Watch The Glasgow School

The Glasgow School is a documentary film from 2016, directed by Chris Hughes, that explores the rise of the post-punk music scene in Glasgow during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The film features interviews with some of the most important figures of the era, including Bobby Bluebell, Jill Bryson, and Malcolm Ross. The film takes us on a journey through the music scene in Glasgow at the time, highlighting the importance of local venues such as The Apollo and The Venue in shaping the sound of the city. It also explores the social and political context of the time, with interviews with key figures from the era shedding light on the poverty and unemployment that was prevalent in the city at the time.

One of the key themes of the film is the influence of the Glasgow School of Art on the music scene in the city. Many of the musicians featured in the film were either students or graduates of the art school, and it is clear that the creativity and experimentation that was encouraged there played a significant role in shaping the sound of the post-punk bands that emerged from the city.

The film is filled with great music, with performances from some of the most influential bands of the era, including The Fire Engines, Altered Images, and Orange Juice. The archival footage is expertly edited together with the contemporary interviews, creating a rich and engaging portrait of a moment in time that has had a lasting impact on popular music.

The Glasgow School is not just a documentary about music, however; it is also a social and cultural history of Glasgow during a turbulent and transformative period. The film explores the connections between music, art, and politics in a way that is both insightful and entertaining, and it is clear that the filmmakers have a deep love and respect for the city and its creative spirit.

Overall, The Glasgow School is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the history of post-punk music or the social and cultural history of Glasgow. The film is a testament to the power of music to shape our lives and our communities, and it is sure to inspire and entertain anyone who watches it. From the raw energy of the live performances to the thoughtful reflections of the interviews, this is a film that captures the spirit of Glasgow during a time of great change and creativity. Highly recommended.

The Glasgow School is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.