From pop to indie, the best in modern rock plus a great night of dance music with one of the country’s best-loved DJs, it’s all going on this month on the Scottish gig circuit.
Scottish News has picked five of the best gigs in Scotland this September.
Hilary Duff: The Lucky Me Tour - Glasgow OVO Hydro (September 13, 6.30pm ) with support from La Roux
2026 marked Hilary’s return to the road with a major tour – dubbed the lucky me tour – in support of her new album, with La Roux named as a special guest for the UK leg.
Hilary Duff was Lizzie McGuire, the teen star of the Disney Channel series that catapulted her to popularity from 2001-2004. But, when she stepped up to the mic to sing pop-rocker ‘I Can’t Wait’ for the show’s soundtrack, a magnetic pop star emerged. She got help by a strong songwriting team for what would be her first album for Disney’s Hollywood Records, finding her voice through resonant choices and a rock edge that appealed to an inherently positive, yet still angsty 15-year-old.
Metamorphosis (2003) instantly exploded on the US charts, debuting at number two, then taking the top spot within a week, and ultimately selling in the millions. The star became the blueprint for a dazzling array of child actors turned musicians, ushering in the likes of Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. 2015’s Breathe In. Breathe Out, recruited Ed Sheeran and Tove Lo for a dance-meets-folk-pop feel. Teaming up with her Grammy-winning husband Matthew Koma in the studio and songwriting, Duff’s metamorphosis 2.0 was sweet pop escapism.
Annie Mac: Before Midnight - Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow (September 19, 7pm)
Annie Mac will bring Before Midnight, a fully authentic clubbing experience that starts at 7pm and ends at the strike of midnight. Before Midnight is a chance for Annie to play long DJ sets with all her favourite records, those ones that spark joy, and a chance for you to have all the fun, the euphoria and the wild abandon you need and still get a good night’s sleep.
Annie Macmanus is an Irish DJ, broadcaster and writer who hosted a variety of shows on BBC Radio 1, including BBC Switch and Future Sounds. Her main programme, called Radio 1’s Future Sounds, aired on Mondays to Thursdays playing mainly newly released dance-pop, hip-hop, rock and indie. Annie also takes her AMP Lost and Found festival in Malta to places like Ibiza.
The Maine - SWG3, Glasgow (September 23) Doors 7pm
Modern rock group The Maine will headline SWG3 TV Studio as their massive UK tour stops off in the city with Grayscale, celebrating their tenth album Joy Next Door. The band’s following has organically grown to unprecedented heights nearly 20 years into their career, thanks to the raw emotional power of their cathartic breed of alt-rock.
Hailing from Tempe, Arizona, the alt-rock-pop five-piece have been writing, recording and touring since forming in 2007 when they were barely out of high school. Get ready for a night of upbeat alternative rock.
Cammy Barnes - Barrowland Ballroom (September 24 and 25) Doors 7pm
Scottish singer-songwriter Cammy Barnes, who rose to prominence when he appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, will headline The Barrowlands for two nights. Born in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland, Cammy has had success with multiple singles charting in the UK Top 20 and Number 1 entries on the Singer/Songwriter & Country/Alt iTunes Charts.
He has supported Brit award-winning artist Tom Walker and played several sell out shows including the prestigious King Tuts in Glasgow.
Declan Welsh and the Decadent West - Saint Luke’s, Glasgow (September 24) and Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh (September 26) Doors 7pm
The indie rock outfit hailing from East Kilbride create music that is unapologetic, direct and with a message of humanity. With his band (Duncan McBride, Guitar, Ben Corlett, Bass and Jamie Holmes, Drums), songwriter and poet Declan blends elements of 1920s jazz with contemporary pop music.
With a focus on intelligent, provocative lyrics, catchy hooks and an electric live show, prolific writer, Welsh and his band have already released four EPs and two albums to critical acclaim, working with grammy and gold award-winning producers, being nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year award, selling out UK and EU tours and appearing on the TRNSMT main stage.
They also headlined Glasgow’s Tenement Trail Festival last year, returning to Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom for what was the busiest Tenement Trail in its history.