The recent debate over possible changes around Pittodrie brought back some great memories when the Merkland Stand, or King Street End as it was known, was home of the Aberdeen ‘songsters’ for many years.
As Pittodrie developed over the years up until 1934, the only part of the ground that was covered was the Main Stand. It had been covered in 1928 but six years later, the King Street End saw a roof being put on which proved a popular refuge for the Aberdeen support in poor weather. In the 1960s, that area was populated by the younger element of the Dons support which invariably led to the singing section.
Even with the building of the cover over the larger Beach End in 1959, the King Street End was now the traditional area for the songsters. The general belief was the lower roof at that end made for a better atmosphere and acoustics for singing and to encourage the team.
It was not until 1973 when the club put the old style bench seating in that part of the ground that the Aberdeen songsters migrated to the Beach End, which was still all terraced. The ‘Beach End Boys’ were in town right enough. While the bench seating may have initially proved popular as the club became pioneers in making Pittodrie all-seated, it was not met with widespread approval. Standing room only was still very much a part of Pittodrie culture and many were not for sitting.
The Beach End forged its own traditions as the club moved on from their cup successes in the 1970s to the glorious era under Alex Ferguson. By 1978, the stadium had effectively become all seater, the first in Britain. By 1980 it was an all covered, all seated stadium after the building of the South Terrace cantilever stand.
It could be that the next generation of Aberdeen songsters will come full circle and migrate back to the ‘King Street End’, where older generations of Dons supporters first raised their voices in unison.
It could be that the next generation of Aberdeen songsters will come full circle and migrate back to the ‘King Street End’, where older generations of Dons supporters first raised their voices in unison.
