Nearly 150,000 fans enjoy over 30 acts at the epic Summer Sessions in Edinburgh and Glasgow!

World-class artists including The Cure, Foo Fighters, Florence + the Machine, The 1975, Lewis Capaldi and The Snuts ensured this year's Summer Sessions was the best one yet!

Article Source: Summer Sessions
Last Updated: 28 August 2019 13:01

This year’s Summer Sessions Festival series in both Edinburgh and Glasgow brought together nearly 150,000 music lovers, over 30 acts and 40 hours of music, with some of the most iconic names in music including The Cure and Foo Fighters plus hot acts of the moment Lewis Capaldi, The Snuts and the revolutionary The 1975 who brought a politically-charged and important sense of occasion to their closing show in Glasgow last night.

With the Glasgow Summer Sessions series wrapping up its seventh year and Edinburgh closing out its second, we take a look back at the incredible gig series that was Summer Sessions 2019!

Glasgow Summer Sessions Festival featured one of the most legendary line-ups to date, entering its seventh year in style this summer. Two sold-out shows across two consecutive dates got the Glasgow series underway; The Cure who brought with them Mogwai, The Twilight Sad and The Joy Formidable plus Foo Fighters who delivered a truly iconic headline set following a packed bill including Slaves, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, The Van T’s and Hot Milk.

Starting off Summer Sessions in style, The Cure made their epic return to Scotland after a 27 year absence from the country’s live scene and with a career now spanning nearly five decades and 13 albums, their eagerly anticipated return proved well worth the wait. The iconic band delivered an astonishing set that went down a storm with the Glasgow crowd, playing one glorious hit after another and delving effortlessly into one of the most iconic and influential back catalogues in musical history, by treating fans to classic hits like ‘Friday I’m In Love’, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and ‘Close To Me’. It was an unforgettable night from one of the world’s most influential rock bands; one that will live long in the memory of Glasgow’s music fans.

Next up, was a sold-out Saturday night at Summer Sessions with festival veterans Foo Fighters which included a crowd singalong to 'Flower of Scotland' plus drummer Taylor taking over vocals for a Queen cover of 'Under Pressure' with Dave Grohl on drums. For an epic finale, the band dedicated the last song 'Everlong' to Scottish crew member Ian - Dave's ear monitor tech of 30 years. Addressing their relationship, Dave said, "He's the one I can't do without, so we can sing this one for him!" From classics including ‘Best Of You’ and ‘All My Life’, to singalong anthems simply made for festivals like ‘Everlong’ and ‘Times Like These’, it was another masterclass in festival headlining from Dave Grohl and co.

After a whirlwind year that has taken them all across the globe, BRIT Award winners The 1975 returned to Scotland to deliver one of the most ambitious, visually inspiring shows the festival has witnessed, reinforcing their status as one of the biggest bands on the planet right now. Opening with brand new punk-rock track ‘People’, frontman Matty Healy was as charismatic as ever, his sharp and timely lyrics promoting self-love, acceptance and inclusivity, rapturously sung back word-for-word by the devoted crowd as he said to the crowd, “If you kiss boys and you're a boy, you shouldn't get in trouble!"

Opening this year’s Summer Sessions in Princes Street Gardens earlier this month was the truly sensational Florence + the Machine who played two back to back shows and featured a very special moment onstage for two fans who got engaged on-stage. With massive singalong hits like ‘Hunger’, ‘Dog Days Are Over’ and ‘Shake It Out’, Florence + the Machine started Summer Sessions just right.

The Princes Street Gardens series was then treated to a legendary line-up next, with Primal Scream bringing along their pal Johnny Marr who collaborated onstage for tracks ‘Loaded’ and ‘Country Girl’. Famed-author Irvine Welsh popped along to see his pals tweeting about his love for the gig.

Next up were CHVRCHES, who made their Summer Sessions debut and returned to the capital for the first time in five years for an atmospheric show underneath the castle.

Man of the moment Lewis Capaldi sold out two back-to-back nights marking another huge milestone in what has been an incredible year for the young singer-songwriter from Bathgate. Supporting his local music scene, Lewis Capaldi recruited fellow West Lothian bands including Indigo Velvet, Luke La Volpe, Mark Sharp & The Bicycle Thieves and The Snuts for his support across two nights. Closing his set with one of the biggest songs of the year, a singalong rendition of ‘Someone You Loved’ brought the night to an emotional end.

The Edinburgh capital was also treated to immense performances from James who played the ultimate festival set of tunes including opener ‘She’s A Star’, ‘Sit Down’ and ‘Laid’, James brought one of the biggest singalongs of the Summer Sessions series so far from the first note they played. A sold-out Courteeners show was heavily anticipated by the Scottish crowd. Featuring local lads Heavy Rapids, who opened up for the Manchester band, the set included ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ and ‘Are You In Love With A Notion?’, making them the perfect Friday night Summer Sessions headliners.

Closing the incredible Summer Sessions in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens were the iconic outfit Madness, who took to the stage on Sunday 18th August. With a two-hour set including ‘House of Fun’, ‘Baggy Trousers’ and ‘One Step Beyond’ all included, it was a sight to behold for the band’s 40th anniversary.

Be the first to know about all gig and festival announcements and sign-up to the Summer Sessions mailing list here.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow

The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!

Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green

Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish

Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!

Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun

The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.

Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet

Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.

Hoolie in the Hydro opens doors to young Gaels for Glasgow 850

More than 1,300 Glasgow schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to access live music as part of a special tie-up between Hoolie in the Hydro and Glasgow 850.

ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green

Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.

77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups

The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations

Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!

Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.

Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup

Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.

Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio

Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.

New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden

Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail

Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!

KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End

The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026

The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!

Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow

The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future

Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.