Drink, Drugs and Dancing: Locals reveal what really goes on in Glasgow's gig scene

What really goes on in Glasgow’s gig scene?

“People say that weed is the gateway drug but personally, I believe that it is alcohol.”- Erin Reidy

Glasgow has gained recognition as one of the hotspots for local music in the UK. The city is renowned for its famous venues such as King Tuts, and the constant surge of new musical talent. However, fresh sounds are not the only thing the community are indulging in - locals admit that alcohol and drugs are a problem in the gig scene.

In a recent survey, 100% of participants were aware of drugs being used in spaces linked to the music community. 76% admitted that they even use drugs themselves in addition to drinking at a gig. One person said: “I used to take drugs on every night out but the after math of anxiety that came with it and never left me, completely ruined it.”

Another participant said: “I thought drugs helped me in terms of being more creative with my music. In reality, using them made me an awful person to be around and had a negative effect on my mindset for some days afterwards.”

An anonymous local singer told me: “People pass cocaine about like it’s paracetamol and drink vodka like it’s water.

Before I knew it I did too, but it eventually caught up with me; I have not played a gig since 2022 to keep myself far away from it all.”

The singer believes that the problem needs to be tackled from within, as band management and staff at gigs are also engaging in the antisocial behaviour.

“We really need to challenge employers in this industry. The people in charge of the bands are also getting out their face on booze and drugs, what type of example is that being set?” said the singer.

The sensitive issue has become a norm in the Glasgow music scene.

She continued: “I once played a gig in a pub near the barras, and the band ended up taking coke with the bar staff afterwards – looking back that is just messed up.”

Erin Reidy, Guitarist for Glasgow band Brontës, also discussed her experience with alcohol dependency in the music scene. She explained that cocaine was often used in these spaces. “I never realised how much cocaine was in these circles until I started going out and meeting new people,” she said.

The artist admitted that where alcohol was involved, drugs were too. Erin said: "If I was playing a gig, it meant it was a night out for me.

“It was an excuse to get drunk really, then people would take drugs after the gig.”

This behaviour is encouraged by employers in the music scene. Local music venues often use alcohol as part of a payment for playing a gig.

“Venues ask you what alcohol you want for the day as part of your payment so you’re already agreeing to drink at these things before you’re even there!”  Erin continued: "You are playing a gig in a bar after all.”

Dependancy on alcohol has become a serious issue.

Erin talked about a performance at SWG3’s Poetry Club venue where she got drunk before the performance: “I got drunk because I was excited and afterwards, I really thought the gig went great, but my band mates had a different experience; they had noticed the many mistakes I made.”

She added: “They were trying to help me without hurting my feelings; they suggested we drank less before our gigs. Even though I was the only one getting wasted and ruining it.

“I don’t remember playing a single bit of that gig, It’s a bit embarrassing.”

The guitarist embarked on her sober journey 7 months ago and since, feels more enthusiastic about her music career. “I feel more motivated to push the band forward,” she said.

Grateful for the support from her peers, Erin encourages anyone struggling to speak out. “Or If you recognise that your friend might have an issue, approach it before it becomes worse,” she said.

Erin insists that we should consider if our own behaviour could be damaging or insensitive towards someone struggling with dependency: “Look at yourself first – is what you are doing on a night out actually a good thing to do around them?

“Educate yourself on what sobriety is like so that you can be motivational when they are having a hard time with it,” she said.

Erin admitted she now prefers playing concerts sober and would encourage anyone involved in the scene to try it. "When you are going to bed you feel so grateful that you haven't had a drink. You wake up fresh and it honestly is worth it.”