The Vapors – Live in the Bungalow Bar, Paisley. 1st July 2018

July 2, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Paisleys burning…

What a way to round off a smouldering hot weekend.

Another scorcher. The weather? Well yes, it was. The scorcher to which I’m referring though was another all-conquering night of entertainment in Paisley’s famous Bungalow Bar.

The Vapors blazed a trail though their back catalogue with barely a chance to take breath. Granted, with the heat outside and in the venue, there wasn’t much of an opportunity to draw breath. I reckon even without the weather I’d be wiping the sweat from my brow at the end of this blistering gig.

WHT TH FCK S TRSMT?

As half of Glasgow seemed to be heading to enjoy the sunshine on Glasgow Green for Arctic Monkeys only festival appearance this year.… Read the rest

The Skids – Kelvingrove Bandstand 17th June

June 18, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Mixed Feelings

This gig was the culmination of a rollercoaster weekend in terms of music related matters.

Garry

The weekend started on a low with a celebration of the life of Garry from Heavy Drapes at West Lothian Crematorium. Although it was a low, it was heartening to see the number of people who turned up for his send off. And there were many more watching across the UK.

The eulogy was uplifting and while it was a sad and solemn occasion, there were opportunities to smile as we remembered Garry. It was also the only time I’ve ever heard a spontaneous round of applause at a funeral when the guy leading the ceremony finished by paraphrasing one of Garry’s onstage comments – Garry Alexander Borland, he was a fucking punk rock singer.… Read the rest

PiL – Live in Glasgow

June 15, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

The Public Image is Rotten

PiL Glasgow kicked of a number of gigs for me in the next week. With loads going on in and outside of work, just a quick review of the PiL gig (and nae photies).

I’m off to see lots of the old guard in the next week or so, starting with PiL (supported by The Wonderstuff’s Miles Hunt). Next up Skids on Sunday (with Big Country/From the Jam) & Hollywood Vampires next week (with The Darkness/The Damned).

Miles Hunt

Before the appearance of Lydon, it was the turn of Wonderstuff front-man Miles Hunt to warm up the crowd.… Read the rest

Razur Cuts V – launch – Behindthewall Falkirk, Saturday 9th June 2018

June 11, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Razur Cuts

Saturday finally saw the launch of Razur Cuts V and the culmination of muckle hard work by Derek Steel. The latest edition of the cutting edge street literature magazine was promising to be a cracker. The biggest issue to date at 80 pages including an exclusive interview with The Stranglers powerhouse bassist JJ Burnell.

Such an issue was deserving of a bells and whistles launch and Derek and his team pulled out all the stops to make the launch go with a bang, putting on what can only be described as an extravaganza in Falkirk venue Behind the Wall.… Read the rest

Garry Alexander Borland – Heavy Drapes

June 6, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Garry Alexander Borland

There are many people today trying to come to terms with the news this morning of the sudden death of the inimitable husband, father, brother, son and effervescent arresting front-man of Heavy Drapes, Garry Alexander Borland.

I first met Garry only a few years ago when someone brought Heavy Drapes to my attention. Hooked from the first clip I saw of the band and its alluring front-man. In the short time I’d known him, Garry was a larger than life colourful character and it was a pleasure to have made his acquaintance. And also seen him strut his stuff on stage with Heavy Drapes over the last few years.… Read the rest

Kilmarnock Calling

May 24, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

The Bellfield Tavern

I had been meaning to get across to Kilmarnock for some time to see a gig in The Bellfield Tavern. There are regularly plenty of not to be missed great gigs on in the venue. Unfortunately, up until recently I had missed every single one of them. Hmmmm. I rectified that recently and vowed not to be a stranger to the quality wee venue.

I finally managed to get along a couple of weeks ago to see a fantastic punk triple bill – Fife’s Crimedesk, West Lothian’s Heavy Drapes and all the way from Belfast, The Defects.… Read the rest

Britrock Must Be Destroyed – May 19th, Glasgow

May 20, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

May 19th 2018 – a date to remember

So apparently today is some sort of big day. Something involving a ginger (small g) bloke and a (bad) actress celebrating a good feeling? Oh, and a number of games involving 22 blokes kicking a spherical object around for 90 minutes to try to win some silver things.

All that pales into insignificance, none of it really matters as the main event is happening in the O2 Academy. There is some premier 90’s rock to be had for the discerning Glaswegian punter. Anticipation has been building for this event for some time. The great and the good will be in attendance for this not to be missed event, only the select few will get this opportunity.… Read the rest

Mental Health Awareness Week 2018

May 14, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness week (14th – 20th May 2018), so I couldn’t let it pass without a blog.

You’ll know by now if you’ve read my blogs that I’m passionate about raising awareness of mental health, a passion that stems from my own experiences.

My own mental health and that of others has been fresh in my mind in recent days and weeks.

From a personal perspective events have conspired to test my resolve. Events that in years gone would have seen me crumble, letting my negative thoughts in and letting them win. A time where I would have catastrophised every situation visualising the worst possible outcome, filtering out all potentially positive outcomes to paint a bleak picture of the future.… Read the rest

The Vulpynes – EP review

May 7, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Vulpynes

One of the most exciting bands I’ve seen or heard in recent years is a two-piece from Scotland – Jo and Nicky Darc of The Twistettes.

There must be something in the Celtic water as I’ve just experienced the debut EP from cousins in spirit from across the water. Dublin 2-piece The Vulpynes (Maeve Molly – vocals & guitar & Kaz – drums).

Like the Twistettes, Vulpynes make a supremely loud and eminently listenable racket for a 2 piece eschewing the need for un-necessary additional members.

The four tracks on the EP showcase the bands obvious talents. Maeve providing sophisticated dirty, grungey garage rock guitar licks while Kaz does a mighty fine job as rhythm section with intricate tight pulsing drumming, a perfect foil for the rich vibrant vocals provided by Maeve.… Read the rest

The Fuck Ups & Soeur EP reviews

April 14, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Why you should go to gigs early

Next up, it’s a couple of CD EPs I’ve recently picked up as a result of seeing some great support bands at gigs.

Anyone that doesn’t turn up early to gigs to see the support bands isn’t only doing a dis-service to the bands who put the effort in, but they are missing the opportunity to see some great bands.

The Fuck Ups – Lies

First up, it’s the Fuck-Ups from Ayrshire and their new EP Lies. I recently caught the band playing as support to Rats From a Sinking Ship in the Hug and Pint in Glasgow.… Read the rest