribs and Father John Misty, to up-and-coming Scottish acts such as The Twilight Sad, We Were Promised Jet Packs, Fatherson and The La Fontaines.

During its 25 years, King Tut’s has received many accolades, including being named Best Launch Pad Venue, Britain’s Best Small Venue and Quite possibly the Finest Small Venue in the World. It was also voted number seven in New York Magazine’s Follow-Your-Bliss list, so you know you are in for a good night when you go to a gig at Tut’s!

Having opened in 1999, the 300-capacity venue has long been a starting point for artists to cut their teeth before going on to achieve main stream dominance.

The widely-known story that Oasis were signed on the spot by Alan McGee happened after their gig at Tut’s and the Manic Street Preachers dedicated a song at T in the Park to the venue, explaining it was the first venue they played where they were given hot food.

King Tut’s has also seen artists such as Radiohead, The Killers, Pulp and The Verve grace their stage over the years, helping to cement its place in rock and roll history.

However it’s the venue’s dedication to supporting local talent that really resonates with me.

Over the years Scottish artists such as Travis, Frightened Rabbit and Twin Atlantic have all played King Tut’s, and went on to greater things.

I’m not alone in loving the venue either, as the mighty Biffy Clyro, who routinely sell out arenas all over the world, played a show at King Tut’s in 2014 – why? Simply because it holds such a special place in their hearts. Paolo Nutini feels the same, he’s played the venue a staggering seven times!

Why is it my favourite venue? I’ve seen so many acts there over the years, ranging from The Moldy Peaches and David Kitt, to The Thrills and The Vines. Two of my highlights have to be The Libertines in 2003, where Pete Doherty and Carl Barât invited the audience to take the stage with them, and Death in Vegas in 2011, which was one of the most intense live shows I’ve ever seen.

It’s also to do with the hard work and dedication of the promoters and staff who work tirelessly to put on these amazing shows, and genuinely love working at the venue.

So it’s with great pleasure to say to the folks at King Tut’s, thank you for all your hard work and here’s to the next 25 years!

Ps. If you think you know your King Tut’s history have a go at their Birthday Quiz.

Check out all the latest King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut gig listings.