There are nights that stay with a city, and Friday night at BAaD was one of them.
When Zico set out to host an "Audience With" Irvine Welsh, the goal wasn't just to talk about books or films. It was about bringing together the grit, the soul, and the uncompromising creative energy that defines Glasgow and Edinburgh alike. Evidence of that hunger was clear from the start: the event sold out in less than 48 hours when tickets were released months ago.
The Atmosphere
The room was packed to the rafters—a sold-out crowd that knew exactly why they were there. From the moment the first needle dropped to the final question of the night, the energy was electric. This wasn't a stiff, formal interview; it was a conversation between peers and a celebration of a 40-year legacy in the game.
The Man of the Hour
Irvine Welsh remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of the "scabrously funny and the brutally real." Whether discussing the evolution of his iconic characters or his take on the current state of the culture, he kept the room hanging on every word.
The Beat
The night didn't end with the Q&A. Irvine took to the decks for a headline DJ set that brought the house down. It was a masterclass in reading the room—switching gears from literary icon to the man behind the music, keeping the dancefloor moving and proving that the spirit of the '90s is alive and well in the heart of the Barras.
Giving Back
Beyond the music and the conversation, the night was a massive success for a cause close to our hearts. At the Irvine Welsh event on Friday night with Zico Fashion Boutique, we were able to raise £1,694 for The Junction in Edinburgh. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this vital cause 💚.
The Team
The night was steered masterfully by top podcaster Paul John Dykes, whose insight and rapport with Irvine ensured the conversation went deep. A massive thank you goes out to the team at Barras Art And Design (BAaD)—the venue was the perfect backdrop for the night, and the staff worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly.
The Gear
The exclusive Granton Star and "Audience With" collections were flying out the door. For those who missed out on the night, a limited run of the gear is now available on the Zico Boutique website.
To everyone who showed up, supported, and made it a night to remember: Cheers. We’re just getting started. Photos courtesy of the brilliant Simon Murphy.