Apollo Ambition

A legend of the Glasgow Apollo, written by Martin Kielty - author of acclaimed documentary book Apollo Memories...

Monday, May 1, 1978... AC/DC just left town with a live album on tape. Thin Lizzy, David Bowie, UFO and Black Sabbath are on their way. Logie Paterson, singer with local heroes Fox Ache, looks forward to a show by his favourite band, Night Garden.

There's a lot on his mind, and not just the World Cup campaign. He's thinking of quitting his group, and rumours abound that Night Garden have gone punk (at least, that's what the NME says).

But worse, far worse: the Glasgow Apollo is about to close - and that means Logie will never get the chance to play there.

This is the story of one night in 126 Renfield Street, among the Glasgow choir, in front of the sloping stage, under the bouncing balcony... surrounded by the infamous Apollo bouncers.

Illustrations by Jim MacNee.