During the golden age of live music in Edinburgh, all the biggest stars of the time made it to the Scottish capital to perform at one of our venues.
Sadly, these days many popular musicians will snub Edinburgh in favour of Glasgow's higher capacity venues - but once upon a time it was very different. Stars such as David Bowie, Queen, Elton John and Simple Minds entertained the east at some point during the 80s.
We asked Edinburgh locals for their favorite memories from the city's concert heyday, and took a walk down memory lane to see what some of the memorable acts to grace the city were. Check it out below.
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Queen, Royal Highland Exhibition Hall - June 2, 1982
Performing for two nights at Ingliston, legendary group Queen were supported by the band Heart on their Hot Space tour.
According to those who attended, a slight hiccup happened midway through when Brian May walked to the front of the stage with his electric guitar - which ultimately gave out zero sound, presumably having accidentally been unplugged.
The dates at Ingliston were the last concerts in Scotland that Queen played with Freddie Mercury.
Recalling the iconic gig, David Nelson told Edinburgh Live: “It was a very hot day as Freddie walked out, mopping his face with a towel.
“He shouted something like ‘it’s f*****g warm, and threw the towel into the audience. Must be someone out there with it now.”
Blondie, Odeon Theatre - New Year's Day, 1980
Performing her hits such as Heart of Glass and One Way or Another, Blondie came to the Odeon Theatre on January 1 - welcoming a new decade with the people of Edinburgh.
Discussing the gig in the Edinburgh Past and Present Facebook page, David Monro recalled: “It could’ve been the Odeon Theatre but being New Year’s Day and me being severely hungover, it could have been anywhere.”
Another local resident, Lisa Sibbald, had a much clearer recollection of the concert. She told us: “The reason I remember the date is because it was my first date with the man I’m still with 42 years later.”
Bruce Springsteen, Playhouse - May 16 & 17, 1981
Just over forty years ago, the American singer came to the capital for two legendary nights at the Playhouse - his first ever gigs in Scotland.
With tickets sold for as little as £5.50, the two Edinburgh performances quickly sold out.
Posting in the Lost Edinburgh Facebook Group, David McGeachie wrote: “I was 16, we queued all night for tickets down the side of the building.
“The police told them to open up at 3am. I saw both nights and met Bruce, my head was full of dreams.
“Bruce came out and headed for his car, he stopped and shook my hand then got in. Incredibly 7 years later I was working at his label in London and promoting his records.”
Spandau Ballet, Royal Highland Exhibition Hall - December 18, 1984
The band behind Spandau Ballet met Prince Charles in 1984, before their gig in Edinburgh.
The English new wave band performed their hits, such as True and Gold, to adoring fans at Ingliston. Travelling with their World Parade tour, the band stretched their performances across 1984 and 85.
Long after the band went their separate ways, singer Gary Kemp made a return to Edinburgh to play La Belle Angelle in 1996.
He told the Daily Record at the time: “It’s a real adventure playing small clubs. With Spandau it was all big state sets and costumes.
“I love the intimate feeling of playing small clubs.”
Elton John, Playhouse - November 28 & 29, 1985
During his Ice on Fire Tour, Elton entertained crowds at the Edinburgh Playhouse in support of his 19th studio album.
With tickets for just £8.50, the singer wowed the audience with Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man and Candle in the Wind. The tour, which continued deep into 1986, was a struggle for Elton - who had developed potentially cancerous nodules on his vocal cords.
He was ordered by his doctor not to speak while off-stage, and there was serious doubt as to whether he could continue.
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U2, Murrayfield - August 1, 1987
On a toasty summer day, U2 fans flocked to Murrayfield for their Joshua Tree Tour.
According to those who attended, stewards had to throw buckets of water to keep fans cool. Some fans struggled, and several fainted due to overheating and dehydration.
After the gig, locals expressed disappointment at the behaviour of fans. The Daily Record spoke to residents that weekend, one of which said: “Why was the U2 concert allowed at Murrayfield, in the middle of a heavily populated area?
“The noise is deafening. Next time, banish them to Ingliston - or better yet, to one of the islands on the Firth of Forth.”
Another resident agreed: “The fans of U2 could take a few lessons from the Welsh rugby supporters who come to Murrayfield every two years. The Welshmen know how to enjoy themselves without upsetting anyone.”
It wasn’t all negative though, with one U2 lover stating: “Thanks U2 for the gig of the year at Murrayfield. I know I am not just speaking for myself, but all the fans out there.”
AC/DC, Playhouse - January 22 & 23, 1986
The legendary rock band visited the Playhouse in 1986, for a gig that was reportedly one of the most crowded experiences many locals have ever experienced.
Their Fly on the Wall tour spent two months travelling Europe, and we enjoyed two nights here in Edinburgh. Many residents told us the gig was their first, and left them with ringing ears for the following week.
Simple Minds, Meadowbank Stadium - August 12, 1989
The Simple Minds gig at Murrayfield was so legendary that it made it across the Atlantic, featuring in a report from VH1 on Scottish bands.
The reporter said: “This is the stage Simple Minds are about to take, the Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh - once the site of the Commonwealth Games.
“A few months back this gig was meant to happen at Murrayfield, the home of the Scottish Rugby Union, but when it was learned that the home team had been invited to play in South Africa the plan was changed.”
With a crowd of 25,000 fans, the band was supported by Texas. Discussing the gig in the Edinburgh Past and Present Facebook page, Gillian Mcluckie said: “Simple Minds at Meadowbank Stadium always stands out to me.”
David Bowie, Murrayfield - June 28, 1983
Heading on his Serious Moonlight tour promoting the album Let's Dance, Bowie made his way to Murrayfield - his only performance at the venue.
On a day of heavy rain in Edinburgh, locals didn’t let the bad weather phase them. When we asked Edinburgh locals for their memories of 80s gigs, Bowie’s name was most definitely the most common.
Talking about the gig in the Edinburgh Past & Present Facebook group, Annie Beaumont said: “It was pure magic, he had on that gorgeous blue suit.
“What an experience seeing him, a true legend.”
It seems you didn’t even need a ticket to experience Bowie at Murrayfield, with several local residents telling us they heard the gig from far and wide. Stuart Murray said: “I was working at Straiton about seven miles away and I could hear every song.”
