OUTLANDISH platform boots worn by Sir Elton John and AC/DC guitarist Angus Young's velvet schoolboy outfit will be among hundreds of items on display when the Hard Rock Cafe opens in Glasgow this month.

The company behind the international chain is in the process of transforming the A-listed former Athenaeum Theatre in Buchanan Street into its latest venture.

Hard Rock Cafes around the world are known for displaying items belonging to some of the world's superstars.

As well as Sir Elton's shoes and Young's outfit, the Glasgow venue will also feature a snakeskin jacket belonging to Keith Richards, which was worn by the Rolling Stone during the 1978 Some Girls tour.

A silk suit worn by Rod Stewart will also be on show, as well as E-Street band saxophonist Clarence Clemons' bagpipes and kilt.

Scottish artists included in the list of memorabilia include pieces from Primal Scream, Amy Macdonald, Alex Harvey, KT Tunstall, the Bay City Rollers, Big Country, The Beatles' original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, Al Stewart and Donovan.

Hard Rock bosses say its innovative technology will be reflected throughout the indoor and outdoor dining areas of the multi-level building.

It will have what is known as a Rock Wall Solo, an interactive touch wall with technology that allows fans to explore the world's greatest rock 'n' roll collection and virtually tour the company's venues around the world.

The cafe will also have a music stage for live weekly events and a merchandise filled Rock Shop.

Hard Rock has not yet announced the official opening date for its Glasgow venue.

The firm has 174 venues in 54 countries, including 138 cafes, 17 hotels and seven casinos.

The first cafe opened in London in the 1970s and Eric Clapton, who was one of its first high-profile visitors, donated his red Fender guitar, which was hung on the wall above his favourite seat.

The Athenaeum Theatre was opened in 1893 to "provide a source of mental cultivation, moral improvement and delightful recreation to all classes."

Its school of music developed into the Scottish National Academy of Music in 1929, later becoming the Royal Scottish Academy Of Music And Drama.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk