In November 2002, Academy Music Group Limited announced the acquisition of its fifth live music venue and further expansion of the successful Academy brand to Scotland. Academy Music Group Limited purchased the former New Bedford Cinema, 121 Eglinton Street, Glasgow, G5 9NT from Scottish property developers E.D.I. Group to open as Carling Academy Glasgow on March 26th 2003 with legendary Scottish band; Deacon Blue.
The New Bedford originally opened in 1921 as a cinema theatre venue and fully refurbished at a cost of £3,000,000 to create a magnificent 2,500 capacity, state of the art live music venue whilst retaining the grandeur of the art deco period including original ceiling features, balcony and boxes, proscenium arch around the stage, paneling on the stairwell; as well as the original facade.
The venue features a state of the art sound and lighting system and a fully flexible capacity of 2,500 for full building usage to cater for live gigs and cutting edge dance events and club nights. The design emulates the success of AMG's Birmingham and Bristol Academy venues to allow Carling Academy Glasgow the option of converting to a short hall format for events requiring a smaller 1,100 capacity, that is production complete.
Well received by both the industry and public alike, Carling Academy Glasgow adds to the buzzing Scottish music scene. The venue opened at the end of March 2003 with a thrilling diary of vibrant rock, pop, indie and dance events including gigs from the Sugababes, Inspiral Carpets, two Massive Attack shows, White Stripes, Public Enemy, Melanie C and dance events with top Scottish club promoters Slam and Inside Out. Since then, it continues to be a 'must-play' venue on the touring circuit for today's biggest international rock and pop acts of all styles and genres.
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