The news that popular Waterloo Street watering hole the Admiral Bar is to close its doors for good due to "site development" has been a bitter pill to swallow.
For more than 60 years, generations of locals have laughed, socialised and cavorted the night away at the legendary bar and gig venue for all manner of impromptu night outs, birthday parties, stag-dos, engagement parties and work get-togethers. And who could forget all the great bands, comics and other entertainers who have performed there?
With the Admiral's sad closure on March 11 fast approaching, we thought it would be worthwhile to look back on some of the famous faces who have both played at and partied at the venue down the years.
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The Admiral, we salute you.
Billy Connolly
Is there a bigger Glasgow name than the Big Yin? No chance. Billy Connolly frequented the Admiral Bar in the 1970s along with his Humblebums sidekick the late Gerry Rafferty.
Tommy Gemmell
Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell was said to have been a regular at the Admiral. The Celtic legend, who scored the first of his side's two goals in their victory over Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup Final, would not often have to pay for drinks either.
Franz Ferdinand
In April 2008, one of the most successful Glasgow bands of the past 30 years, Franz Ferdinand paid a very hush-hush visit to the Admiral. The band performed to just 200 fans at a secret gig to test out new material.
Bobby Bluebell and Al Murray
Former Bluebells frontman Bobby Bluebell has been no stranger to the Admiral over the years. In 2019 fans were treated to a pairing to remember as the singer took to the stage alongside comic Al Murray (drums) in his new band The Fat Cops. The group's keyboardist was Neil Murray, husband of JK Rowling. The Harry Potter writer was reportedly in the audience, as well as Still Game's Greg Hemphill.
Beth Ditto
American singer-songwriter Beth Ditto was spotted in the Admiral Bar back in 2007 after her band The Gossip played a show at the ABC on Sauchiehall Street.
Jimmy Page
We're not sure about this one, but according to Admiral owner Dave Ross - if anyone would know, it's him - Led Zeppelin's legendary guitarist Jimmy Page rocked the bar in the days before he became a household name. Whether that was as a session musician or with The Yardbirds in the 1960s, we just don't know.
Nutini, Steps and Holby City
As one of Glasgow's best-loved club nights, Pretty Ugly at the Admiral has long attracted famous names down the years. In 2015 however headlines were made as revellers were treated to the surreal sight of Paolo Nutini partying alongside Claire from Steps and Holby City actor Joe McFadden. Now there's an unlikely trio, but apparently, they all had a blast together.
The Cribs
Yorkshire indie rock outfit The Cribs had been booked to play King Tut's back in March 2007 when the gig was suddenly cancelled at the last minute due to a flooding incident in the women's toilets. Rather than sit twiddling their thumbs that evening, however, the band decided to switch venues and instead played to fans at The Admiral.
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