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For as long as I can remember I’ve been attending live music to a near-obsessive level, averaging at least two gigs a week (alongside the accompanying fairly serious theatre, comedy and cinema habits - but that’s another story).
From tiny venues in record shops, to arenas and stadiums, it’s where I feel most comfortable, enveloped in the comforting embrace of those that share my passion.
There’s the excitement of seeing the next big thing before anyone else (“oh well, of course when I saw Arctic Monkeys the first time it was in King Tut’s”) or enjoying roaring along to every lyric from your favourite band (see: number two on my list). Whether you are in the middle of a circle pit or sitting at a church pew, every live performance has its own unique vibe.
This year has probably been the best in my gig-going life, with just a handful yet to come, and coming up with a top 20 (or 21 - I cheated) has been difficult.
There’s no room for buzzy new bands like NewDad or The Last Dinner Party, music legends such as Bikini Kill and Paul Heaton, personal favourites including Yard Act and Dream Wife, new discoveries Video Age and Rosali, or even the mighty Fontaines D.C.
Then there are the ones I missed out on, including Oliva Rodrigo (couldn’t get tickets), Chappell Roan (was away), and Charli XCX (couldn’t afford it, but have I told you I saw her play the QMU back in the day...?)
Still there’s always next year, which will hopefully contain a few nights out as good as these 21.
9. Sprints (King Tut's)
Sprints are one of the breakout stars of 2024, with debut album 'Letter to Self' set to appear in many 'best of the year' lists. They sound just as good live as they do on record, with Karla Chubb a fearless and charismatic frontwoman. Thankfully, screaming "can't you hear me call you" along with her was as much fun as I hoped it would be. | David Hepburn
10. Mozart Estate (SWG3)
The day before Taylor Swift arrived in Edinburgh another musical genius was playing a slightly smaller stage in a half-empty warehouse by the River Clyde. The gig was to launch the biennial Glasgow International Festival of Contemporary Art and estwhile Felt and Denim frontman Lawrence was in fine fettle, playing songs from latest ignored masterpiece 'Pop-Up! Ker-ching! And The Possibilities of Modern Shopping'. There may have only been a few dozen people in the audience but you just know that in Lawrence's own mind he was headlining Murrayfield. | David Hepburn
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11. Barry Can't Swim (QMU)
The prize for the longest queue to get into the venue goes to Mercury-nominated Scottish electronic artist Barry Can't Swim at the QMU. It was worth the wait though as he delivered the kind of performance that would later in the year see him become one of the most talked-about acts at Glastonbury. | David Hepburn
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12. Kate Nash (Oran Mor)
I'm as surprised as anybody that Kate Nash - most famous for her 2007 hit single 'Foundations' - produced one of my gigs of the year. Her new album '9 Sad Symphonies' is a sad and gorgeous record detailing the artist's travails over lush orchestration. Combine those songs with her poppier early work and righteous white hot anger against the music industry and you have an irrestistable performance. | David Hepburn