Wolf Alice’s favourite venue: “A fantastic crowd”
For a band like Wolf Alice, who have grafted over the past decade through every rank of the British music scene, you can guarantee they’ve seen some harrowing sights in their time.
Between shitholes of dressing rooms, dilapidated surroundings, and lacklustre crowds before they built up their real following, it’s the trials and tribulations which every budding artist knows. Not all of them are able to hold out for the delayed gratification of success in the long run, but it’s the mark of those like Wolf Alice who reap the rewards when they do.
But on the massive rise to critical acclaim, this is not to say that there aren’t some sweet spots along the way. Most of all, they arrive when you cross the English border, head to the east end of Glasgow, and enter the heart of the venue with both literal and metaphorical stars in your eyes: the Barrowland Ballroom.
There’s probably not anyone in the world who’s had trouble finding this musical mecca. At the epicentre of the Barras Market, it’s the neon-loaded star of the town, flocking seasoned gig-goers and tourists alike to stand outside and see that sign lit up in all its classic technicolour glory. It’s no wonder Wolf Alice love it so much, because they’re not the only ones.
It’s testament to the allure of the place that despite now having taken the leap up to arenas, the band’s lead singer Ellie Rowsell still holds the Barrowland so close to her heart, for reasons both sentimental and hedonistic. Describing the Barrowland as “One of my favourite independent venues in the world,” Rowsell defined the place through the fact “There is a real romanticism that you don’t find in many places these days.”
The frontwoman added: “I love everything about it; the flashing neon sign, the sprung wooden floors, the carpeted dressing room that looks like your grandad’s favourite boozer.” But more than just an aesthetic allure, it’s the spirit of the place that really captures the imagination. After all, what’s a pretty venue without any people in it?
“We’ve played here a lot and it always draws a fantastic crowd; Scottish people know how to enjoy live music,” she asserted. “If you’re ever in Glasgow, I’d recommend going to a show to soak up the atmosphere and drink a few pints of Tennent’s.” With the brewery of that very same beer practically only round the corner, you know you’re getting the freshest imports, too.
Whether it’s the sprung floors or the beer that makes the place jump, there’s no denying that the Barrowland Ballroom possesses a special enthral that will pique the interest of even the biggest artists, who suddenly wish they could huddle themselves down to the size of a 1,900 capacity venue again.
But therein also lies the lesson in appreciating what you have while it’s right in front of you. Many are only ever looking forward to the next goal, whether it’s arenas or stadiums or world domination. But when you find yourself in Glasgow, all it takes is a small crowd, a star ceiling, and one very special neon sign to have you questioning everything you ever thought you wanted.
