OF the
QMU
HISTORy
WE ARE THE QMU
Making noise since 1890!
​​
The Queen Margaret Union is proud to be known as progressive, inclusive and welcoming and this is much more than a slogan. These values are at the heart of what we do and have been from our foundation over 130 years ago.
​
For its first 400 years, Glasgow University was a male-only preserve, but from the 1850s women campaigned for higher educational opportunities. In 1883 the Queen Margaret College was founded – the first and only college in Scotland to provide higher education for women.
A progressive, welcoming and exciting space for both students and non-students.
Founded in 1890, The Queen Margaret Union began as a place to provide meeting and leisure facilities for women students and was initially housed in the basement of Queen Margaret College on Queen Margaret Drive. It was created by the students to provide an outlet for their social and cultural needs.
For its first 90 years the QMU provided a supportive and empowering women-only environment where women could not only feel relaxed and protected, but where they were also given opportunities to take leading roles in a whole range of activities from running the Union itself to campaigning and even debating, which would have been far less likely in those decades in a mixed environment.
​​
​
​
If the last few years have taught us anything it is the importance and power of communities and collective responsibility. QMU has always encouraged that ethos among its members and to wider society even at other very challenging periods in history.
HERE FROM THE START!
The Queen Margaret Union has been at the heart of the music scene in Glasgow for over 50 years.
​​
Having opened in March 1968, the venue has seen some of the most notable names in music take to the stage. Alongside the Barrowlands, the QMU is one of the longest running music venues in Glasgow. With such a legendary history and atmosphere, it’s a prime location to see both touring and local acts.
Originally established in 1890 as the 'Women's Union' at the University of Glasgow, the Union soon outgrew its original location and established itself in the brutalist style building on University Gardens, in the heart of the West End of Glasgow.
The first major musical act to appear at the QMU was The Move in April 1968 with hundreds more following on throughout the decades. The Move played to around 700 students who each paid 12 shillings (60 pence) entry, with the venue allowing a bar to run until 10pm.
​
Almost every type of musical genre has featured at the QMU throughout the years, including psychedelia, progressive rock, folk, punk and heavy metal. These gigs ran alongside more traditional 'dances' which were also held at weekends.
The first major musical act to appear at the QMU was The Move in April 1968 with hundreds more following on throughout the decades.
The first major musical act to appear at the QMU was The Move in April 1968 with hundreds more following on throughout the decades.
WORLD CLASS ACTS
Our intimate venue has had many legends walk its stage over the years. Some of the more famous and iconic acts who have packed out the 900 capacity venue include:
Nirvana • The Smiths • Yeah Yeah Yeahs • Motorhead •
The Who • CHVRCHES • Thin Lizzy • Charlie XCX
• Cliff Richard • Sigue Sigue Sputnik • Red Hot Chili Peppers • Queen • Garbage • George Ezra •
• Franz Ferdinand • Billy Connolly • Sam Fender •
• Biffy Clyro • Coldplay • Snow Patrol • Wet Wet Wet •
• Orange Juice • Belle & Sebastian •
Discos were introduced during the 1970s with DJs such as the Radio Clyde legend Tom Ferrie, former STV presenter Paul Coia and even John Peel doing sessions at the venue. This tradition carried on with the many student club nights such as the legendary Cheesy Pop, Rev and Propaganda.
Music is still very much at the heart of the QMU today.
Recent acts include Black Midi, Sam Fender, Lucia and the Best Boys, Shame, Snail Mail, Peach Pit, and Enter Shikari; we know how to host a good show!​
​
Keep an eye on our socials for upcoming shows and news!
