Glasgow and live music have always gone hand in hand with the world’s biggest stars regularly drawn here to perform.

This month is no different, as a mouthwatering selection of leading artists prepare to visit Scotland’s largest city.

Here are 10 gigs happening in May that you simply won’t want to miss!

Glasgow Times:

Take That - May 3 to 5 at The OVO Hydro

Legendary boyband - and national heartthrobs since 1992 - Take That are back with a globe-spanning world tour including three massive nights at Glasgow’s Hydro arena.

Touring in support of 2023 album This Life, the boys will be guaranteed to entertain with their endless catalogue of hits comprising no less than 12 UK no 1 singles.

Fans will surely be in the mood to party, with the shows scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, during what promises to be the weekend that Take That take over.

And as if Gary, Mark, and Howard weren’t enough, hitmaker Olly Murs will be kicking things off each night.

A handful of tickets are still available on Ticketmaster.

Glasgow Times:

Average White Band - May 7 at The Royal Concert Hall

The club of Scottish funk music legends is a rather exclusive one. In fact, it may only have one member: Dundee’s Average White Band.

Fifty years after their eponymous album topped the US charts, AWB will be going round again - just one more time - with an appearance at The Royal Concert Hall as part of their farewell tour.

With original members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre ably supported by an ensemble of exceptional American musicians, if this show doesn't get your feet tapping then you should probably have your pulse checked!

Tickets available on Glasgow Life.

Glasgow Times:

Olivia Rodrigo - May 7 to 8 at The OVO Hydro

Possibly the biggest breakout star in recent musical history, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo continues on her astronomical ascent with two sold-out nights at the Hydro.

Following on from an exhilarating performance at the O2 Academy in 2022, the 'drivers license' singer returns to Glasgow in support of her chart-topping, multiple award-winning second album GUTS.

The monumental world tour will see her play 77 shows across 15 countries in less than six months, as her unstoppable quest for world domination rolls on. Expect heartache and hysteria in equal measure from Olivia and her enraptured audience.

Glasgow Times:

Tenacious D - May 9 at The OVO Hydro

The world’s funniest and least shapely rock duo return to the banks of the Clyde with a sold-out show at The Hydro, 12 years since their last Glasgow visit.

The Spicy Meatball Tour will see Hollywood A-lister Jack Black and trusty sideman Kyle Gass traverse three continents, taking them from Canada to Australia with plenty in between - all the while showcasing their trademark socks and sandals look.

Best known for the song Tribute, fans will flock in their thousands to see the rotund rockers deliver all the favourites from their 30-year musical partnership.

Bonus points for anyone who knew that the pair actually became friends on a climb of Arthur’s Seat during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival many years ago!

Glasgow Times:

Dionne Warwick - May 9 at The Royal Concert Hall

Legendary American vocalist Dionne Warwick brings her Don’t Make Me Over tour to The Royal Concert Hall for an unmissable night of music and conversation.

One of the most commercially successful artists of the 20th century, Warwick is the recipient of six Grammy Awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement in 2019.

She forged a famous partnership with composer Burt Bacharach, who penned for her timeless hits such as Walk On By, I Say a Little Prayer, and I’ll Never Fall in Love Again. 

In this unique new show, Dionne will be joined on stage by Dave Wooley, director of an award-winning documentary about the singer’s life, as she tells the unheard tales of her storied career - besides performing classics from her dazzling catalogue.

Tickets available on Glasgow Life.

Glasgow Times:

Kacey Musgraves - May 9/10 at The O2 Academy

American country music superstar Kacey Musgraves is heading for the O2 Academy, touring her recently released album Deeper Well.

The seven-time Grammy winner has experienced a meteoric surge to success since releasing her debut single in 2012, adding a second Glasgow date to her schedule after the first rapidly sold out.

Though a Texan cowgirl at heart, her music embraces elements of pop and indie, with lyrics that reach beyond the traditional bounds of country music. Typifying this open-minded approach is the seven hour psychedelic therapy session she credits with inspiring her previous album Star-Crossed. Far out!

Tickets available on the O2 Academy website.

Camera Obscura - May 11 at the Barrowland Ballroom

Hometown heroes Camera Obscura are guaranteed a raucous reception when they descend on the Barrowland Ballroom, touring upcoming record Look to the East, Look to the West - their first in 10 years.

Initially gaining prominence alongside fellow Glaswegians Belle and Sebastian in the early noughties with their irresistible ‘twee’ indie pop, Camera Obscura went into hiatus following the passing of keyboardist Carey Lander in 2015.

However, the band were reminded of the pleasures of playing together after friends Belle and Sebastian persuaded them to reunite for the Boaty Weekender festival cruise in 2019. They emerged from the experience with a slew of new song ideas, which eventually resulted in a long-awaited sixth album.

Tickets were predictably quick to sell out for what will undoubtedly be a triumphant homecoming.

Faye Webster - May 11 at The Old Fruitmarket

Atlanta singer-songwriter Faye Webster will be bringing her enchanting blend of indie, folk and Americana to the Old Fruitmarket for a cathartic night of collective introspection.

Touring in support of newly released album Underdressed at the Symphony - her fifth to date - Webster’s has been a rapid rise. Still only 26, she is best known for the song ‘Kingston,’ though her track ‘Better Distractions’ was chosen by Barack Obama as one of his tunes of the year in 2020.

With almost seven million monthly Spotify listeners, this is a rare opportunity to catch Faye in a smaller venue befitting the intimacy of her music.

Tickets available on Glasgow Life.

Glasgow Times:

Nicki Minaj - May 29 at The OVO Hydro

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty - more commonly known as Nicki Minaj - returns to the Hydro in support of her new album, Pink Friday 2, marking her first Scottish appearance since 2019.

Lauded by her loyal fans as the Queen of Rap, Nicki’s place amongst 21st century pop royalty is beyond doubt, with billions of streams and a remarkable 133 appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 to her name.

As famed perhaps for her derriere as her pugilistic lyrical stylings, this is her most extensive tour to date, and will see her showcase her full repertoire of 2010s-defining hits.

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.

Glasgow Times:

S Club - May 29 at Kelvingrove Bandstand

If Nicki Minaj isn’t your thing, why not head over to the fabulous Kelvingrove Bandstand to watch Noughties icons S Club?

Following their much-celebrated return last year - which included a headline slot at The Hydro - S Club are on the road again, dishing out their joyous dance pop classics across the UK.

Speaking recently to the Glasgow Times in anticipation of the show, S Club’s Jo O’Meary encouraged fans to expect plenty of “dancing and reaching for the stars,” whilst bandmate Rachel Stevens noted the “amazing energy” of Scottish audiences.

Formally known as S Club 7, their hits include ‘Don’t Stop Movin,’ ‘Bring It All Back,’ and of course the ultimate school disco anthem ‘Reach’ - don’t pretend you’re not going to sing along with your hands in the air when the chorus kicks in.