Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever

Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.

Article Source: Greene King
Last Updated: 23 July 2025 13:18

As part of the role, Sam will surprise customers at one Greene King pub for a one-off headline performance as part of the UK’s biggest pub gig ever, with nearly 800 acts playing in pubs across the UK all on one day (Friday 8 August).

The partnership with Sam comes as Greene King Pubs reveals two in five Brits (40%) missed out on live music last year due to high ticket prices - a figure that jumps to 64% among 21 to 24-year-olds. Among those who did attend, one in five (20%) cut back on essentials to afford a ticket, while 16% spent more on live music than on a monthly household bill.

As Greene King Pubs’ research reveals that ticket prices have soared to an average of £100, Brits are calling for more affordable live music and better access to local events. Yet, over a third remain unaware of live music events in their local area.

As part of its commitment to ensuring everyone can access free live music this summer, Greene King Pubs is celebrating grassroots live music across the UK by launching Greene King Untapped - a nationwide search sponsored by Jack Daniel's and Coca-Cola to find the country’s best grassroots talent.

Greene King Untapped’s winner will win a performance slot at the Pub in the Park 2026 festival, along with a £10,000 cash prize and a recording session at the renowned Metropolis Studios sponsored by Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola.

Having launched his early career performing in pubs and as an advocate for grassroots music, Sam Ryder said: "Playing in pubs and smaller venues was where it all started for me, with intimate venues, borrowed PA systems, and a handful of pub-goers who might become fans. Grassroots music is at the heartbeat of the scene and those early gigs shaped who I am as an artist. These spaces allow live music to be an experience available to everyone, that’s why they’re so important, and I’m stoked to be a part of the team helping to keep that alive!”

Greene King Untapped is part of Live at Your Local, where 870 pubs will be hosting music themed events across the UK this summer. Designed to celebrate the power of music bringing people together, it offers something for everyone including high-energy karaoke nights and engaging music quizzes, to electrifying performances by live bands and expertly curated playlists to get people into the summer spirit.

To further support grassroots music Greene King has teamed up with Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola to support the Music Venue Trust, a charity which protects, secures and improves UK Grassroots music venues. For every Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola purchased, 10p will be donated to the Trust, funding community projects and initiatives that nurture emerging talent across the country.

Live music remains a much-loved part of British life, with the majority of Brits saying free or local gigs are essential to keeping culture alive, and a further 63% saying the energy of live performance is “irreplaceable”. As part of the research, Greene King Pubs has revealed Brits’ favourite 10 things about watching live music at a pub or small venue:

1. The atmosphere and buzz from the crowd
2. Singing along with others
3. The shared energy of a packed room
4. The intimacy of being close to the performers
5. The cheap(er) drinks compared to bigger venues
6. The spontaneity, anything can happen
7. Discovering music in unexpected places
8. Bumping into people I know
9. The feel of the bass or volume in your chest
10. The sticky floors and classic pub character

Zoe Bowley, Managing Director at Greene King Pubs, said: “Through this campaign, in partnership with Sam, we’re committed to broadening and maintaining access to free live music, and giving new artists a real chance to shine. Pubs have long been the heartland of grassroots music, a place where emerging talent takes root, stars are born, and communities come together. It’s where British people do what they do best: connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.”

Customers can head down to their local Greene King Pub to join in the Biggest Pub Gig ever and be in with the chance of stumbling on Sam’s secret set. Details on participating pubs can be found on Greene King Pubs’ social channels and by visiting: www.greeneking.co.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Enjoy East Ren announces Winterfest programme

Enjoy East Ren has announced its Winterfest programme, packed full of Christmas cheer, with festive events for all the family.

Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025

Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life

Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

East Renfrewshire to introduce 20mph speed limits to improve road safety

East Renfrewshire Council is set to reduce the speed limit on more than 1,100 residential streets and school zones to 20mph in an effort to make roads in the local authority safer for everyone.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Authors celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025 at East Renfrewshire Libraries

Libraries across East Renfrewshire celebrated Book Week Scotland (17-23 November 2025) with a series of author events and workshops.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Salmon return to Levern Water in Barrhead after 170 years

Salmon have returned to the Levern Water in Barrhead for the first time in 170 years, thanks to an award-winning river restoration project by East Ren Council and SEPA.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden

Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Footballers shine at SPAR Future Stars Cup

Girls' football stars from across East Renfrewshire showed their skills at the SPAR Future Stars Cup.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Marathon Guy inspires East Ren Run Club

Award-winning running coach Colin Thomas, otherwise known as the Marathon Guy, inspired local runners, offering top tips and advice from his 20-year fitness career.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever

Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings