Despite the Scotland music scene being dominated by Glasgow, Edinburgh's scene has been rising considerably over the last few years producing many new acts along with old favourites such as Idlewild. There are many local bands touring round the Edinburgh pubs and clubs, and seeing as Glasgow is so close, a lot of Glasgow bands come through as well to strut their stuff on stage. For bigger bands on the other hand, if they don't play Glasgow, then be sure they will play Edinburgh, if not both! The main Edinburgh venue for large touring bands has to be the Corn Exchange and has played host to many famous acts such as Oasis, Radiohead, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake.

Live Events and Tickets

For probably the best list of all major and upcoming local artists playing in Edinburgh as well as Glasgow check out Tickets Scotland who are also located on Rose Street opposite the Kennelworth Pub where you can buy tickets.

If Tickets Scotland don't have the tickets you want you can try Ticket Master.

Music Venues

The Corn Exchange

The main and biggest venue for bands to play in Edinburgh. If they are big, then they will play here. Bands such as Oasis, Stereophonics and Radiohead have played here to a packed crowd of up to 3,000 people. To get there, simply follow Dalry Road from the west end of Princes St, onto Gorgie Road and keep walking till you see it on your left. It is 2 miles away so if you don't feel like walking, pick up a taxi from Princes St.

Liquid Rooms

The Liquid Rooms is a great venue to see some bands that aren't as big as the Corn Exchange ones, but equally as talented! A lot of the bigger bands have played here before going on to conquer the world, for example Scottish heroes Franz Ferdinand. This venue is fairly small but that helps to build the atmosphere. The stage is fairly high for such a small venue and with it being so thin to accommodate audience space, you get the full force of the musician's amps on stage depending on which musician you choose to stand in front of. This can mean that some things are louder than they should be. So my advice, if you are as enthusiastic about sound as I am, is to stand right in the middle. If not however, then you will still enjoy a great venue with great acts! Located just off the Grass Market on the Victoria Street.

Cabaret Voltaire

Cabaret Voltaire can be found amongst the dark caverns that lie beneath Edinburgh in the Cowgate area of the city. It is a two-roomed venue hosting club nights playing dance and house music but also puts on many live acts - mainly smaller local bands as well as a few of the slightly bigger touring bands. The Cabaret Voltaire can be found on Blair Street off Cowgate, just before the main Cowgate and Southbridge roads meet.

The Venue

Another popular venue in Edinburgh for touring bands. Plays host to such bands as Hell is for Heroes and Dinosaur Jn - for example!

Bongo Club

The Bongo Club is normally a cafe and exhibition centre during the day, but at night, it turns into a venue for club music, theatre and most importantly - Live Music! The club is into it's underground scene featuring many artists both local and international expressing themselves through film, theatre and music. Not your average nightclub. Located near the end of Holyrood Road behind the Canongate.

Studio 24

Very much an "alternative" venue, Studio 24 showcases many bands locally as well as nationally. Can be found on Calton Road a few minutes from Waverley Train Station.

Usher Hall

For almost a century, the Usher Hall has hosted many top-of-the-range acts in music and theatre. Such acts include Ella Fitzgerald and the Rolling Stones to the more modern Beck. The hall also plays host to many international touring orchestras as well as being the heart of the Edinburgh Festival. Located on Lothian Road behind Edinburgh Castle.