SESH

McChuills Music Bar, situated in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland, is a celebrated venue that has firmly entrenched itself in the city’s vibrant live music and nightlife scene. Opened in the early 1990s, McChuills has maintained its original location on High Street, near Glasgow’s Merchant City district. The bar’s roots trace back to a time when Glasgow was experiencing a resurgence in live music and independent venues, and McChuills quickly earned a reputation as a welcoming home for both up-and-coming and established artists.

Uniquely decorated with football memorabilia, retro posters, and vintage signage, the venue exudes an atmosphere of authenticity and warmth that has helped cultivate a loyal local following. Over the decades, McChuills has not only been a destination for music lovers but also a cultural landmark, serving as a meeting point for creatives, football fans, and musicians alike. The venue is known for championing a wide range of genres, from indie rock and punk to reggae, soul, and electronic music.

Despite periodic refurbishments that refreshed its interior and stage setup, McChuills has largely retained its original structure and spirit, and it remains a rare example of a classic, independently owned music bar in a city where many venues have succumbed to redevelopment or gentrification. Its significance is underscored by its role during Glasgow’s cultural high points, with many local acts crediting McChuills for giving them a vital stage in their early careers, and the bar’s late-night club nights and all-day festival events have become iconic in their own right. Notable artists who have performed at McChuills over the years include international names such as The Skatalites, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and members of The Specials, as well as Scottish icons like Belle and Sebastian, Mogwai, The Fratellis, and Primal Scream.

Local favorites and emerging acts, including The Ninth Wave, Baby Strange, and The Snuts, have also graced its stage, alongside regular appearances from hometown DJs and live collectives such as Optimo and Craig Charles.