'Unforgettable': Musician proposes at iconic Glasgow venue

Paul Clifford was performing as the frontman of a James tribute band when he surprised his girlfriend by popping the question on stage during a sell-out performance at Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom.

He told the Reporter: "I was thinking of a good time to do it that would have meant something and be memorable.

"That is when I remembered I was playing to a sold-out crowd in the Barrowlands and I never ever thought I would get to perform somewhere like there, so I knew I had to combine the two to make it a night we could never forget."

Originally from Dumbarton, Paul was entertaining a large-person crowd on Saturday, April 22, with 'The James Experience Born of Frustration' at the famous venue when he proposed to his partner of six and a half years, Lorraine Brown.

Paul Clifford proposed to his girlfriend of six years at the Barrowlands (Image: Newsquest)

The 54-year-old added: "It was the fact that everybody I knew was there. It was the most nervous I have ever been in my life. It is a place I have been to so many times and with Lorraine so many times. It means a lot to the two of us.

"We used to be friends years and years ago and we stumbled upon each other and then went out on a date and it has been like that since. We have the same interests and likes, so I knew how I wanted to propose to her."

After the proposal, Lorraine joined Paul on stage to commemorate the occasion with a dance and a sing-song.

Paul added: "I still think about it now. It was the crowd reaction that made it more special. I am extremely honoured that I was able to do it in front of my family and friends. My mother had never been in the Barrowlands and she was absolutely delighted.

"My friend said that it is a first too. People have proposed in the Barrowlands and people have got married there, but it was a first for someone to be proposed to by an artist on the stage."

The frontman has performed in front of over 14,000 people and in a variety of venues across the UK, but nothing tops that Saturday night.

Paul Clifford has performed at many venues over the years (Image: Newsquest)

Paul said: "I have sung in bands for years and local gigs for days. So to get a chance at my age to do big gigs I thought why not. We are playing in Manchester with 6,000 soon and booked in Birmingham and Leicester.

"I don't think anything will beat it as it was truly an incredible moment to remember for the rest of my life."