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The Backline Newsletter - Issue 1
Allan Watson
May 22, 2025
Date: Thursday, 23rd May 2025
Welcome to the first issue of The Backline Newsletter
Your all access pass to the real Scottish music scene. Each week, we cut through the noise to bring you the bands worth shouting about, the gigs you need to be at, the gear that actually matters, and raw stories straight from rehearsal rooms across the country.
This isn’t industry fluff. It’s built for musicians, fans, and anyone who knows live music is where the magic happens. As we grow, we’ll be diving deeper interviewing the artists, promoters, and venues shaping the sound of Scotland. Get in now this is where it starts.
In this week’s issue:
A Q&A with punk/ska outfit The Guillotines
Gig Pick of the Week
A few more essential Scottish gigs in Best of the Rest
The gear we’re loving right now
One rehearsal room moment you can’t make up
Spotlight Q&A: The Guillotines
1. Who’s in the band, and what do they play?
John – Vocals/Guitar
Stevie Oi – Vocals/Bass
Davie Snakes – Trumpet/Trombone/Vocals
Andy – Drums/Vocals
Will – Lead Guitar
2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Punk/ska
3. What was your first gig as a band?
Bannermans, Edinburgh – August 19th with The Cundeez and Buzzbomb.
4. Biggest show so far—and how did it feel?
Opening for The Selecter at QMU, Crass at the 100 Club, and a packed Arena Stage at Rebellion. All unreal for different reasons, but the QMU gig felt closest to being treated like rock stars.
5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Bloc+ in Glasgow. Great staff and always looks after bands.
6. If someone’s never heard of you—what song should they start with?
Time’s Up from our third album Antagonistic.
7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
Rancid.
8. Sketchiest venue so far?
None yet—but give it time!
9. What do you argue about most in group chats?
Video production.
10. Brutal advice for new bands?
Gig as much as you can—but know your worth.
Check out The Guillotines on Facebook or Bandcamp using the links above.
Or better still go see em this week:
22nd May – Slay, Glasgow (supporting The Aquabats)
23rd May – The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen (supporting The Selecter)
24th May – Main Stage, Sleazy Live, Morecambe
Gig Pick of the Week
Sunday (1994) – 27th May – King Tut’s, Glasgow
Gritty, heart-on-sleeve cinematic indie rock with a ‘90s soul, Sunday (1994) will be at King Tut’s with the kind of intensity that leaves a mark.
Unfortunately this gig is sold out. If you are one of the lucky ones drop us a line and let us know how great it was. (We did find some tickets on a resale site but out of principal declined to pay £29 for a £12 ticket. Disgusting!)
Best of the Rest
Jagged Baptist Club - 23rd May, SWG3 (Poetry Club), Glasgow
Post-punk chaos from LA bring their “Part Quasi Religious Experience, Part fitness class” show to the smallest of the SWG3 venues (A Backline favourite)
Wet Leg - 27th May, Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Isle of White Indie-Rock Grammy Winners on a runaway hype train take to the big stage.
Finn Foxell- 28th May, The Garage (Attic Bar), Glasgow
Genre-hopping raw and honest blend of rap, alt-rock and soul.
Gear We're Loving This Week
Zildjian 21" Sweet Ride
Hands down the most versatile ride I have ever played - Whether you're crashing, riding, or just need something buttery under the sticks it’s got you. Country, Jazz or rock it cuts through and you can hear the sticking. Yes it’s expensive but it's a multi year investment and definitely worth saving up for.
- Allan (Backline)
From the Rehearsal Room
“Went for an audition with a new band at Pirate Studios. Midway through the first song, I was laying into the floor tom when one of the legs gave way and it collapsed straight to the floor. I finished the song playing fills on the high tom like nothing happened... didn’t get the gig.”
Sometimes it’s not the drumming, it’s the hardware. (I’ll keep telling myself that)
- Anonymous (for now)
Get Involved
Got something for us?
We want to hear from you. If you’ve got a gear recommendation, a rehearsal room mishap, or an idea you think belongs in The Backline, drop us a line at [email protected]. We’re building this with the scene for the scene.
In a band?
We run a weekly Q&A to showcase local talent—and we want to hear your story. If you’re making noise and want to be featured, reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll get the ball rolling.
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