With the long-running debate on whether or not Edinburgh should have its own 10,000 or more concert arena similar to the OVO Hydro in Glasgow or Aberdeen’s Exhibition and Conference Centre, we have taken a look at the Capital’s existing music venues.
Although we might not yet have a multi-million pound all-singing, all-dancing arena to draw the world’s biggest acts to the Capital, we have some of the most exciting intimate venues, particularly down Edinburgh’s Cowgate area, with other larger venues including the 109-year old Usher Hall on Lothian Road and the increasingly popular Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston.
. Usher Hall
The Usher Hall has hosted concerts and events since its construction in 1914 and can hold approximately 2,200 people in its recently restored auditorium, which is well loved by performers due to its acoustics. Acts from all music genres from rock to opera have performed on the stage, from Oasis to Lewis Capaldi to Edinburgh's own The Bay City Rollers. Photo by Andrew O'Brien. Photo: Andrew O'Brien
. Cabaret Voltaire
A real favourite with Edinburgh's live music fans thanks to its cavernous feel and red-hot atmosphere. Mostly used by aspiring underground and unsigned acts, famous acts including Idlewild and The View have performed at the Blair Street venue. Cajun Dance Party are pictured at 'the Cab' in 2007. Photo: Kenny Smith
. O2 Academy Edinburgh
Formerly the Chesser Corn Exchange, the O2 Academy continues to attract big performers to the Capital, with the like of The Libertines, The DMA's and The Snuts performing there since the pandemic. Jake Bugg is pictured performing there last year. Photo: KQ
. Ross Bandstand
A controversial venue for many years, with long-mooted plans to transform the Princes Street Gardens venue failing to materialise. Every summer and at Hogmanay the venue is transformed with a huge stage erected on top of the existing bandstand stage to attract big names such as Pet Shop Boys, Tom Jones and Travis (pictured above performing last summer) in recent times. Photo: KQ
. The Caves
Situated on Niddry Street in the Cowgate, The Caves is one of the Capital's best intimate venues, creating a quite unique atmosphere due to the cavernous nature of the venue, which is also used for other events such as club nights and weddings. Photo: Contributed
9. Bannermans
The iconic back room in Bannerman's Bar, on the Cowgate, is another city centre venue known for it's cavernous like set-up, with music fans coming together to sweat and rock out to some of the city's finest upcoming musicians on a regular basis. Photo by Cate Gillon. Photo: Cate Gillon
10. Sneaky Pete's
Sneaky Pete's in the Cowgate is the must-play venue for any upcoming local band. This cosy little venue might be small but it has seen some of Edinburgh's finest rock bands and touring acts take to the stage. Just try to avoid being stood behind the archway from the bar to the stage! Photo by Scott Louden. Photo: Photographer: Scott Louden
11. The Mash House
Yet another of the Cowgate's music venues, the Mash House is tucked in the wee lane between Guthrie Street and the Cowgate. So many memorable nights have taken place here, including when the man who discovered Oasis, Alan McGee spotted and immediately signed Scottish indie band Shambolics to his Creation management company in 2019 in the small dressing room behind the main stage after seeing them rock the sold out venue. Photo: Contributed
12. La Belle Angele
La Belle Angele is another top music venue almost hidden away off the Cowgate. Over the years, massive bands including Oasis and Radiohead played 'La Belle' before it was destroyed in 2002 by a fire from a faulty fuse box. The venue made its triumphant return in 2015 after an extensive renovation and now continues to host regular gigs by local and touring acts. Photo: sun