Justin Bieber is not only one of the biggest pop icons globally, but he is also an entirely independent artist. His recent projects – ‘SWAG’ and its logically named sequel ‘SWAG II’ – have been launched on his own terms, allowing the Canadian star to bypass the challenges associated with major labels and go directly to his audience. He can essentially do anything – so what brings Justin Bieber to Dundee?
The pop star was first seen incognito at Dundee Airport nearly a week ago and has shared his adventures in Scotland on TikTok. After spending time in St Andrews – known for its famous Old Course, some historical ruins, and some excellent fish and chip places – Bieber decided to trade the charm of a small town for the hustle of a big city, making his way across the Tay Road Bridge to Dundee.
Incredibly, he appears to be enjoying himself immensely. As if a Saturday night in Dundee couldn't be more thrilling, Justin Bieber chose to shoot his new video ‘Bad Honey’ at the Abandon Ship pub in the city, generating headlines around the world.
The BBC interviewed bar manager Rae Wright, who was working at the pub downtown when the international star walked in with a few team members. “It was just a typical Saturday night, and then he strolls in with three or four people,” she said. “He set up his speaker, arranged the place, switched on some lights, and then began filming.”
According to Rae, Biebs was “lovely” and treated everyone like any other customer. “He spoke to the bar staff as if we were actually people, which many don’t seem to do,” she noted. “It will be nice when we’ve had time to reflect and think, wow, Justin Bieber was here.”
For Dundee, this is a fantastic feel-good story. Despite its creativity and sense of community, Dundee often receives a bad reputation, a situation not helped by some negative news stories. Justin Bieber’s visit provides a chance for Dundee to shine for the right reasons – and it also indicates that the pop star has excellent taste.
Local businesses had fun on social media, integrating Bieber’s face into their promotions, but the truth is that Biebs would have plenty of options to choose from. Assai Records is a landmark, the vinyl team at Thirteen Records is outstanding, and the dance venue Le Freak champions club sounds. The promoters of Smalltown Club ventures do remarkable work, Hannah Laing is breaking barriers for Scottish DJs, while the city’s creative communities thrive through initiatives like Generator, WASP Studios, the tireless DCA, and the notable newcomer, the V&A.
Additionally, let’s not forget that Clash magazine originated in that very city, and we featured Justin Bieber on the cover of our significant 100th issue. Perhaps we are biased, but Dundee will always hold a special place in our hearts – and so will Justin Bieber, for that matter.
If Justin Bieber happens to stick around in Dundee, the city will host the SAY (Scottish Album of the Year) Award on November 6th.
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Justin Bieber is not just one of the biggest pop icons in the world; he is also a truly independent artist. His most recent project, titled ‘SWAG’, is aptly named.