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There are very few modern bands whose rise feels as genuinely grassroots and hard-earned as High Fade’s. Long before the viral videos, sold-out tours and festival appearances, the Edinburgh trio built their reputation the old-fashioned way by playing anywhere and everywhere they could. From freezing city streets to packed summer crowds, High Fade turned busking into both an artform and a proving ground, developing the explosive chemistry and relentless musicianship that now defines their live shows. With over 1,500 performances behind them and a rapidly growing international audience, the band’s journey from Scottish street corners to global stages feels entirely self-made.
Following the release of their second album Twice As Nice and ahead of extensive touring across North America and Europe throughout 2026, High Fade took some time to look back on the places that helped shape them as performers. From iconic Edinburgh landmarks to unforgettable spots across Ireland and the UK, this Top 10 list highlights the locations where the band learned to win over crowds, survive brutal weather, and sharpen the high-energy sound that has made them one of the most exciting independent bands currently on the road.
1. The Mound
“The Mound, “our spot” this is where all the viral videos have come from and we spent 6 years playing there during fringe festival, summer time and even in the winter when times were desperate.. Hopefully we make it big enough they stick a plaque or something there one day!
Bonus: Edinburgh Castle is right behind you. If they’re not stopping for your tunes… they’re stopping for the view.”
2. Scott Monument
“This spot’s class when it’s during fringe time and it was a hotspot back when they used to have live music on top of the old St James Centre in Edinburgh! Similar lay out to the mound.. but not as “scenic”.”
3. The Royal Mile
“The beloved Royal Mile.. (outside the St Giles Cathedral) full of history, drunk people and also very easy to get shut down if you annoy the locals enough… busk here at yer own peril!”
4. The Meadows
“The Meadows, Edinburgh’s gorgeous park with a kind of magic feel to it in the summer. A warm night spent busking here is almost something dream-like and it really is special with all the wee bars and cafes around.”
High Fade ‘Twice As Nice’ Album Artwork
5. Calton Hill
“At the top of Calton Hill… if you’re brave enough to walk yer kit up there you deserve to have a busking spot in one of the most scenic places on the planet! You can see the whole of Edinburgh and beyond from here, although it’s difficult , it’s a place that few dare to go unless it’s really warm and for good reason. Edinburgh is COLD.”
6. Murrayfield Stadium
“This one only works if there’s a huge gig on or a rugby game.. be careful of noise limits/neighbours , we played here when the eagles performed at Murrayfield and put it this way that was the most amount of people we’d ever played to at that point.. character building to say the least!”
7. Glasgow, Buchanan Street
“I mean.. if you’re feeling brave Buchanan street is where a lot of Glasgow buskers cut their teeth. If you see Ben Monteith out there on your travels make sure you say hello and have a craic, he’s a lovely gent and full of wisdom!”
8. Dublin, Grafton Street
“C’mon… It’s Dublin, the friendliest crowd in the world. We really felt the love when we played here on a sunny day! Seems like the Irish are all about a good busk and we’re here for it. And you’ve got to go pay homage to the Phil Lynott statue.”
9. Galway, Shop Street
“One of my favourite places we’ve busked in.. Galway’s special and it really is a home for seasoned buskers. In the summer you’ll see some of the best in the world go through here to do a street show.”
10. Newcastle, Northumberland Street
“Possibly the coldest I’ve ever been in my life. Played here in January in -2° but that wind cut through me something fierce. The people though were warmer than I’ve ever seen and couldn’t be more welcoming towards buskers!”
Tour Dates:
08/17 – YORK – The Crescent
10/03 – LONDON – Unlocked
10/04 – SOUTHAMPTON – Papillon
10/16 – NEWCASTLE – Digital
10/17 – LIVERPOOL – Arts Club Loft
10/24 – HULL – The Welly 2
10/30 – BIRMINGHAM – The Castle and Falcon
11/04 – CARDIFF – Clwb Ifor Bach
11/06 – BRISTOL – Trinity
11/09 – CHELMSFORD – Hot Box Live
11/27 – MANCHESTER – Gorilla
11/28 – GLASGOW – Oran Mor
High Fade Tour Admat 2026
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