MUSIC fans in Glasgow always knew the city was the best place in the UK to discover new bands - and now it's official.

Three of the city's hottest music spots have been named in a list of the 10 best venues to discover emerging acts, more than any other city in the UK.

Glasgow saw off tough competition from London, Manchester and Liverpool.

A survey of UK music fans named The Arches, Barrowland Ballroom, and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, as among the best places to spot new talent.

The city has been creditied with kick-starting the careers of dozens of big name acts, including Oasis, Travis, Franz Ferdinand, The Fratellis, Paolo Nutini Amy Macdonald and Glasvegas.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said he was "delighted" the city had been recognised for its music scene.

He added: "This research recognises what music fans around the globe have long known - that Glasgow is one of the world's leading capitals of music.

"With our designation as a Unesco City of Music and legendary musical heritage, music is truly at the very heart of the city."

The poll of 2000 UK music fans, which was commissioned on behalf of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, also revealed that the average fan is willing to travel 138 miles to see their favourite band.

Some would even be willing to spend almost £100 on a gig.

Other music fans admitted to showing their devotion by getting a band logo tattoo, or attending the same gig more than once.

Councillor Matheson, who is also chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "In any week there is an average of 130 music events taking place in Glasgow for visitors to enjoy.

"From seeing the world's biggest names on a stadium tour at the new 12,000 seater SSE Hydro, to catching an up-and-coming band at one of the city's iconic venues.

"Glasgow is particularly renowned for nurturing and supporting young talent, famously launching the careers of many of the world's biggest names including Oasis, Travis, Snow Patrol, Franz Ferdinand, The Fratellis, Teenage Fanclub, Primal Scream, Paolo Nutini and Texas.

"And with the recent news that Glasgow will welcome the MTV Euro-pean Music Awards to the city in 2014, our music star continues to rise."

Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London, which has hosted Ella Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse was among the other venues that made the list. The O2 Academy in Birmingham and Oxford, famed for their support of new and developing talent, also made the cut.

But it was Glasgow which took most top spots and Geoff Ellis, chief executive of music promoters, DF Concerts, believes it is because of the city's "passionate" audiences.

He said: "Their reaction to live music in particular is often commented on by some of the biggest names in the world. It's not surprising therefore, that Glasgow comes out on top as the best city to spot emerging talent.

"In fact, we are often told that King Tut's is the place for music fans to find their new favourite band.

"As a promoter, there is nothing more satisfying than being part of an artist's career trajectory from an intimate venue like King Tut's to headlining a festival like T in the Park".

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk