Music
Guide
Step Inside: King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
Everything you need to know about one of Glasgow's most celebrated music venues
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut History
Located in the heart of Glasgow in what used to be the Saints and Sinners pub, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut held its first gig in February 1990. The venue – which borrows its name from an Egyptian-themed club in New York’s East Village – was founded by Glaswegian promotion outfit DF Concerts with a single goal: to serve as a launchpad for up-and-coming talent. That goal has been achieved many times over, with historic King Tut’s line-ups boasting the names of some of today’s most global superstars. Notable highlights include Lewis Capaldi, Radiohead, Coldplay, and Biffy Clyro, and in 1999 The Manic Street Preachers took a brief break during their set at T in the Park to thank King Tut’s for being “the first venue to treat us properly and give us hot food on tour”.
The club also occupies a special place in Britpop history. Blur played their first Scottish gig at King Tut’s in 1990, with just 40 people showing up. The band returned a year later, now with a top-ten single under their belt (‘There’s No Other Way’), and this time the venue was forced to turn away huge numbers of people on the door. Then, in 1993, Oasis made the pilgrimage from Manchester to crash a gig at King Tut’s, only to be told they wouldn’t be allowed to play. In true Gallagher fashion, the band “bullied their way on stage” and proceeded to play four tracks, catching the attention of Creation Records founder Alan McGee, who signed them the same night.
In the decades since its doors first opened, King Tut’s has become widely recognised as perhaps the most important live music venue in Scotland, a plaudit formally suggested by both NME and Radio One. As a result of this legendary reputation, King Tut’s has become a staple tour stop for the kinds of artists who are now more used to selling out stadiums than putting on intimate sets in sweaty rooms. The venue also operates the second-largest stage at TRNSMT festival, which is run by DF Concerts founder Stuart Clumpas. Despite the buzz, the team have remained devoted to the venue’s original ethos, and part of King Tut’s appeal is that on any given night you might earn bragging rights for having seen the next big thing before they blew up.
What’s on at King Tut’s
King Tut’s is open seven days a week, with the majority of events showcasing the brightest emerging talents in live music. However, the venue also occasionally hosts poetry and panel nights, as well as a wildly popular open mic comedy show which takes place every Saturday afternoon.
King Tut’s also runs two flagship festivals that take place every year – King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution (KTNYR) and King Tut’s Summer Nights (KTSN). KTNYR is a month-long festival that runs through the entirety of January, with up-and-coming bands playing on the iconic Tut’s stage almost every night of the month.
Food and Drink
King Tut’s serves a wide range of drinks, including draught beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. The venue’s bar also offers a cozy space with seating for fans who want to chill out before or after a show, or who need to take a break during the night.
Visitors who want to grab a bite to eat before the show have plenty of options to choose from, with multiple options a short stroll from the venue. For pub classics and a huge whisky list try The Pot Still on Hope Street, or head to Buck’s Bar for drinks and bar snacks with a laidback atmosphere. If you’re after something a bit more sit down there are lots of quality restaurants within easy walking distance, including Italian cuisine at Piccolo Mondo or La Lanterna, Middle Eastern flavours at Royâ, West African plates at Enish Glasgow and Indian dishes at Green Gates Sauchiehall Street and Taste of Chennai Glasgow. For something classic and comforting go to The Butterfly and the Pig or indulge in grilled platters at Meat Joint Scottish Steakhouse.
Getting to King Tut’s
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut is located near Glasgow city centre, which means it’s easy to get to whether you are coming by bus, train, car or taxi. Glasgow has frequent bus services that stop near the venue on St Vincent Street. Many routes run through the heart of the city centre, so you can plan a route that suits you. There are also nearby subway stations including Buchanan Street and St George’s Cross, both of which are within walking distance. If you’re coming by train, Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations are about ten to fifteen minutes on foot from the venue.
If you are driving to the venue, bear in mind that the city centre can get busy and street parking can be limited, so planning ahead is always a good idea. There are a number of multi-storey and underground car parks within walking distance including Q‑Park Sauchiehall Street, Charing Cross City Parking, Cadogan Square Car Park – Glasgow City Council and NCP Glasgow Central Station. There are also street parking options on Q‑Park Jamaica Street, Cambridge Street Car Park and NCP Glasgow Mitchell St.
You can catch a taxi from ranks at major transport hubs like Glasgow Central or Queen Street stations, or book a ride through a local taxi app. This is often a good option late at night when trains and buses may be less frequent.
Capacity and Accessibility
King Tut’s has standing capacity for 300 guests. There is a limited number of seats for those with reduced mobility, and anyone who requires seating should fill out the venue’s accessibility application form before attending. Unfortunately King Tut’s is not wheelchair accessible, as the venue is located within an old tenements flat building which does not have a lift.
Find out what’s on at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
