The Paisley Music Trail: Punk, Paolo and the Poet Weaver

Town’s remarkable musical story – featuring chart-toppers, cult heroes and rioters – to be told as part of book festival

It’s the town renowned as the home of superstar singer Paolo Nutini and Baker Street legend Gerry Rafferty. But did you know that Paisley was once the heart of Scotland’s punk scene and witnessed the country’s first rock ‘n’ roll riot?

Yet that’s far from everything in this community’s musical story, from its vibrant venues and musically-inspired public art, to the writer renowned as Scotland’s ‘poet weaver’.

These remarkable chapters – and more – of life and rich culture are to be shared with audiences as part of Paisley Book Festival this weekend.

The Paisley Music Trail: Paolo, Punk and the Poet Weaver will show how the town has always punched above its weight musically, influencing the lives of performers and fans alike.

And it’s perfectly in-tune with The Lives We Live theme of the festival, which runs from Friday (April 25) until Sunday (April 27).

Organisers OneRen have joined forces with Glasgow Music City Tours to stage two 90-minute tours – one on Saturday, the other Sunday – treading a path through Paisley’s historic town centre.

Yet that’s far from everything in this community’s musical story, from its vibrant venues past and present, including the Bungalow Bar and the Attic Folk Club – and musically-inspired public art, to the writer renowned as Scotland’s ‘poet weaver’.

Rooted in storytelling, the team behind it has undertaken extensive research, digging into newspaper archives, online forums, and local memories to unearth the enthralling tales.

Jess Orr, associate programmer at Paisley Book Festival, said: “Music and song is part of the story of so many lives – and Paisley has always been a town of stories, whether told through poetry, music or the mills of its industrial past. All of this has helped shape the community we know today.

“We’re delighted to partner with Glasgow Music City Tours and share some of that by bringing the trail festival. It’s a brilliant way to experience the town through a different lens.”

Celebrating its 10th year, Glasgow Music City Tours is now making its way west, ahead of  launching its own book in June.

Titled Glasgow’s Greatest Hits, it will cover notable gigs and locations as well as highlighting the fact that Glasgow’s ban on punk led to Paisley’s rise as a punk hub.

Fiona Shepherd, co-founder of Glasgow Music City Tours, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the Paisley Music Trail to life for the Paisley Book Festival. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, it feels fitting to head to a town with such a rich musical heritage.

“This tour isn’t just about big names, it’s about the stories behind the music: the poet-weavers and the punk nights. We’ve dug deep into local archives, spoken with the community, and crafted a trail that celebrates Paisley’s unique place in Scotland’s musical history.”

Music – and musicians – are playing a major part in this year’s Paisley Book Festival through its The Writer’s Playlist strand of events.

As well as the tours, there will be an appearance by Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch, sharing insight into his first novel alongside author and former Glasgow record store owner David Keenan speaking to broadcaster Vic Galloway.

Folk music and its impact on peoples’ lives will also be in the spotlight with journalist Nicola Meighan hosting a conversation with acclaimed singer-songwriter turned author James Yorkston and Malachy Tallack, whose latest book is accompanied by an album of original music.

• To listen to the Glasgow City Music Tours’ Paisley music playlist ahead of the tour click here. 
• Full details about the Paisley Book Festival line-up – including booking information – are available at www.paisleybookfestival.com.