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King Tut's Wah Wah Hut: Glasgow's Legendary Live Music Venue

Discover Glasgow’s iconic live music venue where legends are born and intimate gigs create unforgettable memories.

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King Tut's Wah Wah Hut is an iconic live music venue and bar located on St Vincent Street in Glasgow, Scotland. Established in 1990, it has a rich history of showcasing emerging talent and hosting the first Scottish appearances of legendary bands like Oasis and Radiohead. Known for its intimate atmosphere, the venue holds about 300 standing guests and features a unique 'Riser of Legends' staircase inscribed with names of bands that have played there. It is a cultural hub for rock, indie, and alternative music scenes.

A brief summary to King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

  • 272A St Vincent St, Glasgow, G2 5RL, GB
  • +441418464034
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Arrive early for popular gigs to secure a good spot due to the venue’s intimate size and standing-only layout.
  • Bring earplugs to protect your hearing while enjoying the energetic live music performances.
  • Check the venue’s age restrictions; King Tut’s is strictly over 18 years old for most events.
  • Explore the 'Riser of Legends' on the stairs to see the names of famous bands that have played here.
  • Use public transport or bike hire to reach the venue, as parking can be limited and paid on surrounding streets.
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Getting There

  • Train

    From Glasgow Central railway station, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes on foot to reach King Tut's Wah Wah Hut. The station serves numerous regional and national routes, making it a convenient arrival point. No additional fare is required beyond your train ticket.

  • Subway

    Take the Glasgow Subway to St George's Cross or Cowcaddens stations, both approximately a 10-minute walk from the venue. Subway tickets cost around £1.70 for a single journey, with frequent service throughout the day.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes serve St Vincent Street, including First Bus number 2, stopping directly outside King Tut's. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point. Bus fares typically range from £1.80 to £3.00.

  • Bike Hire

    Nextbike offers bike hire with a docking station near the Ibis Styles Glasgow Central hotel on Waterloo Street, about a 5-minute ride to the venue. This eco-friendly option is ideal for short trips and avoids parking issues.

King Tut's Wah Wah Hut location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

A Storied Birthplace of Musical Legends

King Tut's Wah Wah Hut first opened its doors in February 1990 in the former Saints and Sinners pub on St Vincent Street. Founded by Stuart Clumpas of DF Concerts, the venue was created as a platform to promote new bands at club level, providing daily gigs at reasonable hours in Glasgow’s city centre nightlife. It quickly gained a reputation for nurturing emerging talent and became legendary in 1993 when bands such as Oasis, Radiohead, and The Verve all performed within a two-week span. Oasis’s discovery and signing by Creation Records at King Tut's is a defining moment in music history, cementing the venue’s status as a launchpad for major acts.

Intimate Atmosphere and Unique Features

With a capacity of approximately 300 standing guests, King Tut's offers an intimate and electric atmosphere that draws music lovers close to the stage. One of its most distinctive features is the 'Riser of Legends'—the staircase risers are inscribed with the names of countless bands that have graced the venue, creating a visual timeline of its rich musical heritage. This unique element serves as a constant reminder of the venue’s significant contribution to the music industry and its enduring legacy.

Diverse Programming and Cultural Impact

While primarily a live music venue focusing on rock, indie, and alternative genres, King Tut's has also embraced other forms of entertainment. Since 1999, it has hosted monthly comedy nights featuring prominent Scottish comedians alongside emerging talent. The venue celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2000 with a series of concerts and parties, followed by a refurbishment that enhanced its upstairs bar. It has been recognized multiple times for its excellence, including the Licensed Music Pub of the Year award in 2001.

Location and Accessibility

Situated in central Glasgow on St Vincent Street, King Tut's is easily accessible by public transport. The closest mainline railway station is Glasgow Central, with nearby subway stops at St George's Cross and Cowcaddens. Multiple bus routes serve the area, and bike hire stations are available nearby. The venue has some accessibility limitations, including steps leading into the basement bar and 28 steps to the main venue without lift access, but portable ramps are available for certain areas. It is an over-18s venue, maintaining a mature and focused entertainment environment.

Legacy and Ongoing Relevance

King Tut's continues to be a vital part of Glasgow's cultural fabric and the wider Scottish live music scene. It remains a sought-after stage for new and established artists alike, maintaining its reputation for consistency and dedication to diverse musical styles. The venue has hosted numerous iconic acts over the decades, from Oasis and Radiohead to Florence & The Machine and Biffy Clyro, and it still plays a key role in launching careers. Its intimate setting and storied past make it a must-visit for music fans seeking authentic live experiences.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

Visitors to King Tut’s experience a lively, friendly, and electric environment where music history and contemporary culture blend seamlessly. The venue offers a good selection of drinks, including craft and non-alcoholic beers, in a welcoming bar setting. The close proximity to the stage ensures an immersive concert experience, while the venue’s size fosters a strong sense of community among attendees. The venue’s walls and stairs tell stories of musical evolution, making each visit a journey through decades of live music heritage.

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