The quest for a Scottish Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is gathering momentum, with music legends Midge Ure, Jim Kerr, and Lulu throwing their weight behind an ambitious bid to bring this iconic honour to Glasgow's streets. The former home of the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) on Sauchiehall Street stands vacant, its closure earlier this year leaving a void that ScotsRock – the driving force behind this endeavour – is eager to fill.
As the insolvency process continues, with a formal invitation for expressions of interest in leasing or purchasing the venue expected shortly, ScotsRock envisions a transformed space that will proudly showcase Scotland's significant contributions to global music. A permanent exhibition and visitor experience, alongside a live performance venue to support grassroots talent, educational programmes, and archive facilities, are all part of the proposed plans. This revitalised hub promises to be a vibrant celebration of Scotland's musical heritage.
Midge Ure, about to take on the role as inaugural Patron of ScotsRock, is adamant that this long-overdue venture has been too delayed for far too long. "We punch way above our weight when it comes to global musicians," he exclaimed, drawing a parallel with the revered American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. "This should have been done years ago; it's a major oversight."
Ronnie Gurr, former CEO of the Scottish Music Industry Association – set to be a senior curator for this exciting initiative – believes this project is "well overdue" and highlights its dual purpose: honouring Scotland's rich musical past while nurturing emerging talent through live performances. This, he stresses, is precisely what Scotland needs at a time when grassroots music spaces are facing an uncertain future.
ScotsRock's bid is not without competition; another group has expressed interest in transforming the CCA into a rehearsal and performance centre for theatre and dance companies to collaborate internationally. Creative Scotland welcomes these proposals but stresses that no decision regarding the building's future has been made, with all interested parties invited to express their intentions.