Glasgow has long been a driving force behind Scotland’s music scene, producing a remarkable number of artists and bands who have achieved worldwide commercial success.
With this legacy in mind, we set out to highlight the musicians and groups connected to the city who have enjoyed exceptional album success. Among the most notable examples is Back in Black—the second best-selling album of all time—which has roots in Glasgow’s East End, where brothers Angus and Malcolm Young were born before later emigrating to Australia.
Another notable mention is Dire Straits which features Glasgow-born guitarist Mark Knopfler and his brother David.
Here are 17 of the best selling albums of all-time with a Glasgow connection.
1. Back in Black - AC/DC
Back in Black is the second best-selling album in history with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. The album features Angus and Malcolm Young who were born in Cranhill in Glasgow's East End. | Wiki Comms
2. Brothers In Arms - Dire Straits
Brothers in Arms, released in 1985 is one of the best-selling albums of all-time worldwide with over 30 million copies sold. The album features Glasgow-born guitarist and lead singer Mark Knopfler and his brother David. | Spotify
3. Dire Straits - Dire Straits
Dire Straits' self-titled debut album released in 1978 has sold 15 million copies worldwide. Other big selling Dire Straits albums include Communique, On Every Street, Making Movies and Lover Over Gold which have all sold over 2 million copies. | Spotify
4. Highway to Hell - AC/DC
AC/DC's second biggest selling album is Highway to Hell released in 1979 which has sold 9,421,928 copies. Other AC/DC albums which have sold millions of copies include Black Ice, The Razors Edge, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, For Those About to Rock We Salute You, High Voltage, Ballbreaker, Let There Be Rock and Rock or Bust. | Spotify