Author: neilho27@sky.com

Music is My Escape – using music as a coping strategy

August 16, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Music is my Escape……..I posted this image on Facebook some time ago. However, I only recently took some time to really think about what this means to me. Mainly in terms of music being one of my “strategies” to deal with anxiety/depression.

I know there are many people who have different ways of dealing with their own mental health. Music isn’t something that helps everyone, but for me it is important.

I’m in a good place thanks to strategies I have in place. That includes using this blog as kind of a therapy. I have dealt with anxiety and depression for some time.… Read the rest

There is a Night that Never Goes Out…..

August 13, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

I had a catch up with an old friend the other day. I say “old” friend as it was only when we talked we realised just how long we’d known each other! That friend is Robert Winning and when we spoke we realised it must have been about 26 years ago when we first met.

It was 1991 and I’d been to see Morrissey at the Caird Hall in Dundee. The gig had finished early after around an hour as Morrissey was losing his voice. He was due to be playing the following night at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. … Read the rest

Ginger Wildheart

August 10, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Ginger Wildheart is another artist who has a history of mental illness. His latest episode has led to arrest, attempted suicide and his being sectioned.

Ginger has an amazing wealth of talent and a tremendous back catalogue. I hope he gets the support he needs to get through his latest setback and continue to add to this. I don’t want to wake up to the news of another Chris Cornell or Chester Bennington this year.

Its an old record I keep playing, but I’ll say it again, mental illness, anxiety, depression – they don’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do.… Read the rest

Pixies triumphant return to Glasgow

August 8, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Pixies Live in Glasgow

Its Monday, what is the best remedy for a weekend dominated by back to school shopping and reading about how great Rebellion Festival was by all and sundry on Facebook? (Note to self: get to Rebellion soon…..). Well, for this Monday it was going to see Pixies as part of Magner’s Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand.

I’d been looking forward to seeing them for ages, especially after missing out in December when they played Barrowland. It would be the first time I’d seen them since Paz Lenchantin joined the band following Kim Deal’s departure. I was slightly worried about what songs which heavily featured Kim would be like, but was looking forward to the gig immensely.… Read the rest

Sinead O’Connor

August 8, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Its tragic to see what has happened to Sinead O’Connor over the last few years with her obvious struggles with mental health. It is not for me, or anyone else, to discuss the whys and wherefores about what her issues are. So I have been disgusted at some of the comments directed towards her on social media today.

I understand that she divides opinion due to her being an outspoken individual. Over the years she has rubbed people up the wrong way with her opinions and actions. But the woman is obviously suffering and for people to criticize her for what she has done in posting a video about how she is feeling in which she is visibly upset and obviously needs help is disgusting.… Read the rest

Southern Approach – Interview with David Munro Orr – Kilmarnock “legend”

August 5, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

So, when I decided I was going to start a blog, I knew I wanted to share my love for music and I wanted to shout about some of the bands that (in my opinion) deserve to get more recognition and exposure. (Not that this blog is going to get them that but hey, I can try!) So how would I get them on board and involved?

I thought, maybe I could approach someone I know that has been in bands all his life and has released some great tunes? But failing that maybe Munro would help (I jest Davy!)

So, here it is – my first blog and I’ve roped in David Munro Orr (Davy, Munro…..… Read the rest

Gigs in Glasgow next week anyone?

August 4, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Not in any way an exhaustive gig list for Glasgow for next week, merely a list of highlights for me! (Even if I can’t get to them all)

Monday (& Tuesday) sees the return of Pixies to Glasgow, I missed the last Glasgow gig due to selling out quickly and the secondary ticket market – enough said for the moment – but looking forward to seeing them on Monday in the open air at Kelvingrove (amongst the many other great names playing over the course of 2 weeks). Hope the rain stays off!

Next weekend (as with virtually every weekend in Glasgow!)… Read the rest

Can you think too much?

August 4, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Is that a bad thing? And anyway, not thinking, how hard can it be?

Well to someone with anxiety, it can be nigh on impossible and also totally exhausting. Just not being able to switch off!

I’m not saying thinking is a bad thing, where would we be if inventors and entrepreneurs didn’t constantly come up with new ideas? What would happen if we didn’t think seriously about things and mull things over? Nothing obviously.

But what isn’t healthy is when you just can’t stop thinking, and the thoughts you have are totally unhelpful. They don’t even need to be about earth shattering events, hundreds of silly little thoughts about seemingly insignificant things can overwhelm and when unchecked can have a massive impact.… Read the rest