The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Although denounced as an expensive white elephant when it first opened, I'm glad that Glasgow has a venue like the Concert Hall. It's definitely the best large-hall environment for classical music, and it's also pretty good for rock or other amplified concerts too; although it can't compete with the likes of the SECC or the Hydro in staging the larger acts.

I think they sometimes over-stretch themselves when trying to stage large ballet productions and the like, as the stage isn't designed to hold a lot of scenery and they just don't have the technical infrastructure that a normal theatre does, but I have to give them full marks for some of the more innovative shows that they have put on here.

The biggest and best has to be Celtic Connections, which has grown from a small traditional music gathering intended to bring a bit of relief to dark January winter days, to the world's largest traditional music festival, a truly global phenomenon and a real feather in Scotland's (and Glasgow's) cap.

They also use the smaller Strathclyde Suite for smaller shows, events and functions, and often you will find exhibitions or craft fairs taking over the foyers on quiet weekends - the regular Mind, Body & Spirit fairs are popular for example.

The architecture of the building is nothing to write home about and is probably best described as 'functional'. Inside it seems very easy to get lost as there are so many different levels and areas to wander about in. It seems very spacious, but when a full house is trying to exit at the end of a performance, suddenly it feels very cramped.

Good points - the foyer bar is nice and long so it doesn't get too mobbed.
Bad points - There never seems to be enough loos at larger concerts and the interval queues can be lengthy.

Every visit I have made to the halls has been an absolute pleasure. It's designed to perfection and this still holds true to this day. I have seen a lot of shows in here and been to graduations.

Jean Michel Jarre, Clint Mansell and The Eels are the gigs that I remember most here. The sound is phenomenal which also leads to artists recording live albums in this venue. The Eels recorded some of their live tracks for Oh What A Beautiful Morning in this very place.

Jean Michel Jarre used every inch of the stage and had a mirror so you could see everything that was going on from above. Few venues have this feeling of intimacy whilst still having the capacity for a large audience.

My latest trip was for Clint Mansell it couldn't be a better venue to hear every note from his orchestra as they played Lux Aeterna from Requiem For A Dream. I was especially pleased to see a good range of beers including Drygate Bear Face Lager.

Its a great location easy to get to by all modes of transport. If you haven't been I recommend you have a look out for something just to experience this great hall.

I quite enjoy this venue. I've seen King Creosote, Ocean Colour Scene, The Nutcracker and most recently, my guy and I came here to listen to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra play a selection of music written by the great John Williams. I wasn't too fussed about what seats we had since we were only listening to them play, but the seats I did manage to get were actually really amazing.

The acoustics in this place are amazing and I'm sure any seat in the house is a great seat.

The stage was extended out quite a bit to be able to house all of the musicians which was quite a sight to see. We were sat to the side of the stage, and everything sounded so amazing.

There is a cafe here where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat before whatever it is you're here to see, and there is also a little gift shop which has a lot of musical related gifts for purchase.

The toilets are down the stairs from the main hall, and are always bright and clean.

I love it here and will be back for sure.

I was 100% sure I'd already written this review but there you go, I think I have review amnesia. After reading Scott C's review I went back to read what I'd written and *boom* - there was nothing there. Anyway, I'm here now to tell you all about why I think this is a great venue.

Mainly, seating. I love sitting down. Too much, if the news has taught me anything. Sitting down is going to kill me, but now I'm the other side of 30 it's my second favourite position after laying down. We went to see Ben Folds perform here and aside from the fact the gig was exceptional, the seats were comfy, well spaced out and generally amazing. We had good seats too - in the main section along the side, and had a great view.

The rest of the building is worth a visit, even if you're not going to a performance there. It's a great space, well laid out and easy to navigate. This was my first visit, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the upcoming shows now that I know what a great space it is.

I've been to the Royal Concert Hall to see the RSNO, Celtic Connections, the Bootleg Beatles, Eels and last night, Ryan Adams; so it's fair to say I've heard some varied acts!

After last night's AMAZING show I had to write down why I think the Royal Concert Hall is awesome.

First, the building and venue itself. It is the iconic building at the top of Buchanan Street, like some palace of art at the top of one of our most famous streets. It is a pleasure to just be in the concert hall and get in the mood for a show.

Secondly, the interior is spotless and very chilled out for pre-show drinks. Makes for a good atmosphere and it's doubtful you'll come across any steamers pushing past to get to the toilets (also kept in good shape). There is also a cloakroom but it's not usually open during rock/pop gigs but there's plenty room on the chairs to hang your jacket.

And lastly but by no means least, the auditorium, which is just a beautifully constructed space. The acoustics are perfect and I have yet to hear a single sound issue whether it's from a full orchestra going full pelt or a rock band giving it laldy. I've sat in all corners of the place and it's just as good from the rafters as it is down the front!

So, I've seen loads of gigs here over the years and have the same issue with all of them - the acoustics are cack for a purpose built venue. Seriously, give me a gig a the Fruitmarket or City Halls any day!

That aside, we were here a few weeks ago to see the Moscow Ballet kick of xmas with a performance of The Nutcracker.

And kick it off they did! I've only ever seen pre-recorded broadcasts of a ballet and was really looking forward to seeing it live. It was super! Something I'll definitely be doing again.

The Concert Hall, as always is warm and welcoming. And has really comfy seats!

I always find the Glasgow Royal Concert Halls online booking system a bit of a faff. None of my computery type devices like the software required to choose a seat, and while some browsers deal with it better than others I invariably end up ringing the box office and talking to a sympathetic human being about which is the best seat for my meagre budget.

In reality I don't think there's such a thing as a bad seat anywhere in the hall, and the seats and legroom are among the more generous and comfortable I've experienced and my very tall companion is of the same opinion. It can get a little warm in there at first but once the AC has kicked in to cope with the crowd the temperature quickly returns to comfortable. Nice little cafe bar area downstairs for pre show drinkies.

I've seen bands and orchestras here and the acoustics are exceptional for both. Last week I returned to catch a performance of Elgar's Cello Concerto by a very talented young man playing with the RSNO for the bargain sum of just £15. Thats another thing I love about the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, there are always plenty of cheap seats available if you book early. If you see something you fancy on the programme here, go buy a ticket and enjoy the show.

Downside: There are rarely any downsides, but last weeks visit saw the ladies loos in a terrible state a few hours before the show. Maybe the cleaner was off.

I've been here a few times for different events, and it is a really good venue.

I've seen Tori Amos in here, Kevin Smith, Derren Brown, yada yada.

It's a great venue for live music, but also for big prizegivings and other ceremonies like graduation ceremonies.

The staff are vigilent and organised and it's a lovely clean building with loads of space to move around.

A Glasgow landmark.

The concert hall is a pretty good venue located at the top of the Buchanan Street steps. The building and facilities are pretty modern which is a change from the other large theatres I've been to in Glasgow.

We visited for Celtic Connections which was completely sold out. However because the CC crowd have been lobotomised and don't make any noise whatsoever, the atmosphere was pretty stuffy and boring. I would like to see something I little more invigorating in here next time!

Bonus during CC was they had pints of Drygate Festival Ale. The negative to this was that the pints were £4.75 each!

Situated at the top of bustling Buchanan Street, with a large screen displaying adverts, this large venue is striking and the exterior is a renowned spot alone with many people congregrating on the steps to rest or eat their lunch and look down upon the hectic shoppers.

Inside, this venue is host to a number of events such from conferences to various music concerts and its layout is ideal for catering to such a variety. There are a range of different sized-spaces as well as their 2475 seat auditorium.

I've been to several different things here such as a Will Young concert, a psychic fayre and even my brother's graduation. Comfortable, versatile and their programme offers something for everyone.