Overview

Spaceships Over Glasgow is the memoir of Stuart Braithwaite, co-founder and guitarist of post-rock band Mogwai. He recalls his youth in Scotland, early musical obsessions with alternative bands, and the highs and lows of touring and life in one of the most influential rock groups of the past three decades.

Writing & Voice

We found Braithwaite’s voice warm, candid and lyrical. His writing captures not just moments on tour, but the feeling of being young and in love with music. The tone balances humour and reflection, giving readers insight into both the band’s journey and his personal growth.

Content & Perspective

The memoir moves between formative gigs, influential bands like Sonic Youth and Nirvana, and the experience of life on the road with Mogwai. Braithwaite shares backstage stories, creative struggles, and the messy reality of life as a touring musician, making the narrative both intimate and vivid.

Themes

Spaceships Over Glasgow explores passion for music, friendship, risk and resilience. It asks how sound shapes identity and how a band survives decades of change. The story reflects on youth, creativity, and the cultural backdrop of Glasgow’s music scene.

What Worked

• Engaging insider perspective on life in Mogwai.
• Rich musical context from early influences to major tours.
• Personal reflection that balances humour and insight.

Minor Quibbles

• Music history can overwhelm non-fans at times.
• Tour anecdotes sometimes feel episodic rather than woven into a single arc.

Final Thoughts

We found Spaceships Over Glasgow generous and grounded, capturing how music, friendship, and place shape a life without myth-making or nostalgia overwhelming the honesty.

Rating: ★★★★½ / 5