'I went to a Scottish over 30s club night and it took me back in time'
Nightclubs are undoubtedly an acquired taste, with most Scots either loving or hating them.
In general, clubs are seen as something for the younger generation. While older Scots can — and should — get out and enjoy a night out if they want to, most clubs are unmistakably filled with those in their late teens and 20s.
For many, the young crowds can put them off heading out. It is for that reason that the O2 Academy in Glasgow has introduced an over-30s night aimed primarily at an older audience.
A reporter from the Scottish Daily Express decided to try out The 30+ Club to see what the fuss was about. Continue reading to find out how he got on.
Even when I was young, I was never a huge fan of nightclubs. Sure, I frequented them — probably too many and too often.
However, I've always been more of a pub enthusiast. The club was merely an end-of-the-night destination when all the bars closed.
Saying that, my university years coincided with Glasgow's golden era of clubbing. The Garage was at its peak, drink promotions were still legal, and music had pretty much reached its pinnacle.
Barring a few exceptions, my clubbing days are now a thing of the past. So, the prospect of attending my first over-30s club night at Glasgow's O2 Academy on Saturday was quite intriguing.
These events, I'm informed, are becoming increasingly popular. They offer those of us with a few more years under our belts the chance to relive our youth for a few hours without feeling like an out-of-place old-timer surrounded by youngsters.
It was encouraging to learn that the event would run from 5pm until 9pm. I'd still be getting home past my usual bedtime, but at least it would still be Saturday!
My nostalgic journey back in time was helped by the fact that I attended with a group predominantly composed of people I met while working at McDonald's in the late 90s and early noughties. If you ever ordered a breakfast on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday morning between 1999 and 2004 at the Jamaica Street branch, chances are you were served by someone who had been tearing up the dance floor just a few hours earlier.
As I queued up at the Academy, a slight apprehension filled me. I was unsure of what to expect but as we stepped in, the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful — with an abundance of vintage attire and a palpable desire for a good time.
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The city centre's occasional menacing vibe was absent here. Navigating through to the bars and dancefloor was a breeze.
The 'over 30s' rule allowed for a wide range of music, although the 90s dominated the scene. Robbie Williams' tunes greeted us upon arrival, but it didn't dampen the spirits, and we were soon treated to some great tracks.
There was something for everyone. Oasis and Backstreet Boys hits echoed through the venue, but it was the dance anthems that truly ignited the crowd.
The opening notes of Destination Unknown by Alex Gaudino saw three dancers take the stage, one miming the saxophone and the others donning glittering disco balls on their heads.
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Had the event taken itself seriously, this could have been incredibly cheesy. But the entire scenario was dripping with such self-aware humour that it never felt tacky.
Soon, foam glow sticks emerged, perfectly complemented by the likes of Castle In The Sky and Toca's Miracle. My only gripe would be the bar prices, but that seems to be standard these days.
More events are scheduled in Glasgow on October 12, November 2, and December 14. If you're after a charming dose of nostalgia served with a knowing smile, I can't recommend it highly enough.
Visit the 30+ Club website for more information.
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