Burns Howff
Coordinates: 55°51′50″N 4°15′40″W / 55.864°N 4.261°W
The Burns Howff is probably the best known Rock and Blues music venue in Glasgow. It was located on West Regent Street in the city centre and established a reputation as the launch pad for many Scottish musicians.
Burns Howff resident bands included Power, that later changed name to Stone the Crows. This band featured Maggie Bell on vocals, and James Dewar on bass guitar. James Dewar, known as Jimmy Dewar later formed The Robin Trower Band with ex Procol Harum guitarist Robin Trower and drummer Reg Isadore.
It was in Burns Howff that Alex Harvey met with the musicians who were to become the Sensational Alex Harvey Band.[1]
Other bands who played at Burns Howff included Beggars Opera, Chou Pahrot, and the illustrious 'Foxy', a talented 3-piece featuring Brian Denniston (guitar), Jimmy Johnston (Bass) and Nod Kerr (Drums).
The Shard a 5 piece R&B and soul band played frequently at the Howff for about 3 years in the late 60's. Jimmy McLachlan lead guitar, Tommy Graham bass, Bill Samson on Drums, Joe McCann Keyboards and Jim Robertson vocals were the longest serving members of the band.
Shortly before it closed a recording studio was installed on the premises. This was a rather modest affair that was housed in what was essentially a walk in cupboard. The studio was popular with local bands, and clients included Johnny and the Self Abusers who were playing regularly at another Glasgow music pub called The Mars Bar, that featured mainly Punk acts. Johnny and the Self Abusers split up and its members went on to form The Cuban Heels and Simple Minds. With the bands playing in the upstairs lounge there was a resident DJ in the bar area from 1973 onwards. This was called The Pony Express and played rock music to the bar customers. DJ Gordon Elrick also ran theme nights including the popular Tuesday Club where regulars dressed up and mimed to old standards.
Burns Howff finally closed in 1984.