Glasgow music acts including The Fratellis, Mogwai and Franz Ferdinand are set to feature in a new BBC documentary celebrating the legacy of Glasgow’s beloved Barrowland Ballroom.
Screening on New Year’s Day on BBC Alba, The Barrowland Roar will feature countless Scottish musicians telling tales from the east end venue. Presented by musician Iain ‘Spanish’ Mackay, the programme will see him get advice from other acts before his first show at the venue.
He’ll also speak to the staff at the Barrowlands, such as manager Tom Joyes and doorman Willie Thomson - whose love for the building goes so deep he has the world-famous sign tattooed on his body.
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The 90-minute documentary, presented in both Gaelic and English, offers a rare behind the scenes look into life at the Barrowlands. It opens with Mackay telling viewers: “It’s one of the best-known venues in the world, and it’s in Glasgow.
“Standing here, it feels very important. This sprung floor was built for dancing and it’s seen lots of that over the years.
“I’ve been here, sweating, a few times. It has hosted some of the world’s biggest stars and many people had the best night of their lives here.
“But what makes this place unique? And why is it so important to the bands and their fans?”
Johnny Marr, who has played the venue seven times, said in the documentary: “Mad hot, insane volume, and that was before we played a note.”
Amy MacDonald adds: “If they ever decide to spruce it up, I’ll be devastated.”
Jon Fratelli, of the Fratellis, says: “It’s the only place I get nervous playing - it’s where we aspired to play to.”
The Barrowlands were first built in 1934 by Maggie MacIver, as a dance hall for traders at next door's famous Barras market. It sadly burned down in 1958, though was quickly rebuilt to be almost identical
Since then, the venue has played host to legendary acts including the Rolling Stones, Lulu, Big Country, David Bowie, Katy Perry, Oasis, Ed Sheeran and even Bob Dylan. Its starry skies, deliberately reinforced floor, and its enormous neon sign have made it a favourite with fans and musicians alike for decades.
The Barrowland Road airs on BBC Alba on January 1 at 9pm, and will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after.
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