Scots music acts including Amy MacDonald, The Fratellis, Mogwai and Franz Ferdinand are set to star in a new BBC documentary celebrating the heritage of Glasgow's beloved Barrowland Ballroom.
The Barrowland Roar, screening on New Year's Day on BBC Alba, sees countless Scottish icons recount their memories of the east end venue, a favourite of acts the world over. Presented by Isle of Lewis musician Iain "Spanish" MacKay ahead of his first show at the venue, the documentary sees him get advice on putting on a good show from the likes of Del Amitri, Dylan John Thomas, Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr and even Smiths legend Johnny Marr.
He also speaks to the staff that keep the iconic building ticking over, from manager Tom Joyes and owner Anne Dick to doorman Willie Thomson, who has the Barrowlands' world-famous sign tattooed on his body. In between, he roadies for the likes of the Fratellis and learns more about the ballroom's storied history.
The 90-minute documentary, narrated in both Gaelic and English, offers a rare behind the scenes look at life in the Barrowlands and its otherwise unseen back corridors. After speaking to the likes of Spanish rounds off the documentary by joining Western Isles band Trail West on stage to perform his own songs for the first time.
Johnny Marr, who has played the venue seven times with seven different acts, quips early in the documentary: "Mad hot, insane volume, and that was before we even played a note." And Amy MacDonald says of its practically unchanged state since the 60s: "If they ever decide to spruce it up, I'll be devastated."
Have you got treasured memories of the Barrowlands? Share your stories in the comments.
The doc opens with Spanish standing in an empty, brightly lit Barrowlands ahead of a gig. He tells 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?"
Throughout, Scots music icons like Jon Fratelli speak about the venue's special place in Scots music lovers' hearts – and its famously excitable crowds. Fratelli 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 burned down following a disastrous fire in 1958 and was rebuilt almost identically.
Since then, the venue has played host to legendary acts from across the musical spectrum, 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 Roar airs on BBC ALBA on Sunday 1 January 2023 at 9pm, and will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after.
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