The South frontman Gaz Birtles remembers first Glasgow gig with the Beautiful South

But, according to Gaz Birtles, the frontman of The South and former saxophone player of The Beautiful South, there’s nowhere quite like Glasgow.

READ MORE: The South, featuring former members of The Beautiful South, to play in Glasgow

Pictured: Gaz Birtles (far left) with the South (Image: The South)

He said “Personally, I love Glasgow.

“Our very first gig as the Beautiful South was in the Barrowland and it still stands up as one of the best we ever did.

“I’ve since played there many times over the years in various bands but back in the 80s I had friends who were from Glasgow who showed me around.

“We went to a club on Sauchiehall Street and I remember we ended up going through the Gorbals.

“That was a bit scary for me at the time but it turned out to be one of the most fantastic nights I’ve ever had.”

Pictured: Gaz with fellow former The Beautiful South member Ali Wheeler (centre) and The South (Image: The South)

A lot has changed since Gaz first took to the Barrowland stage with the Beautiful South and after decades of producing smash hits like A Little Time to Don’t Marry Her, the band called it quits in 2007.

Thankfully, their legacy lives on with The South, a nine-piece band that plays classic Beautiful South songs alongside a number of original tracks.

Gaz made the switch from saxophonist to frontman in 2016 following the departure of founding vocalist Dave Hemingway in a move that he says has given him a whole new appreciation for the tracks.

READ MORE: When Grease star Olivia Newton-John played Glasgow and revealed her Scottish connections

Pictured: The South

He said: “The songs are breathing new life into me really.

“I’ve always been a singer in my own right, but I’ve been learning properly.

“Some aren’t particularly in my key, but I’ve learned to adapt.

“I like to put my own mark on them, but the musicality is the same as it was when they were first released.

“Every night it’s a joy for me to sing.

“It’s a testament to the great songwriting of Paul Heaton.”

After a difficult two years of navigating Covid restrictions, The South are thrilled to be back on the road and playing ‘as many gigs as they’re allowed to’.

READ MORE: Iconic graffiti artist unveils new mural of Glasgow political figure

The upcoming tour date at St Luke's on Thursday, September 1, will be their first after a seven-week break with Gaz eager to return to a Glasgow crowd.

He said: “We’re going back to Glasgow for a good night and a good night out.

“There will be all the hits that everyone knows and plenty that they don’t.

“We’re quite used to playing seated venues these days, but we know that by the last of the songs people will be out of their seats.

“We encourage that and know that St Luke’s will be the perfect place for it.”

For more information or to book tickets now click here.