November, 2018 - The Ginger Quiff

Pop Life – Tom Kirkham Interview

November 28, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

I have recently finished reading, and thoroughly enjoying, “Pop Life, The Story of a Minor Musical Expedition” by Tom Kirkham and reviewed the book for Louder Than War. Fortunately, I also had the opportunity to ask Tom a few questions. I could see a lot of parallels between him and I, so that was where I started.

TGQ: We sound quite similar in many ways. We are music fans with eclectic taste (although I can’t stand Oasis). We’ve been impacted by periods of poor mental health and we use writing as a way of dealing with and overcoming mental health issues.… Read the rest

The Interrupters – Live in Glasgow

November 27, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Fight the Good Fight

Three albums in and seven years down the line, The Interrupters played their debut Scottish gig to a fervent sold-out crowd in The Garage. It may have been a long time waiting for many of those in attendance last night, judging by the comments on my Facebook feed before the gig. The wait was worth it for them all.

It may have been a long time coming, but the band have spent their time well, and taken heed from their mentors, working with the likes of Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, ensuring that their debut gig in Glasgow would be a night to remember.… Read the rest

Heavy Drapes – Crashing Like Stars

November 23, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Crashing Like Stars

The day finally arrived. Crashing Like Stars dropped onto my doormat. I, like many, have been waiting with anticipation for this album for a couple of years having witnessed the songs in a live environment on numerous occasions over that period.

RIP Garry

Tragically, the circumstances around the eventual release are far removed from what anyone would have expected or wished for. Garry’s sudden death earlier this year hit people hard. Heavy Drapes live shows were incendiary affairs and Garry’s alter-ego De-Liberate an incandescent frontman who lit up the stage. For Heavy Drapes fans, the release of the album will give some comfort and it ensures the legacy of Garry and the band will live on.… Read the rest

Duncan Reid and the Big Heads, Reaction & Powderkeg – Live in Glasgow

November 19, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Music is good for the soul

Music is good for your very being, listening to some of your favourite music in a live environment does make a difference.

There is an element of unfairness here. So many creative, artistic people are struck by mental health illness yet music itself has the ability to lift the soul and raise the spirits. It certainly forms an important part in keeping my body and soul together. Granted it is not the only thing, but without it, there would be a black hole…

If Carlsberg made Friday night gigs in Glasgow…

Duncan Reid and the Big Heads would be headlining, with Airdrie late 70’s punk legends Reaction and young rock stars in the making PowderKeg…

Oh, wait…

Substitute Mainy for Carlsberg and the dream becomes a reality.… Read the rest

Duncan Reid & the Big Heads Live in Scotland

November 15, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Reservoir Droog

Live music fans in Glasgow and Edinburgh are in for a treat this weekend as one of the highlights of the live music calendar comes to both cities. It also marks the beginning of the end of an era for one promoter.

Arch Droog and all-round gentleman Alex “Mainy” Main is the promoter for this weekend’s gigs in Glasgow’s Nice n Sleazy on Friday and Bannermans in Edinburgh on Saturday. These are two of the last few gigs he will be promoting, but what a way to bow out. Whatever you do, if you love live music, do yourself a huge favour, don’t miss this weekend’s gigs.… Read the rest

Reaction – Keep it Weird, Keep it Wired: Album review and some…

November 6, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Airdrie – So Much to Answer For…

I didn’t think I would see myself focussing so much of my leisure time on the outputs of the Lanarkshire town of Airdrie.

Airdrie. A town I don’t know much about, apart from it being home to a few friends, the Diamonds (Airdrieonians FC) and that one of its famous landmarks is something I remember hearing about on the radio and TV from my youth, the Blackhill transmitter.

Interesting fact fans. Airdrieonians FC are the first football team in the World to have a fans group as the main sponsor of their kit. Life-long Airdrie fan Mark Allison’s image appeared on the shirts having tragically died from pancreatic cancer aged only 49.… Read the rest