Oxjam in Glasgow: 102 bands in two nights

[Yahweh. Photograph by Andrea Heins]

The sheer scale of Glasgow’s Oxjam Takeover is a daunting proposition. With over 100 bands playing a slew of venues across city in just 48 hours, the co-ordination required to maximise this two-day aural extravaganza will rival that of an Olympic standard synchronised swimming troupe.

Of course, in these capitalist climes where value for money is the whole enchilada, Oxjam’s west coast roster of tune-chugging rapscallions is the musical equivalent of a five fingered discount at Harrods - thrilling fun, with the added knowledge that you’re benefiting a greater good by not lining the pockets of an intolerably rich buffoon.

Mhairi Love, Glasgow volunteer Oxjam Regional Manager, says of the two day shindig: “In Glasgow we are spoiled for choice when it comes to music. It’s fantastic to be able to use the talent of local musicians to help raise so much money to fight poverty, and put on a great show at the same time. I’m really excited about our multi venue event. We have a great line up ranging from local talent to living legends.”

She’s not wrong. The parts that make up Glasgow Oxjam’s whole gleam with musical brilliance. A number of UtR favourites decorate this glittering roll call, including The Seventeenth Century, Barn Owl and the always exceptional Yaweh.

But really, Oxjam is not about the bands, the venues or, indeed, the price. No folks, [Ruffles up hair and puts on best Bob Geldof-at-his-most-stoic tone] this is about music and people uniting to make a difference in a world that can be achingly unjust. And, for this reason alone, you need to be there.

Words: Billy Hamilton

Oxjam Glasgow takes place this Saturday (24th) and Sunday (25th). Tickets are £8 and are available here.

The current line-up (subject to change) is as follows:

SATURDAY 24 OCT
2pm-12am
Venues 1-8

1. 13th Note (Acoustic Riot Stage) 3pm-11.30pm
Dave Hughes and the Renegade Folk Punk Band
Roscoe Vacant
El Bastardos
Judith Harron
Jimmy Richards
Billy Liar
Roberto Cassani
The Moth and the Mirror
Shambles Miller

2. Metropolitan 3pm-6pm
Martin John Henry (De Rosa)
Mike Nisbet
Jamie Keenan
Ben Chaddock

3.ABC - Polar Bar 3pm-6pm
Brother Louis Collective
John B McKenna
Full House
Mike and Solveig

4.Panoptican 6pm-8.30pm
Johnny Jack
Paul McGranaghan
Pure Brass
Compere TBC

5.Blackfriars 6pm-10pm
The Xcerts
Cuba Cuba
The LaFontaines
Atlas Skye
The Marder
Young States

6.The V Club 6pm-12.00am
My Cousin I Bid You Farewell
Esperanza
Lions.Chase.Tigers
Young States
Maple Leaves
Odeon Beat Club
Glider
Hidden Masters

7.The Vale 7pm-11.30pm
Vendor Defender
Homework
Ben TD
Gong Fei
The Reveres
Endor

8. Sloans (The Skinny Stage) 7pm-12am
Strike the Colours
Zoey Van Goey
The Low Miffs
Yahweh
Le Reno Amps
The Seventeenth Century

SUNDAY 25th OCT
2pm-3am
Venues 9-15

9.Brunswick Hotel Penthouse Suite
Emma Curran
Andrea Marini
Kristina Cox
Jamie Marshall
David Bova
Mark McCabe

10.Pivo Pivo 2pm-11.30
Tango in the Attic
The Deals
Schnapps
The Dull Fudds
Big Ned
Bwani Junction
Wilson Tan
Eddy and the T Bolts
The Black Delorean
The 123s
Three Blind Wolves
The Deneros
The Cellophanes

11.The Admiral 6pm-3am
Trapped in Kansas
Yoshi
The Social Services
Haight Ashbury
The Apologists
Alex Wayt
The French Wives
Castaway

12. Capitol 6pm-12am
Tempercalm
Nacional
Ming Ming and the Ching Chings
Call Me Ishmael
Barn Owl
Maple Leaves
Boycotts
Casino Brag
Man at the Window

13. McChuills 5.00pm-10.30pm
Nine Circles
My Actions Your Exit
Little Eskimos
Reginald
Bad Day?
Albino Monk
Fanzine Hero
The Dirt

14.Mono 6pm-12am
Attic Lights
El Dog
United Fruit
The Mode
Foxgang
The Meatmen
Man at the Window

15.Basuro Blanco(Brunswick Hotel basement) till 2am
Lowreck
Jan Cree
Gareth Whitehead
My Evil Twin
Chris Coulston