Edinburgh is often referred to as the poor cousin to Glasgow when it comes to attracting the biggest names in music – but Scotland's capital city has seen its fair share of legendary gigs down the years.
Some of the biggest names in music have played here – including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Queen.
There have also been plenty of bands who visited either before they were famous or just as they were on the brink of superstardom, such as Oasis and Arctic Monkeys.
In the first of a two-part feature, we take a look at 10 legendary gigs that took place in Edinburgh – how many were you at?
There have also been plenty of bands who visited either before they were famous or just as they were on the brink of superstardom, such as Oasis and Arctic Monkeys.
5.
Few people know this, but David Bowie's most famous alter-ego was born right here in Edinburgh. In 1970, Bowie and his then-wife Angie stayed for a few weeks in a dingy two-bedroom flat on Drummond Street with mime artist Lindsay Kemp - a key influence on Bowie’s theatrical style particularly during the Ziggy Stardust era. Around this time, Bowie donned face make-up for the first time to play a gig at the Edinburgh Art College. Now a bona fide superstar, he returned to Edinburgh on The Ziggy Stardust Tour, playing a now-legendary gig at the Empire Theatre on January 6, 1973. Photo: Photo: Third Party
6.
The Minneapolis maestro performed in the Capital back when he was in his prolific pomp and churning out one classic album after another like a conveyor belt. Torrential rain lashed down on Meadowbank Stadium that night, but no one seemed to mind much as this musical force of nature gave a masterclass in live performance, dusting off the likes of Raspberry Beret, Kiss, Little Red Corvette, Let's Go Crazy, 1999 and Purple Rain. Photo: Getty Images
7. The Smiths, Edinburgh Caley Palais - 14 June, 1984
When the Manchester indie legends visited Edinburgh in 1984, they were at the peak of their powers. Morrissey, Johnny Marr and co played a truly unforgettable show, performing classics such as This Charming Man, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, Hand In Glove, and What Difference Does It Make? Photo: Third Party
8. Nirvana, The Southern Bar, South Clerk Street - 1991
This gig has gone down in local folklore, and every man and his dog claims to have been there, despite there being only around 30 people in attendance. Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl played a five-song set that included Dumb, Polly, and Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam. The gig was for charity, having been organised by Edinburgh’s The Joyriders in aid of Sick Kids. Photo: Third Party