The drummer of one of the UK’s most exciting indie/pop-rock bands has said Glasgow is one of their favourite places to play. 

Ciara Doran of Pale Waves told the Glasgow Times that playing in the city feels like one big party. 

“Glasgow is honestly one of my favourite places to play. It’s just unhinged,” they said. 

They continued: “People just let go – alcohol might have a bit to do with that – but also, I’m drinking on stage so I’m part of it. 

“It’s just a big party in Glasgow. 

“There are people on shoulders and people shouting, ‘Here we f***ing go’.”

(Image: Image by Kelsi Luck) The band – which also consists of Heather Baron-Gracie (lead vocals and guitar), Charlie Wood (bass and keys) and Hugo Silvani (guitar and keys) – rose to fame in 2017 with their debut hit single, There’s a Honey and have gone on to support the likes of The 1975 and Muse.

As the group gears up for their sold-out show at SWG3 on October 13, Ciara said there’s one particular reason why the gig will be extra special. 

Ciara explained: "Playing our new song called Glasgow will be amazing, especially mixed with a Glasgow crowd and given how patriotic you guys are. It will be a great moment."

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The song comes off the Manchester group’s new album, Smitten, and is an homage to the city, and Heather’s family. 

Ciara explained: “Heather is very excited to play the song live in the city as she’s half Scottish – her dad is from Glasgow.”

As we joked that SWG3 will probably erupt when the tune starts, Ciara said: “I hope so, I hope the roof comes off.” 

(Image: Left to right: Hugo, Heather, Ciara and Charlie. Image by Kelsi Luck.) The album - due to be released on September 27 - is the group’s fourth studio record and seems to re-adopt Pale Waves' debut sound which was heavily influenced by the 1980s. 

Inspired at the time by the likes of The Cure, The Cranberries and Cocteau Twins, Smitten has certainly gone back to Pale Waves’ roots after their second and third albums, Who Am I? and Unwanted, experimented with a more 2000s rock sound. 

“We experimented a little with the last couple of albums but getting back to your roots is normally where some magic happens,” Ciara said. 

They added: “We’re going back to what Pale Waves is all about which is those eighties influences.

“We’re feeling confident about the album, I suppose you have to feel confident about these things. We're excited." 

(Image: Image of Heather at TRNSMT 2023. Picture taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

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One of the last times the group played in the city was at TRNSMT Festival back in 2023. 

During the performance, Heather was not shy about declaring her love of Scotland and women.  

She told the Glasgow Green crowd: “One thing about Pale Waves is that we're really gay. 

"I f***ing love women, how could you not?" 

(Image: Image by Kelsi Luck)

Speaking about the moment, Ciara explained why it is so important for the band to speak out about sexuality and identity at their shows. 

“It’s very important for me to be someone that people find comfort in,” Ciara said. 

They added: “Fans coming up to us and talking about being queer or transgender definitely strikes a chord in me because that’s why we do what we do and why we are so open about it.

“We want to show the younger generation that being yourself is the best path to go down, instead of burying feelings or feeling ashamed about who you are.” 

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You can find Pale Waves' website HERE