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Scottish Music Legends Back Plan for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Glasgow

Scottish music legends including Midge Ure, Annie Lennox, and Simple Minds support plans to create a Scottish Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Glasgow's CCA, celebrating Scotland's rich musical heritage with public nominations highlighting iconic bands and artists.

·10 min read
Callum Beattie, Jim Kerr and Annie Lennox

Scottish Music Icons Support New Hall of Fame Initiative

Several prominent figures in Scottish music are endorsing a proposal to take over Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), which has faced challenges, and transform it into a Scottish Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame. The organisation ScotsRock aims to convert the Sauchiehall Street venue into a centre celebrating Scotland's global musical contributions.

Midge Ure, known for his work with Ultravox, Band Aid, and Live Aid, has accepted the role of inaugural Patron of ScotsRock. The initiative also enjoys backing from artists such as Lulu, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Travis, and Del Amitri.

BBC Your Voice invited the public to suggest candidates for the Hall of Fame, receiving an overwhelming number of responses. Below is a selection of the nominees.

Big Country

Big Country, formed in Dunfermline in 1981 by lead singer and guitarist Stuart Adamson (formerly of the Skids), was nominated by several readers. Their debut album, The Crossing (1983), reached number three in the UK charts and included their only US Top 40 hit, "In a Big Country." Adamson tragically died by suicide in Hawaii in December 2001.

Stuart Adamson of Big Country singing into a microphone in a photo from the eighties. He has a spikey mullet and a tartan scarf tied round his head
Image caption, Big Country were formed in Dunfermline by lead singer and guitarist Stuart Adamson (formerly of the Skids)

Annie Lennox (Eurythmics)

Annie Lennox, a singer-songwriter, political activist, and philanthropist from Aberdeen, first found success in the 1970s with the new wave band The Tourists. She later achieved international fame in the 1980s as part of Eurythmics alongside Dave Stewart, followed by a successful solo career. In 2011, she was appointed an OBE for her "tireless charity campaigns and championing of humanitarian causes."

Annie Lennox singing into a mic during the 1980s. She has short, cropped, blonde hair and is wearing a black leather jacket with sequins attached
Image caption, Annie Lennox was appointed an OBE for her "tireless charity campaigns and championing of humanitarian causes"

Bay City Rollers

The Bay City Rollers, a Scottish pop rock band known as the "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh," gained worldwide teen idol status in the 1970s. They sold an estimated 120–300 million records globally, ranking among the best-selling musical acts ever. Their hits include "Bye, Bye, Baby" and "Shang-a-Lang."

Gavin Murray from Kilmacolm highlighted the global appeal of Scottish rock music, stating:

"A hall of fame would certainly become a strong magnet for tourists... adding a certain boost to the economic vibrancy Sauchiehall Street needs and deserves."

Carolyn Johnston added:

"The Bay City Rollers were the biggest band in Scotland in the seventies. They deserve to be in the hall of fame. We had Rollermania."
The Bay City Rollers pictured in the 1970s. They are five young men with spikey and shoulder-length hair, wearing shirts incorporating tartan. One of them is holding up a tartan scarf. They are standing against a blue and white Willow pattern curtain
Image caption, The Bay City Rollers were considered to be hearthrobs in the 70s

Skids

Skids, from Dunfermline and fronted by Richard Jobson, were a punk and new wave band best known for their 1979 hit "Into the Valley." They announced a 40th-anniversary UK tour in 2016 with Jobson returning as lead singer. Stuart Adamson left Skids in 1981 to form Big Country.

Jayne Lyle, among others nominating Skids, described the Hall of Fame proposal as a "fantastic idea," adding:

"Showcasing it like this could be really aspirational and inspirational. When can we vote?"
Black and white image of Richard Jobson from The Skids whose mouth is wide open as he sings into a mic and points his finger
Image caption, Skids, with lead singer Richard Jobson, were also suggested as contenders for the Hall of Fame

Primal Scream

Formed in Glasgow in 1982, Primal Scream's career accelerated after singer Bobby Gillespie left his role as drummer for The Jesus and Mary Chain. Known for their evolving musical style, their highest-charting UK single is "Rocks" (1994), which reached number seven. Their most famous track remains the 1990 acid-house anthem "Loaded."

Primal Scream performing on stage. Singer Bobby Giillespie has shoulder-length, dark hair and is wearing a light suit jacket over dark clothes. He is singing into a mic with his arm raised in the air.
Image caption, Primal Scream became known for their ever-evolving sound

Fish (Marillion)

Edinburgh-born Derek Dick, known as Fish, was lead singer and lyricist for neo-progressive rock band Marillion from 1981 to 1988. With the band, he released 11 UK Top 40 singles, including Top 10 hits "Kayleigh," "Lavender," and "Incommunicado," as well as five Top 10 albums, including the number one Misplaced Childhood. His solo career explored contemporary pop and traditional folk, yielding five more Top 40 singles and a Top 10 album.

Stephen Thom commented:

"Fish needs to be in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame. Now he's officially retired from music maybe the first recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award?"
Fish from the band Marillion. He is on stage, holding a microphone. His hair is in a mullet style and his face is covered in white and blue face paint. He is wearing a pink T-shirt with blue glitter on it and is glancing sideways at the camera.
Image caption, It was felt Fish from Marillion should have his talents recognised

Simple Minds

Formed in Glasgow in 1977, Simple Minds achieved global success, selling over 60 million albums. Frontman Jim Kerr supports the Scottish Hall of Fame initiative. Their 1985 single "Don't You (Forget About Me)," written for the film The Breakfast Club, became an 1980s anthem and their breakthrough US hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Black and white image of Simple Minds taken from a photoshoot in 1980
Image caption, Simple Minds' Don't You (Forget About Me) became a 1980s anthem

Gerry Rafferty

Gerry Rafferty, born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, was a founding member of Stealers Wheel, known for the 1973 hit "Stuck in the Middle with You." His solo career included hits like "Baker Street," famous for its saxophone solo. Rafferty's early influences included Irish and Scottish folk songs taught by his mother, as well as The Beatles and Bob Dylan. He joined The Humblebums in 1969, a folk-pop group featuring Billy Connolly.

Frank O Reilly, 69, who nominated Rafferty among others, said:

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"I was fortunate to see all these artists and many more. I'm still going to gigs, love to see new artists."
Gerry Rafferty has a beard and is wearing glasses as he plays guitar and sings on stage
Image caption, Gerry Rafferty was formerly the founding member of Stealers Wheel before going solo

Callum Beattie

From Musselburgh, singer-songwriter Callum Beattie released his first single "We Are Stars" in 2017. After aspiring to perform at the Belladrum Festival as a teenager, he will headline its 20th anniversary. Dinieka Hume praised him:

"What he, Dave and the band are achieving is amazing as an independent artist. Lost count how many times I've seen him and he's honestly got the most beautiful soul."

Suzanne McCaffrey added:

"Callum Beattie for his musical talent and contribution to charity. He is such a humble person who hasn't let the fame change him as a person and has a great connection with his fans."
Callum Beattie is playing guitar on stage. The picture has been taken from below, looking up at him. He is wearing thick-rimmed, black glasses, a black and white striped T-shirt, jeans and a white suit jacket. There are yellow and white stage lights illuminating the picture
Image caption, Callum Beattie was described as having "the most beautiful soul"

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band

Formed in Glasgow in 1972, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band combined blues rock and hard rock with cabaret elements, known for theatrical stage performances and costumes. Robert Smith of The Cure remarked:

"People talk about Iggy Pop as the original punk, but certainly in Britain the forerunner of the punk movement was Alex Harvey. His whole stage show with the graffiti-covered brick walls – it was like very aggressive Glaswegian street theatre."

John Portas stated:

"Any celebration of Scottish rock music would not be complete without honouring Alex Harvey (and the SAHB)."
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Alex Harvey has dark, shoulder-length hair and is wearing a black jacket, a striped T-shirt and jeans. He is singing into a mic which is on a stand. A guitarist with dark, curly hair and face make-up is leaning over, looking at him
Image caption, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band were known for their theatrical performances

Lewis Capaldi

Born in Glasgow and raised in Whitburn, West Lothian, Lewis Capaldi's 2018 single "Someone You Loved" topped the UK Singles Chart for seven weeks and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2019. It was the UK's bestselling single of 2019. In September 2022, Capaldi disclosed his Tourette's diagnosis and announced an indefinite touring break in 2023 to focus on health. He returned to public performance with a surprise Glastonbury set in June 2025.

Lewis Capaldi playing guitar and singing on stage
Image caption, Lewis Capaldi took a break from performing after announcing that he had been diagnosed with Tourette's

The Jesus and Mary Chain

Formed in East Kilbride in 1983 by brothers Jim and William Reid, The Jesus and Mary Chain emerged as a Scottish alternative rock band reacting against contemporary music trends. Bobby Gillespie, later of Primal Scream, was their drummer. Andrew Boyle, who nominated Primal Scream and Cocteau Twins, described these bands as "Scotland's two most influential bands."

Jesus and Mary Chain. Four men wearing all black. Three of them have backcombed dark hair while the fourth has his dark hair swept over his face, obscuring his eyes
Image caption, The Jesus and Mary Chain were formed by brothers Jim and William Reid in East Kilbride

Emeli Sande

Raised in Alford, Aberdeenshire, Emeli Sande wrote her first song at age 11 for a school talent show. Her 2012 debut album Our Version of Events spent 10 weeks at number one, breaking a chart record previously held by The Beatles. She topped the UK and Irish singles charts twice with Professor Green's "Read All About It" and her own "Beneath Your Beautiful" featuring Labrinth. Sande won two Brit Awards in 2013.

Emeli Sande has blonde, curly hair and is wearing a black top. She is singing into a mic. There is a black background.
Image caption, Emeli Sande wrote her first song at the age of 11 for a school talent show

Nazareth

Asim Rashid nominated Nazareth, describing them as a "stalwart of hard rock in the 70s." The Dunfermline-formed band, established in 1968, had numerous hits across the UK, Canada, the US, and Europe. Their covers of "Love Hurts" and "This Flight Tonight" became classics, with Joni Mitchell referring to the latter as a Nazareth song during live performances.

Nazareth are playing on stage in 70s attire, including leather trousers, platform boots and hats.
Image caption, Nazareth were described as being a "stalwart of hard rock in the 70s"

Cocteau Twins

Active from 1979 to 1997, Cocteau Twins originated in Grangemouth. Their early career was supported by John Peel Sessions between 1982 and 1986. They received critical acclaim for their ethereal sound and Elizabeth Fraser's soprano vocals. Their most commercially successful album, Heaven or Las Vegas (1990), reached number seven on the UK Albums Chart.

Cocteau Twins performing on stage. Elizabeth Fraser is singing into a mic and there are band members on guitars and drums
Image caption, Cocteau Twins were championed by radio DJ John Peel

The Proclaimers

The Proclaimers, formed in 1983 by twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid from Auchtermuchty, Fife, are known for singing with Scottish accents. Their 1987 single "Letter from America" reached number three in the UK, and their biggest hit, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," topped charts in Australia, Iceland, and New Zealand. The song was re-recorded for Comic Relief in 2007, becoming their only UK number one. They have sold over five million albums worldwide.

The Proclaimers performing on stage. The two brothers are singing into mics and there are people playing the drums and keyboards behind them. There is a large projection saying The Proclaimers in red
Image caption, The Proclaimers are known for singing with Scottish accents

AC/DC

Though formed in Sydney in 1973, AC/DC's original lineup included Scottish-born brothers Angus and Malcolm Young from Glasgow and singer Bon Scott, who spent part of his childhood in Forfar and Kirriemuir. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, AC/DC has sold over 200 million records globally. After Scott's death in 1980, Brian Johnson became the lead vocalist.

Frank O Reilly commented:

"The one and only Bon Scott of ACDC, Angus and Malcolm Young - the driving force of the band."
AC/DC posing in a photoshoot picture. Angus Young is in the entre wearing a school uniform and cap.
Image caption, AC/DC's original line-up featured three Scots

Deacon Blue

Formed in Glasgow in 1985, Deacon Blue features married vocalists Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh. Their debut album Raintown (1987) was critically and commercially successful, followed by When the World Knows Your Name (1989), which topped UK charts. Their single "Real Gone Kid" was a UK Top 10 hit, and "Dignity" remains popular. The band split in 1994 but reformed and continues to perform.

Lorraine McIntosh and Ricky Ross singing on stage during the eighties. They are both wearing vest tops.
Image caption, Deacon Blue formed in 1985 and are still performing today

Runrig

Runrig, a Celtic rock band formed on the Isle of Skye in 1973, included brothers Rory MacDonald (bass, vocals) and Calum MacDonald (percussion). Billboard described them as one of Scotland's "most celebrated" Gaelic language bands during their 1980s and 1990s peak.

Runrig performing on stage. The singer is wearing a white shirt and a dark waistcoat. He has his arm raised and is singing into a mic. He has a guitar over his shoulder
Image caption, Runrig were described by Billboard as one of the "most celebrated" Gaelic language bands in Scotland

Aztec Camera (Roddy Frame)

Aztec Camera was formed in East Kilbride in 1980 by Roddy Frame and drummer David Mulholland. Their music spans genres such as new wave, sophisti-pop, jangle pop, indie pop, and post-punk. Notable hits include "Oblivious" and "Somewhere In My Heart." Frame later pursued a solo career, releasing four albums.

Roddy Frame performing on stage in the eighties. He is wearing a black and white polo top. He is in front of mic and has a guitar over his shoulder
Image caption, Aztec Camera were formed in East Kilbride in 1980

Leslie Rankine

Leslie Rankine was nominated with hopes of gaining recognition for her contributions. Jon Maxwell stated:

"Maybe Leslie Rankine will finally get the recognition she deserves, having been blatantly ignored by Scottish media for so long. One of our country's few true musical innovato...

This article was sourced from bbc

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