LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

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!

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

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

More than 14,100 Kiltwalk heroes step up to achieve record breaking Glasgow event

More than 14,100 Kiltwalk heroes step up to achieve record breaking Glasgow event

Glasgow to Loch Lomond was a sea of tartan today as the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk took place, with fundraising already exceeding £2.5m.

READ MORE
RUSK & RUSK shares the Spanish Butcher menu ahead of opening in two weeks

RUSK & RUSK shares the Spanish Butcher menu ahead of opening in two weeks

RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares details of the menu set to ignite tastebuds for The Spanish Butcher which officially opens in Edinburgh on Friday 10th May.

READ MORE
Johnnie Walker Princes Street seeks new talent to join award winning team

Johnnie Walker Princes Street seeks new talent to join award winning team

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the award-winning global visitor experience in the heart of Edinburgh, has announced exciting opportunities for passionate individuals to join its renowned team.

READ MORE
All Aboard for Unmissable Tales of Adventure at the Port Edgar Open Weekend

All Aboard for Unmissable Tales of Adventure at the Port Edgar Open Weekend

THREE captivating and inspiring stories of adventure, near-death experiences and endurance are set to thrill the crowds at Port Edgar Marina’s 10th anniversary Open Weekend on 4th and 5th May!

READ MORE
Van Gogh experience announces Scottish premiere dates

Van Gogh experience announces Scottish premiere dates

A spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!

READ MORE
A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly

A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly

National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.

READ MORE
Cast announced for Scottish tour of Hen Night Horror

Cast announced for Scottish tour of Hen Night Horror

Touring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!

READ MORE
The Best Home Bar competition from Aldi Scotland returns for 2024

The Best Home Bar competition from Aldi Scotland returns for 2024

Aldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!

READ MORE
Fingal sails to top of world best luxury hotels list

Fingal sails to top of world best luxury hotels list

Edinburgh’s Fingal has sailed to the top of the world’s best hotels list in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2024.

READ MORE
UNIQLO will officially open the doors to its Princes Street store tomorrow

UNIQLO will officially open the doors to its Princes Street store tomorrow

Edinburgh – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO, will welcome its first Scottish customers through the doors of its Edinburgh store on Thursday, 25th April.

READ MORE
CHICAGO Announced for the Edinburgh Playhouse

CHICAGO Announced for the Edinburgh Playhouse

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce further dates for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour with dates at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.

READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.

READ MORE
Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse

Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse

A NEW four-legged champion has been crowned for the Corgi Derby at The Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday, Musselburgh Racecourse.

READ MORE
Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge

Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge

With a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.

READ MORE
Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night

Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night

Edinburgh’s top street food hang-out and leading comedy producers Gilded Balloon have today announced a brand new partnership, bringing the city’s funniest night out to Edinburgh Street Food.

READ MORE
The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director

The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director

Edinburgh Science Festival drew its 35th anniversary edition to a close last weekend and now announces its new Director, Hassun El-Zafar, and dates for the 2025 Festival.

READ MORE
Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week

Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week

There’s just one week to go before the Pomegranates Festival of International Traditional Dance (25-30 April) kicks off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and various venues across Edinburgh.

READ MORE
Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

The popular Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter, with even more opportunities to get a taste of the finest Scottish fare!

READ MORE
Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle

Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle

Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of his classic titles at only £5 per ticket!

READ MORE
Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to find their flow and embark on a journey of tranquility and connectivity with its latest offering, Sunrise Yoga on 3rd May!

READ MORE
Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh

Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh

Red Carnation Hotels, the family-owned hotel collection, proudly announces the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.

READ MORE
Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment

Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment

Ambassador Theatre Group (“ATG”), a leading live entertainment organisation, and owner of the Edinburgh Playhouse, today announced that it is rebranding as ATG Entertainment.

READ MORE
New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

READ MORE
First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh

First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh

RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares first look impressions of The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh, and confirms it will officially open on Friday 10th May.

READ MORE
New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today

New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today

Sip & Bark is opening its doors today on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, with a delicious brunch offering, a selection of cocktails and fine wines, plus it’s dog friendly!

READ MORE
Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary

Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary

The annual Open Weekend returns to Port Edgar, the largest watersports and activity centre in Scotland, for a special 10th-anniversary event on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May!

READ MORE
Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh

Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh

Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Edinburgh in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!

READ MORE
Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event

Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event

Laser Station will be hosting an exciting fundraising event from April 22nd to April 28th, aimed at raising funds to support Cash For Kids initiatives.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Castle Street Market
Held in brightly coloured gazebos in the heart of central Edinburgh, Castle Street Market is filled with top quality products and has something to satisfy every taste!
Margolyes & Dickens: The Best Bits
Unstoppable 82-year-old Miriam Margolyes returns to the Fringe with her new show 'The Best Bits'.
BMX Lessons
The Scottish BMX School is offering BMX lessons for kids of all ages, currently being held at Victoria Park in Leith.
Orienteering Edinburgh
Join Orienteering Edinburgh for these Thursday lunchtime runs, it's a great way to get outside and active during your working day!
Vintage Cycling Festival
Get ready to pedal back in time at the Vintage Cycling Festival – Scotland’s only retro ride & celebration of classic bikes. All cyclists welcome!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall