The Blue Lamp

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The Blue Lamp

Aberdeen’s leading spot for live music & private events 🎶 | UK Jazz Venue of the Year 2023 🏆 | Bookings: [email protected]

Permanently closed.

Nestled just off the bustling Gallowgate, The Blue Lamp is a cherished institution in Aberdeen's cultural landscape. Celebrating over seven decades of live music and community spirit, this intimate venue has earned a reputation as one of Scotland's most iconic grassroots music spots.

Established in 1949 by Neil Brown, The Blue Lamp has remained under the stewardship of the Brown family, with San

dy Brown—affectionately known as "Sandy Broon"—serving as its heart and soul until his passing in 2020. His grandson, Lewis, now continues the legacy, ensuring the venue's warm, welcoming atmosphere endures.

The venue's main lounge, affectionately known as the "big room," opened in 1989 and has since hosted thousands of performances, from folk sessions to jazz concerts. It's renowned for its excellent acoustics and intimate cabaret-style seating, making it a favorite among musicians and audiences alike. Jazz at The Blue Lamp, held every Thursday night, has featured world-class artists such as Georgie Fame, Kenny Garrett, and Mike Stern. Beyond its musical offerings, The Blue Lamp serves a curated selection of local ales, spirits, and cocktails in a candlelit setting, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. The venue also offers various spaces for private hire, accommodating everything from birthday parties and wedding receptions to rehearsals and charity events. Whether you're a music enthusiast seeking an authentic live performance or someone looking for a venue with character and history, The Blue Lamp promises an experience steeped in tradition and community spirit.

30/12/2025

🚨 IMPORTANT INFO FOR TONIGHT 🚨

Doors for tonight’s show open at 7:30pm ⏰
Please note: the show is completely SOLD OUT and there will be no tickets available on the door.

🍻 Bar info:
• The main bar will be card payments only
• The public bar (the “wee bar”) will be open from 6:30pm

📅 Tuesday 30th December
🎻 Old Blind Dogs – Live at The Blue Lamp
End the year in style with legendary folk, driving rhythms and a cracking live show 🎶🍻

📍 The Blue Lamp | 🕢 Doors 7:30pm
👉 SOLD OUT

See you tonight! 🎉

17/12/2025

🎶🔥 Aberdeen – Huge December Lineup at The Blue Lamp! 🔥🎶

We’re closing out the year and our doors with an incredible run of live music, spoken word and festive favourites at The Blue Lamp. Get your tickets, tag your pals, and don’t miss out! 🎟️👇

📅 Friday 19th December
🎄 Punch Face Champion Promotions presents Punch Face Xmas
Featuring Depeche Choad and more — festive rock vibes to kick things off! 🤘🎅
📍 The Blue Lamp | 🕢 Doors 7:30pm
👉 https://tickets-scotland.com/events.html?event_method=viewevent&event_id=ea12e99f-775e-11f0-9910-0a16a051c3f1&fbclid=IwY2xjawOv2olicmlkETBrS2RxVHlCQzFKeHB5aHZUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpNLa8_By2XI_WGOht5h1BYLCFSxFbgG3sMkhux7Z8en9JcOnNprnjVVi0gn&brid=9Ms6rQEgX7KbcwVBDxmLHw

📅 Saturday 20th December
🤘 Autohuman, Grogg, Jingo & Deathbed Johnson
Raw energy and great live music downstairs! 🎤🎸
📍 The Blue Lamp | 🕢 Doors 7:30pm | Entry £6 (cash & card)
👉 https://www.thebluelampaberdeen.com/event-details-registration/autohuman-grogg-jingo-deathbed-johnson

📅 Sunday 21st December
🗣️ Spoken Collective
An evening of poetry, spoken word & performance — bold, beautiful and creative 🎙️✨
📍 The Blue Lamp | 🕢 6:30pm
👉 https://www.thebluelampaberdeen.com/event-details-registration/spoken-collective

📅 Tuesday 23rd December
🎷 Richard Glasby’s Christmas Quartet
Seasonal jazz, festive favourites and top-class musicianship 🎄🎶
📍 The Blue Lamp | 🕢Doors 7:30pm
👉 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/aberdeen/the-blue-lamp/richard-glassbys-christmas-quartet/2025-12-23/20:00/t-oelgaja

📅 Saturday 27th December
🎸 Fine Times, Wrong Party, Aberdreamin’, Floating Heads & Nina Stanger
A stacked bill packed with great bands — perfect post-Christmas energy! 🤩🎤
📍 The Blue Lamp | 🕢 Doors 8pm
👉 https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Aberdeen/The-Blue-Lamp/Fine-Times-Wrong-PartyAberdreaminFloating-HeadsNina-Stanger/41498970/

📅 Sunday 28th December
🎸 Dead Hedgehog – Live at The Blue Lamp
Escape the post-Christmas boredom with a great afternoon of classic rock and good vibes — the perfect way to spend the last Sunday of the year 🎶🍻
📍 The Blue Lamp | 🕐 Doors 1:00pm | 💷 £5 entry

📅 Tuesday 30th December
🎻 Old Blind Dogs – Live at The Blue Lamp
End the year in style with legendary folk, driving rhythms and a cracking live show 🎶🍻
📍 The Blue Lamp | 🕢 Doors 7:30pm
👉 SOLD OUT

09/12/2025

Dear Friends, Patrons and Music-Lovers,

It’s with a heavy heart that we will be announcing the closure of The Blue Lamp. After seven decades of being a warm, welcoming home for music, laughter, conversation and community, our last night of opening will be Tuesday 30th December.

Since its founding in 1949, The Blue Lamp has stood as an Aberdeen institution — a place where generations gathered, where friendships were forged, and where the sounds of jazz, blues, folk and countless unforgettable gigs filled the air. Over the years, it has become far more than “just a pub”; it has been a vital part of the city’s cultural soul.

Sadly, the rising costs of running a business have reached a point where it is simply no longer viable for us to continue operating. We have tried everything we can to keep The Blue Lamp’s doors open, but the financial pressures — from energy to upkeep to general overheads — have grown beyond what we can sustain. Making this decision has been incredibly difficult, and it comes only after exhausting every other path available to us.

To each and every one of you who held a pint at the bar, tapped your foot along to a jazz quartet, discovered a new favourite band, or simply found comfort in familiar surroundings — thank you. You filled this place with life, warmth and authenticity. The Blue Lamp has been a community because of you.

We know this closure will leave a hole in the hearts of many. It’s not just a venue that’s going; it’s a chapter in Aberdeen’s musical and social story. But we hope the memories made here — the laughter, the late-night conversations, the applause after a brilliant set — will live on.

Our final night, Tuesday 30th December, will be a chance to say goodbye properly: to raise a glass, share stories, and celebrate everything The Blue Lamp has meant to us for so many years.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

With gratitude and love,
The Blue Lamp Team

08/12/2025

🎶 This Week at The Blue Lamp! 🎶
A week filled with spoken word, blues, big band jazz, soul, and festive funk 👇

📚 Monday – Speakin’ Weird
Our spoken word open mic returns! Sign up from 7:30pm to share poetry, comedy, prose, stories, angry rants, introspective musings — anything goes. A welcoming night for voices of all kinds.

🎤 Wednesday – Blues Jam Aberdeen
Experience the soul of the blues at Aberdeen’s most dynamic weekly jam night. Free entry, a fully equipped stage, and an open, inclusive atmosphere. Play, sing, or simply enjoy the music!

🎷 Thursday – Jazz at The Blue Lamp: Aberdeen Jazz Orchestra
The North East’s premier big band brings together the region’s top jazz musicians for a powerful, swinging night of big band energy.

🪩 Thursday (Upstairs) – The Velvet Sessions
Formerly the Hip-Hop Jams — now smoother, richer, and soaked in vintage soul. New name, new house band, same open-door creativity. Come join the groove.

🎄 Friday – Festive Funky Friday: Jazz House Party
Kick off the holiday season with a night of festive funk, good vibes, and dance-floor-ready Jazz House Party energy. Bring your friends and get your festive groove on!

🔗 Full details & tickets: thebluelampaberdeen.com/shows

01/12/2025

🎶 This Week at The Blue Lamp! 🎶
A full week of quizzes, blues, jazz, dance nights, winter grooves, and genre-bending live music 👇

🧠 Tuesday – The Lampy Pub Quiz (December Edition)
Free to enter! Gather your team of up to six and test your knowledge across fun and challenging rounds.
🏆 Winner takes home a £50 bar tab — perfect for some festive celebrating!

🎤 Wednesday – Blues Jam Aberdeen
Experience the soul of the blues at Aberdeen’s most dynamic weekly jam night. With free entry, a fully equipped stage, and an open, inclusive vibe — bring your instrument, your voice, or just yourself.

🎷 Thursday – Jazz at The Blue Lamp: Kevin MacKenzie Electric Quartet
Contemporary jazz infused with folk, funk, blues, fusion and fiery improvisation. Expect electric grooves, intricate melodies, and strong interplay from this powerhouse quartet.

🪩 Friday – Barvale Nights: Zor
A high-energy modern Gypsy band blending traditional Roma styles with funk, pop, and rock. Fresh from performances across the UK, Zor deliver immaculate musicianship and dance-floor-ready rhythms.

🎧 Saturday – The Groove Projekt
Five hours of quality house music — completely FREE.
No tickets, no door charge — just turn up, vibe, and dance the night away.

🎶 Saturday (Upstairs) – AMF Presents: Winter Grooves
Shake off the winter chill with a night of feel-good grooves. Get your holiday season started on the right beat!

🎹 Sunday – Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon: Neil Birse Quartet + Macswing
NO NEED TO BOOK!
🕑 Doors 2pm | 💷 £10 cash on the door | Students & under-16s FREE

🌑 Sunday (evening) – Cwfen
Dark, atmospheric, and hypnotic — Cwfen blend doom metal, post-punk, and goth rock into something ritualistic and raw. A force of nature born from the Scottish wilds.

🔗 Full details & tickets: thebluelampaberdeen.com/shows

26/11/2025

🔥 MATCHDAY DRINK DEALS – ABERDEEN v FC NOAH! 🔴⚽️
We’re gearing up for another big European night, and The Blue Lamp will be open from 5:30pm to get you match-ready before kick-off! 🙌

🍻 MATCHDAY DRINK OFFERS

ON TAP
• Tennent’s – £4
• Kronenbourg 1664 / Cruzcampo – £4.50
• Inch’s Apple Cider – £4
• Somersby Blackberry – £4
• Fierce Beer – £5

BOTTLES & SPIRITS
• Corona / Budweiser – £3
• House Spirit & Mixer – £3.50

Whether you’re heading to Pittodrie or just soaking up the atmosphere, come join us for great deals, and a proper matchday buzz! 🍺🔴⚪️

See you from 5:30pm – COYR! 💪🔥

25/11/2025

🎶 This Week at The Blue Lamp! 🎶
A wonderful mix of blues, jazz, contemporary classical, live local talent, and global festive rhythms 👇

🎤 Wednesday – Blues Jam Aberdeen
A full pro backline, dedicated sound tech, and the warm glow of one of Aberdeen’s most iconic venues. Whether you play, sing, or simply love the blues — everyone’s welcome!

🎷 Thursday – Jazz at The Blue Lamp: Rose Room
Classy vintage swing and gypsy jazz at its finest. Fronted by violinist and velvet-voiced Seonaid Aitken, Rose Room bring the spirit of 1930s–40s Paris to Aberdeen — channelling the magic of Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.

🥁 Friday – McDOOT: Percussion, Baritone Saxophone & Bass Clarinet Trio
A unique trio performing works by Gene Koshinski, Astor Piazzolla, and a world premiere by Tim Tricker. Featuring:
• Brodie McCash – Percussion
• Kirsten Beveridge – Baritone Saxophone
• Henry McNamara – Bass Clarinet

🎸 Friday (Upstairs) – Ruari McGrath Live
Ruari McGrath returns to The Blue Lamp with support from Steven Kemp and Gerry Kelly — a great night of local singer-songwriter talent.

🌎 Saturday – Abergaitas Presents: PARRANDA NIGHT
Celebrate Venezuelan festive tradition! AberGaitas bring the joyful sound of the Gaita Zuliana, a cultural and musical heritage played during Christmas and New Year in Venezuela. Expect rhythm, warmth, and a vibrant community night.

🔗 Full details & tickets: thebluelampaberdeen.com/shows

18/11/2025

🎶 This Week at The Blue Lamp! 🎶
A beautifully varied week of folk, blues, jazz, bingo, metalcore, intimate shows and more — here’s what’s on 👇

🌲 Tuesday – Swinging on Birches
A stunning new trio: Heather Cartwright, Madeleine Stewart, and Juliette Lemoine. Expect woven songs, tunes, and harmonies across guitar, fiddle, and cello — lush, intricate, and full of colour.

🎤 Wednesday – Blues Jam Aberdeen
A full pro backline, dedicated sound tech, and the warm glow of one of Aberdeen’s most iconic venues. Whether you play, sing, or just love the blues — everyone’s welcome!

🎷 Thursday – Jazz at The Blue Lamp: James Allsopp Group
Featuring some of London’s most in-demand musicians, the band tours their new album Stars and Sand, released on Glasgow’s Vibe Collide Records.

🎵 Friday – Rock & Roll Bingo
Work night out? Friends catch-up? Or just a music buff? Rock & Roll Bingo brings big tunes, big laughs, and great prizes — all while raising funds for cats in care.

🎸 Friday (Upstairs) – Sid Innes + Special Guests
A FREE show! Scottish songwriter Sid Innes blends indie rock, Americana, and a splash of psychedelia with his multi-instrumental flair.

🤘 Saturday – From Tyranny & The Colony + Support
A colossal night for metalcore fans! From Tyranny & The Colony return with Bleed The Fifth and one more local support TBA. Come down early — it’s going to be heavy.

💙 Saturday (Upstairs) – Up Close With The Blues
A super-intimate, smash-hit blues show packed with soul and world-class musicianship — unforgettable and great fun.

🎻 Sunday – Ming Hui Quartet
Ming Hui (Coralie Usmani) weaves stories, fiddle-inspired tunes, and free-jazz-esque improvisation with musicians Nuna Mutikani, Seth Bennett, and Calum MacIntyre. A rich blend of heritage, sound, and exploration across violins, guitar, bass, and percussion.

🔗 Full details & tickets: thebluelampaberdeen.com/shows

11/11/2025

🎶 This Week at The Blue Lamp! 🎶
A stacked week of blues, jazz, soul, rock, and fresh new sounds — here’s what’s on 👇

🎤 Wednesday – Blues Jam Aberdeen
A full pro backline, dedicated sound tech, and the warm glow of one of Aberdeen’s most iconic venues. Play, sing, or just soak in the blues — everyone’s welcome!

🎷 Thursday – Jazz at The Blue Lamp: Lorne Lofsky / Nigel Price Quartet
Jazz royalty in the building! Guitar legend Lorne Lofsky — who has toured and recorded with Oscar Peterson, Joey DeFrancesco, and Chet Baker — joins forces with Nigel Price for a truly world-class night of jazz.

🪩 Thursday (Upstairs) – The Velvet Sessions
Formerly the Hip-Hop Jams — now smoother, deeper, and dripping with vintage soul. New name, fresh groove, same open-door energy. Come vibe with the new house band and help shape this next chapter.

💃 Friday – Northern Soul Story
A powerhouse 11-piece band with four lead vocalists and a 3-piece brass section bringing classic Northern Soul to life. Support from Finnie.

🎸 Friday (Upstairs) – ATLAS : EMPIRE // Bonnie Mutt + Palebeak
Glasgow post/prog/alt-rock trio ATLAS : EMPIRE return to Aberdeen with music from Everything Is Temporary plus brand-new material. With support from math-rock maestros Bonnie Mutt and alt-rock duo Palebeak.

🎵 Saturday – AGP presents Citizen Papes
Born in a Glasgow bedroom during lockdown and inspired by Bon Iver, Vampire Weekend, and folk greats — Citizen Papes bring their intimate indie-folk sound to The Blue Lamp.

🔗 Full details & tickets: thebluelampaberdeen.com/shows

03/11/2025

🎶 This Week at The Blue Lamp! 🎶
From quizzes to cabarets, blues to brand-new albums — it’s all happening here 👇

🧠 Tuesday – The Lampy Pub Quiz (November Edition)
Free to enter! Gather your smartest friends (teams up to 6) and test your knowledge across fun and challenging rounds.
🏆 Winner gets a £50 bar tab!
🕖 Doors 7:00 PM | Quiz starts just after 8:00 PM

🎤 Wednesday – Blues Jam Aberdeen
Enjoy a full professional backline, a dedicated sound tech, and the warmth of one of Aberdeen’s most iconic live music venues. Whether you play, sing, or just love the blues — everyone’s welcome!

🎷 Thursday – Jazz at The Blue Lamp: Erik Palmberg Quartet
Swedish trumpeter Erik Palmberg brings his acclaimed quartet to Aberdeen, performing cinematic, expressive jazz from their new album Faces — winner of Sweden’s Gyllene Skivan readers’ poll.

🎸 Thursday (Upstairs) – Dave Arcari Live
Scotland’s alt.blues troubadour returns with raw energy and a brand-new album Still Friends… — not to be missed!

🎭 Friday – Treading The Boards’ Cabaret
A night packed with your favourite movie musical classics, performed by a fantastic local cast. 🎬✨
🎟️ Limited tickets available — grab yours fast!

🎵 Saturday – Fragments Album Release Show
Celebrate the launch of Fragments’ debut full-length album with support from Vows and Atlantic Rift — a huge night for local music fans!

🔗 Full details & tickets: thebluelampaberdeen.com/shows

27/10/2025

🎶 This Week at The Blue Lamp! 🎶
Another week of live music, local talent, and brilliant vibes — here’s what’s on 👇

🎤 Wednesday – Blues Jam Aberdeen
Enjoy a full professional backline, a dedicated sound tech, and the warm glow of one of Aberdeen’s most iconic live music venues. The blues has always been about connection — come play, sing, or just soak up the sound!

🎷 Thursday – Jazz at The Blue Lamp: Malcolm Strachan
Trumpeter Malcolm Strachan brings a full set of original compositions spanning a rich spectrum of jazz styles. A must for jazz lovers!

🎵 Friday – Hamish Napier in Concert
Award-winning flautist and composer Hamish Napier, with accompanist Jordan Neil, opens Aberdeen FluteFling 2025 — a weekend celebrating traditional flute and whistle music.
🎶 Support from Kirsten Allstaff and Maitiú Curley.

🎸 Friday (Upstairs) – Punch Face Champions Promotions: HALLOWEEN
A powerhouse night of hard rock! Headlined by the mighty Magician, with special guests.

🎹 Sunday – Richard Bailey Piano Trio + Ooomph!
An afternoon of exceptional live jazz — no booking needed!
🕑 Doors: 2pm | 💷 £10 cash on the door | Students & under-16s FREE

🔗 Full details & tickets: thebluelampaberdeen.com/shows

20/10/2025

🎶 This Week at The Blue Lamp! 🎶
Get ready for another week packed with live music, great energy, and good company 👇

🎸 Tuesday – Carlos Santana Tribute Show
Join us for a musical time-travel experience celebrating the guitar genius of Carlos Santana. Expect beautiful melodies and powerhouse musicianship.
🚫 SOLD OUT!

🎤 Wednesday – Blues Jam Aberdeen
Feel the soul of the blues at Aberdeen’s newest weekly jam night. Free entry, open stage — bring your instrument, your voice, or just your love for live music.

🎷 Thursday – Jazz at The Blue Lamp: Awen Ensemble
Welsh “poetic inspiration” meets modern jazz. Awen Ensemble explore folklore, landscape, and the human mind through beautifully expressive sound.

🎵 Friday – Northern Shindig #5
It’s a wild one! Welsh rock & roll trio The James Oliver Band headline, with We Broken Windows kicking things off — plus a special guest TBA!

🎸 Saturday – Northern Flites
Celebrating 50 years since meeting at Bankhead Academy! A night of music and memories in support of CLAN Cancer Support.

🔗 Full details & tickets: thebluelampaberdeen.com/shows

Address

121 Gallowgate
Aberdeen
AB251BU

Telephone

+441224647472

Website

https://www.thebluelampaberdeen.com/, https://www.thebluelampaberdeen.com/

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