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Stairs in King Tuts

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The legend of king tut's wah wah hut

Since its inception in 1990, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut has been at the forefront of the Scottish live music scene and continues to be one of the most celebrated venues in the world.

King Tut’s is an exciting showcase for new and emerging bands and is the venue that supported some of the music industry's biggest names at the start of their careers: from Oasis (who were famously signed by Alan McGee at the venue in 1993) to Radiohead, The Killers, Juliette Lewis, Pulp, My Chemical Romance, Florence & The Machine, Biffy Clyro, Manic Street Preachers, Snow Patrol, Frightened Rabbit and Paolo Nutini plus many, many, more.

  1. 1990
  2. 1991
  3. 1992/3
  4. 1994
  5. 1995
  6. 1996
  7. 1997
  8. 1998
  9. 1999
  10. 2000
  11. 2001
  12. 2002
  13. 2003
  14. 2004
  15. 2005
  16. 2006
  17. 2007
  18. 2008
  19. 2009
  20. 2010
  21. 2011
  22. 2012
  23. 2013
  24. 2014
  25. 2015
  26. 2016
  27. 2017
  28. 2018
  29. 2019
  30. 2020
  31. 2021
  32. 2022
  33. 2023

BLUR

London-band Blur headed to Tut’s in July 1990, having never even released a single or played in Scotland before. There were around 40 people in the crowd who witnessed their debut that night. Fast forward to one year later and their single ‘There’s No Other Way’ ended up in the top 10 and Tut’s had to turn people away from the door at their gig.

MANIC STREET PREACHERS, BLUR, SUEDE, THE CHARLATANS

Formed in Blackwood, Wales during the late 80s, the Manic Street Preachers made their Scottish debut at Tut’s in 1991 and then went on to headline T in The Park in 1999. The group never forgot the hospitality they received at their Tut’s show, mainly the mushroom soup. When they headlined T in the Park eight years later, they gave a special mention to Tut’s, “the first venue to treat us properly and give us hot food on tour”.

Blur, Suede and The Charlatans also played this year.

OASIS, THE VERVE, PULP, MERCURY REV, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, RADIOHEAD

Back in ’93, a group of lads from Manchester known as ‘Oasis’ turned up to King Tut’s and demanded to be added to the bill for the gig that night. They took to the stage, performed four songs to a small crowd, and unbeknownst to them, legendary independent label boss Alan McGee was in the crowd.  After signing to McGee’s label, Creation Records, Oasis became one of the biggest and most influential bands in the world. On the same flyer that month were The Verve and Radiohead.

TRAVIS, ELASTICA, SHED SEVEN, BECK, ASH, GENE, ECHOBELLY, TOM ROBINSON

Four art school students formed ‘Travis’ in Glasgow back in 1994, before this they were known as ‘Glass Onion’ and as Travis, they became one of the most prominent British rock bands in the mid- to late '90s.  They first performed at King Tut’s in 1994 and then headlined T in the Park 6 years later - the same year they won a BRIT award. That year we also had Elastica, Shed Seven and Echobelly.

SKUNK ANANSIE, MIDGE URE, THE BLUETONES, CAST, THE PRESIDENTS OF THE USA

In 1995, Skunk Anansie played in Tut’s - the same year the band were voted Best New British Band by the readers of Kerrang! Magazine – and went on to headline Glastonbury festival two years later. Throughout the 90’s the band toured extensively with band such as U2, Aerosmith, Feeder, Lenny Kravitz, Killing Joke, Bad Religion and Muse. Also this year, Midge Ure, The Bluetones, Cast & The Presidents of the USA all played King Tut’s.

SPARKLEHORSE, CATATONIA, THE DIVINE COMEDY, PLACEBO, SUPER FURRY ANIMALS

The Divine Comedy achieved their greatest commercial success in the years 1996–99, and performed on the Tut’s stage in 1996. They went on to provide the iconic theme for TV series ‘Father Ted’ as well as working on the ‘The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy’ soundtrack, ‘Doctor Who’ and contributing to the music for ‘God Help the Girl’.  Sparklehorse made their debut this year and have since sold out every show. Catalonia, Placebo and Super Furry Animals all played this year.

NO DOUBT, THE ROOTS, EELS, ALABAMA 3

Gracing our stage in 1997, all from way from the USA, was No Doubt, a new wave/ska band with Gwen Stefani's strong vocals. Most people will know them for their hit single ‘Don’t Speak’ which set a record when it spent 16 weeks at the number one spot in the US.  Alabama 3 also played this year, a band who love to return to King Tut’s. This year also saw Roots and EELS on the bill.

SNOW PATROL, GOMEZ, WHITESNAKE, EMBRACE, AVERAGE WHITE BAND

Formed whilst studying at the University of Dundee, Snow Patrol moved to Glasgow in ’98 and made their Tut’s debut on the same year. With huge hits and festival anthems such as ’Chasing Cars’, ‘Run’ and ‘Open Your Eyes’, they played T in the Park the following year and then went on to headline the festival numerous years later, most recently in 2012. Gomez, Whitesnake, Embrace and Average White Band also played on this year.

BIFFY CLYRO, COLDPLAY, DOVES, JOE STRUMMER, THE SUGARHILL GANG

Biffy Clyro made their Tut’s debut in 1999 and have always had an affinity with the venue. Having continued to play here after the heights of superstardom they booked out Tut’s in 2005 for 4 nights to dedicate one night to each of their albums. Coldplay also made their debut this year just before the release of their awesome debut album Parachutes.

Doves, Joe Strummer, and The Sugarhill Gang also played in ’99.

MUSE, KIRSTY MACCOLL, MICHELLE SHOCKED, THE CHAMELEONS

Muse made their headline debut in 2000. With a career spanning over 20 years, Muse have become something of a Rock institution. Now renowned for their theatrical shows complete with pyrotechnics, their 2000 show in King Tut’s was more subdued, relying on Bellamy and Co’s trademark flair and showmanship to entertain the crowd.

Kirsty MacColl, Michelle Shocked, The Chameleons also played this year.

ELBOW, FRANK BLACK, AFI, THE STROKES, THE HIVES, ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT

The Strokes, American rock band from New York formed in 1998 and rose to fame in the early 2000s as a leading group in garage rock/post-punk revival. They played King Tut’s in 2001 and went on to influence many other bands who have graced the Tut’s stage since their debut in 2001, such as The Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines, Franz Ferdinand, Editors, The Fratellis, Razorlight, Catfish and The Bottlemen, and many more.

Elbow, Frank Black, AFI, The Hives, Rocket from the Crypt also played this year.

NATALIE IMBRUGLIA, INTERPOL, THE DARKNESS, LOVE WITH ARTHUR LEE

Post-punk revivalists, Interpol played King Tut’s in 2002. The group were well known for having a striking visual presence marked by the members' fondness for suits, which only strengthened their stately, British-influenced appeal. Natalie Imbruglia, best known for her hit “Torn” also made her debut this year.

Also this year: The Darkness and Love with Arthur Lee.

DAMIEN RICE, JET, JASON MRAZ, KEANE, THE LIBERTINES, THE WANNADIES, THE KILLS

Pete Doherty and Carl Barât invited the audience to take to the stage with them when The Libertines played the venue in 2003 – a memorable gig for all involved. Pete Doherty has played at Tut’s since 2003 and most recently played in 2019 with his new band as ‘Pete Doherty & The Puta Madres’. A Tut’s record was broken in 2003 with Razorlight supporting 3 different bands in the space of two weeks!

Also played this year: Keane, Jet, Jason Mraz, Keane, The Wannadies, The Kills

KASABIAN, THE KILLERS, PAOLO NUTINI, RAZORLIGHT, BLOC PARTY, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE

Paolo Nutini, a Scottish native soul singer, with Italian roots made his Tut’s debut at age 17. He signed a deal with Atlantic Records just weeks after his 18th birthday and went on to release his first single ‘Last Request’ from his debut album ‘These Streets’ in 2006. Paolo has said he’d much rather perform multiple nights at King Tut’s than play at a massive venue and has always returned to the venue over the years.

Also played this year: Kasabian, The Killers, Razorlight, Bloc Party, My Chemical Romance

EDITORS, STEREOPHONICS, KT TUNSTALL, SIMPLE MINDS, ARCTIC MONKEYS, TEXAS

Welsh band Stereophonics’ stopped off at Tut’s in 2005 whilst promoting their well-known album “Language. Sex. Violence. Other?”. They later returned to the venue in 2017 with their tenth album, “Scream Above the Sounds”. Scottish band Texas headlined in July 2005, including hits “Inner Smile” and “Say What You Want” on the setlist that night. Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall played Tut’s this year which was the same year her album “Eye To the Telescope” was released that featured hit “Suddenly I See.”

Also played this year: Editors, Simple Minds, Arctic Monkeys

PRIMAL SCREAM, THE FRATELLIS, WOLFMOTHER, JAMES MORRISON, HOT CHIP, THE KOOKS, THE VIEW

Glasgow natives, The Fratellis, were found by lead singer John Lawler, better known as Jon Fratelli, alongside bandmates Barry and Mince Fratelli. The band released their first EP in early 2006 before releasing their debut album later that year, which featured “Chelsea Dagger” – a track which has been featured in many movies and has been adopted by many sports teams.

GLASVEGAS, THE ENEMY, AMY MACDONALD, JACK PENATE, CALVIN HARRIS, NEWTON FAULKNER, OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

Born in Bishopbriggs, Amy Macdonald got her chance to shine after her debut album, “This is the Life” reached number 1 on the UK album charts. She returned to King Tut’s in 2018 with a special gig for the Sunday Mail’s ‘7 Nights Sessions’, raising money for Nordoff Robbins. Also this year, superstar DJ and producer, Calvin Harris headlined two shows prior to the release of his debut album, “I Created Disco”. With 10 UK number ones, Calvin Harris remains one of the top names in modern music.

Also played this year: Glasvegas, The Enemy, Jack Penate, Newton Faulkner, Ocean Colour Scene.

FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE, THE TING TINGS, WHITE LIES, THE SCRIPT, FRIENDLY FIRES, YOU ME AT SIX, DUFFY

After releasing their debut single “Kiss With A Fist”, South London’s Florence + the Machine played King Tut’s in 2008 and is now best known for hits such as “You Got The Love”, “Dog Days Are Over” and “Shake It Out”. Irish pop-band The Script also played Tut’s this year; the same year they released their number 1 album that featured hits such as “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Breakeven”. 

Also played this year: The Ting Tings, White Lies, You Me at Six, Duffy

PAOLO NUTINI, MANIC STREET PREACHERS, ELLIE GOULDING, EVERYTHING EVERYTHING, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, DARWIN DEEZ

In 2010, Ellie Goulding played King Tut’s as part of her first headline tour and had the crowd singing along from the very first song. Electro-pop rock band Two Door Cinema Club joined the long list of acts to play King Tut’s after the launch of their debut album ‘Tourist History’. Also played this year: Paolo Nutini, Manic Street Preachers, Everything Everything, Darwin Deez, Lights, The Joy Formidable.

TRIBES, THE VIEW, MILES KANE, BEN HOWARD, BIG COUNTRY, METRONOMY, RIVAL SONS

Scottish band, The View made their King Tut’s debut in 2011 and returned in 2017 to celebrate 10 years since the release of their debut album, selling out 6 nights in less than 20 minutes which is a record here at Tut’s. They hand-picked local bands to warm up for them for each of the shows.

Also played this year: Tribes, Miles Kane, Ben Howard, Big Country, Metronomy, Rival Sons.

ALABAMA SHAKES, JAKE BUGG, PALMA VIOLETS, GABRIELLE APLIN, THE 1975, TWIN ATLANTIC

With two albums already under their belt at the time, Twin Atlantic debuted at King Tut’s in 2012 after releasing their second album “Free” a year prior. Throughout their career Twin Atlantic have supported Biffy Clyro, the Smashing Pumpkins, Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance. Indie-pop band The 1975 made their King Tut’s debut in December 2012 and then went on to sell out their second Tut’s show in 2013.

Also played this year: Alabama Shakes, Jake Bugg, Palma Violets, Gabrielle Aplin

DISCLOSURE, THE 1975, TOM ODELL, THE TWILIGHT SAD, CLEAN BANDIT, KODALINE, BOY GEORGE, NINA NESBITT

The iconic Boy George, once a member of Culture Club, played King Tut’s in 2013 as part of his ‘This Is What I Do’ 70’s inspired album tour. Scottish band, The Twilight Sad played in 2013 and have played many times since.

Also played this year: The 1975, Tom Odell, Clean Bandit, Kodaline, Nina Nesbit, Disclosure

HOZIER, GEORGE EZRA, WOLF ALICE, PRIDES, BENJAMIN BOOKER, SAINT RAYMOND, PAOLO NUTINI, BIFFY CLYRO, FOXES

English-hit maker George Ezra made his Tut’s debut in 2014. “Budapest” was his first attempt at writing a love song and was based on when he missed a train to Budapest due to being hungover. in 2019 he played the SSE Hydro and has been announced as TRNSMT 2019 headliner. Also this year, Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro returned to play a special acoustic set - a band who regularly sell out arenas worldwide and still enjoy playing Tut’s.

Also played this year: Hozier, Wolf Alice, Prides, Benjamin Booker, Saint Raymond, Saint Raymond, Paolo Nutini, Foxes, Gerry Cinnamon.

Courteeners, Fatherson, Blossoms, Years & Years, Leon Bridges, Jack Garratt, Rat Boy

Manchester indie rock quartet, Courteeners made their debut in 2015 playing their hits including ‘Not Nineteen Forever’, ‘Bide Your Time’ and ‘Are You in Love with A Notion.’

Also played this year: Fatherson, Blossoms, Years & Years, Leon Bridges, Jack Garratt, Rat Boy

Rag N Bone, Izzy Bizu, The Japanese House, Sundara Karma, The Hunna, The Bronx, Loyle Carner

Rag N Bone Man first played Tut’s in November 2016 as part of his UK tour with Tom Odell. His hit “Human” had just been released and was gaining momentum at the time of his debut. 

Lewis Capaldi, Pale Waves, Jorja Smith, The Cribs, Tom Walker, The Amazons, Declan McKenna, Liam Gallagher

Scottish superstar, Lewis Capaldi made his King Tut’s debut at King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution Festival in January 2017. From humble beginnings playing in pubs in 2017, Capaldi went on to sell out a UK & Ireland Arena tour sold out in seconds in 2019, all before the release of his debut album.

Also played this year: Pale Waves, Jorja Smith, The Cribs, Tom Walker, The Amazons, Declan McKenna, Liam Gallagher.

The Killers, Jade Bird, Sam Fender, Mahalia, The Magic Gang, The Blinders, Snow Patrol

14 years after their debut at King Tut’s, The Killers headlined TRNSMT festival in Glasgow playing to a crowd of 50,000 people. Just one hour after they came off stage at the festival, they returned to King Tut’s to play to an intimate crowd of 300 diehard fans. They recently told the BBC that they consider King Tut’s to be a place that is “dear to their hearts”.

Also played this year: Jade Bird, Sam Fender, Mahalia, The Magic Gang, The Blinders, Snow Patrol.

Fontaines D.C., Inhaler, The Murder Capital, Joesef, Dylan John Thomas, Sports Team, Beabadoobee, Easy Life

Fontaines D.C., an Irish rock band, delivered an intoxicating performance at King Tut's in 2019. This unforgettable performance took place shortly after the highly anticipated release of their debut album, titled ‘Dogrel’. The combination of their powerful lyrics, infectious melodies and electrifying stage presence left a lasting impression on everyone at the show. 

Also played this year: Inhaler, The Murder Capital, Joesef, Dylan John Thomas, Sports Team, Beabadoobee, Easy Life.

The Snuts, Arlo Parks, The Staves, Lucia & The Best Boys, The Lathums

The Snuts released their highly anticipated Mixtape EP and also performed two sell out shows at King Tut's. They also held a special signing event for their fans, making it a memorable experience.

Also played this year: Arlo Parks, The Staves, Lucia & The Best Boys, The Lathums

Fred Again.., Holly Humberstone, KSI, Pip Millett, Billie Marten, Tide Lines, Brooke Combe, Luke La Volpe, Griff

Fred again.. performed at King Tut's in 2021, showcasing his trademark sound that he aptly describes as 'Actual Life.’ Drawing inspiration from vocals sourced from unlikely places such as obscure YouTube clips, personal FaceTime conversations, random Instagram accounts, and iPhone videos, Fred created a unique musical experience at King Tut’s.

Also played this year: Holly Humberstone, KSI, Pip Millett, Billie Marten, Tide Lines, Brooke Combe, Luke La Volpe, Griff

CMAT, Blossoms, Black Country, New Road, Hamish Hawk, Saint PHNX, Jamie Webster, NewDad, Baby Queen, Sam Gellaitry

CMAT gave an amazing performance at King Tut's in March 2022. After announcing her first album, 'If My Wife New I'd Be Dead', the Irish country-pop singer Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson entertained the audience with her funny and sincere songs about love and life's unexpected turns. 

Also played this year: Blossoms, Black Country, New Road, Hamish Hawk, Saint PHNX, Jamie Webster, NewDad, Baby Queen, Sam Gellaitry

The Mary Wallopers, Admiral Fallow, Wunderhorse, Jalen Ngonda, Biig Piig, Nia Archives, Katie Gregson-Macleod, Oliva Dean

The Mary Wallopers performed at King Tut's after their amazing set at TRNSMT Festival in 2023. The crowd in Glasgow was captivated by every moment of the gig as the band played their traditional Irish music with a raw and unapologetic style. Their performance was extraordinary and unforgettable.

Also played this year: Admiral Fallow, Wunderhorse, Jalen Ngonda, Biig Piig, Nia Archives, Katie Gregson-Macleod, Oliva Dean