Deacon Blue and Kaiser Chiefs to headline Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025

Deacon Blue and Kaiser Chiefs are set to take to the Aberdeen quayside as part of four open-air gigs at the Tall Ships Races this summer.

The unique Quayside Concerts will take hold of Peterson Seabase yard on Regent Quay, which is being transformed into a 7,000 capacity venue.

The line-up of top-flight bands is expected to add to the anticipation of the "once-in-a-generation" return of the Tall Ships which is coming back to the Granite City after 28 years.

The concerts will be kicked off by Scottish band Deacon Blue on Friday 18 July, with frontman Ricky Ross expressing the bands excitement of being part of the event.

“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.”, he said.

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 the day the Tall Ships sail into the Port of Aberdeen.

Ministry of Sound Classical and Tide Lines to dazzle crowds

On Saturday 19 July, Ministry Of Sound Classical will have thousands of fans dancing the night away with live orchestral performances of the greatest hits from the iconic Ministry of Sound.

It promises to be an "electrifying live music experience" from a 30-strong orchestra, set against a forest of Tall Ships masts in the Port of Aberdeen.

On Sunday 20 July, award-winning Scottish indie-folk band 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.

Tide Lines’ 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!”

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!"

Kaiser Chiefs won't miss a beat at Tall Ships

Kaiser Chiefs - who are celebrating their 20th anniversary of their breakthrough classic 'I Predict a Riot' - will wow the crowd for the grand finale of the Quayside Concerts on Monday 21 July.

The band will be including their Tall Ships gig on their current Employment tour of outdoor shows.

Tickets for all three paid-for gigs - Deacon Blue, Ministry of Sound Classical and Kaiser Chiefs go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 5 March.

More details about how to attend the free Sunday night gig with Tide Lines and Calum Bowie will be available soon.

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 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.”

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “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.”

Free daytime concerts

As well as the Quayside Concerts, Peterson Seabase – being transformed from a working goods yard – will host free daytime concerts and events.

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

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.