Concert cost increases hurting Glasgow's nighttime economy

But Glasgow’s nighttime economy is right there with us suffering from a case of declining footfall. 

It used to be the case that revellers would go to a gig before heading into town to drink or dance with pals. 

But as music lovers are forced to fork out hundreds for a gig ticket these days, they no longer have anything left over to contribute to the city’s club or hospitality sectors. 

In response to the concern, the Glasgow Times has decided to investigate the rise in concert ticket prices and its effect on the nighttime economy in both the West End and the city centre of Glasgow. 

(Image: The Garage (Image: Newsquest))

Donald MacLeod MBE of Cathouse and The Garage – Scotland’s largest nightclub – has said the rise has certainly contributed to less money and footfall coming through Glasgow's clubs. 

He added: "The bigger the artist then the higher the demand which unfortunately means many fans end up paying an absolute fortune for a ticket, way above the initial advertised price. 

“This combined with the cost-of-living crisis means people have less disposable income and once they have forked out for these bigger shows and events, they have less money in their pockets to stay in the town after a show.

“It’s had a negative impact on the nighttime economy.”

(Image: Image: Cathouse)

(Image: Donald MacLeod MBE) But it is not just clubs feeling the pinch, but bars and restaurants also. 

We spoke to several places around the Finnieston area (near Hydro and SECC) and the city centre to find out how they are being affected. 

(Image: Image of Lebowskis, Newsquest)

Lebowski’s, based at 1008 Argyle Street, say they have certainly noticed a difference in footfall when a big event is on in the West End – but only with one particular group. 

The bar and restaurant told the Glasgow Times that those who are 30 years and over come out full force with their money before a concert or event, but those who belong to the younger generation, no longer turn out in the same way they used to. 

A spokesperson added: “The OVO Hydro gigs are our bread and butter. 

“We are one of the last stops on people’s way to the arena and we find that people come in for food and drinks and want to stay until they need to go to their concerts. 

“But we have noticed that less and less young people are coming out before or after a gig, while the footfall of the older generations is unchanged.” 

The Ben Nevis Bar, arguably one of Glasgow’s smallest pubs, shared similar sentiments. 

They said that when it comes to people coming through the door, it is usually not the younger generation these days. 

 (Image: Generic image)

But it is not just West End events that are making a difference for the worse. 

Hillhead Book Club, based on Vinicombe Street (Near Ashton Lane), have said that when there are big events in Glasgow’s city centre they are affected – and unchanged when shows are on the SECC or OVO Hydro. 

A spokesperson for the venue said: “When TRNSMT was on a few weeks ago we weren’t as busy at all, it was actually the opposite. 

“There are lots of factors outside of rising concert tickets, but we do notice a difference when big (and costly) events are on in the city centre.”

However, some places we spoke to felt big events and concerts actually helped their financial influxes. 

(Image: Max's Bar)

Max’s Bar and Cantina on Queen Street said when a big concert is on, business booms. 

For example, when P!NK played Hampden Park this summer or even when Taylor Swift played Edinburgh, Max's saw more footfall and money coming in the doors than any ordinary day. 

It is fair to say that Glasgow nighttime economy is certainly being impacted by the increase in concert ticket prices. 

Whether for good or bad - mostly bad it seems - it is clear that something needs to be done.

The potential loss of Glasgow's bars and clubs would be a devastating blow not only to our city's businesses and originality, but also to our social fabric.