Top-flight bands including Deacon Blue and Kaiser Chiefs - to provide 'epic soundtrack' for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen in stunning outdoor gigs
Deacon Blue, Kaiser Chiefs, Ministry Of Sound Classical and Tide Lines are the headliners for four stunning open-air gigs that will provide an “epic soundtrack” to The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen this July.
They will take to the stage for the unique Quayside Concerts – with Tide Lines playing a free gig as a “thank you” from Tall Ships organisers to the people of Aberdeen - in a purpose-built 7,000 capacity venue created at Peterson Seabase on Regent Quay.
The line-up of top-flight bands is bound to create even more excitement and anticipation around the “once-in-a-generation” return of the Tall Ships to the Granite City from July 19 to 22
Event organisers urged fans to buy tickets when they go on sale at 9am this Wednesday, March 5, as they expect them to be snapped up by eager music lovers wanting to experience these unique gigs.
And that enthusiasm is shared by Scots music legend Ricky Ross, the frontman for Deacon Blue, who said the band were thrilled to be part of the Tall Ships Races in the Granite City.
“We last played the Tall Ships festival back in 2011 (in Greenock) and loved it, we’re very happy to be asked back and really looking forward to another great night under the stars in Aberdeen later this year.”
Deacon Blue – whose back catalogue of hits such as Dignity and Real Gone Kid have become Scottish anthems - will open the run of spectacular gigs on Friday, July 18, the day the Tall Ships sail into the Port of Aberdeen.
On Saturday, July 19, Ministry Of Sound Classical will have thousands of fans dancing the night away with breathtaking live orchestral performances of the greatest hits from the iconic Ministry of Sound. It promises to be a truly electrifying live music experience to remember from a 30-strong orchestra, set against a forest of Tall Ships masts in the Port of Aberdeen.
On Sunday, July 20, award-winning Scottish indie-folk stars Tide Lines will headline a special free gig at Peterson Seabase with Banchory-born singer-songwriter Calum Bowie in support. Bowie – who last year played Glastonbury, TRNSMT and Belladrum – has over 100 million views on TikTok and will be a surefire hit with his home crowd.
Tide Line’s lead singer Robert Robertson said: "We can’t wait to play for the Tall Ships in Aberdeen on 20th July! We’ve had some brilliant gigs in Aberdeen over the years and loved playing for the Tall Ships up in Lerwick a couple of summers ago—so this has all the makings of a great night.
“It also falls just after the release of our new album, Glasgow Love Story, making it an especially exciting time for us!”
Bringing the Quayside Concerts to a rousing finale on Monday, July 21, will be Kaiser Chiefs who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough classic, I Predict A Riot. They are including the Tall Ships gig on their current Employment tour of outdoor shows.
Tickets for the three paid-for gigs – Deacon Blue, Ministry Of Sound Classical and Kaiser Chiefs go on sale on at 9am on Wednesday, March 5, and will cost £45 or a bundle of all three concerts for £110.
More details about how to attend the free Sunday night gig with Tide Lines and Calum Bowie will be available soon.
Local loon and singing sensation Calum Bowie said: "So excited to be coming back home to play Tall Ships. Being from Banchory, it's an honour to have been asked to play my first ever festival in Aberdeen! Also super excited to be supporting Tide Lines, such a big inspiration. Should be a class day!"
The Tall Ships Races have been brought to the Granite City for the first time in 28 years by Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired - and they all expect tickets for the Quayside Concerts to be snapped up.
Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of Aberdeen's Tall Ships 2025 Committee said: “This incredible line up of top acts will really help us to celebrate the Tall Ships event this summer. The concert programme will appeal to a massive audience of all and ages and interests. The music and the entertainment will offer an amazing experience of the like that we haven't seen in the city before. As the Kaiser Chiefs would say, I predict a riot… of fun.
“I am delighted that Tide Lines and Calum Bowie will be working their magic at the Sunday night concert at Peterson Seabase. This free concert is a sincere ‘thank you’ to the people of Aberdeen for their unstinting support for The Tall Ships Races. It is going to be a truly memorable event for everyone.
"Tickets will go fast so it is best to get in there early.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It is a real coup to bring these top-flight acts here to provide an epic soundtrack for the Tall Ships in the Granite City. Can you imagine Deacon Blue leading 7,000 people in a rendition of Dignity, with all those beautiful vessels as a backdrop? That promises to be something magical.
“These four nights of outstanding concerts will mean Aberdeen is really set to hit the high notes during the Tall Ships visit – not least with the economic boost the 400,000 expected visits will bring the city.”
“The Tall Ships Quayside Concerts will be a unique experience for gig goers. It’s not every day that a rail freight yard in a port is transformed into one of Scotland’s biggest open air music venues with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs and Deacon Blue playing. The line-up is incredible and it’s another reason why Aberdeen is the place to be this summer for locals and visitors from across the country.”
Chris Coull, Joint Managing Director UK at Peterson Energy Logistics, said: “These are fantastic acts to be coming to Aberdeen and we’re delighted to be hosting these names at Peterson Seabase.
“Our industrial space will undergo a transformation from a yard used for transporting goods offshore to a truly unique entertainment experience. We’re proud to be involved in Aberdeen’s Tall Ships.”
As well as the Quayside Concerts, Peterson Seabase – being transformed from a working goods yard – will host free daytime concerts and events.
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 is supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, through their International Events Funding Programme.
Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, said: “Tall Ships Aberdeen is part of an exciting portfolio of events and festivals taking place across Scotland this year and we are delighted to be supporting it through our International Funding Programme.
“Events like this play a vital role in our communities, giving people the chance to connect, share, and enjoy unforgettable experiences.
“The majesty of the Tall Ships, combined with a stellar line-up of acts for the Quayside Concerts, will create lasting memories while showcasing the region’s stunning scenery and rich culture. This event will not only highlight Scotland on the global stage but also drive tourism and deliver real benefits to local communities.”
You can get more information and, from 9am on Wednesday, March 5, buy your Quayside Concert tickets at www.tallshipsaberdeen.com/concerts
Also from Wednesday, tickets will be available in person from Aberdeen Box Office at the Music Hall and His Majesty’s Theatre.
