Baby Shakes – Live, The Flying Duck, Glasgow

July 18, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

I love a good gig, and usually have a few to look forward to weeks or months in advance. There is something to be said though for Impromptu gig nights. The other night in Glasgow was a case in point.

I’d seen the Baby Shakes gig advertised and had swithered whether I should go, mid-week, last few days before I’m off for a couple of weeks so busy at work. I’d unconsciously put a mental x against it as one of those, I’d like to go, but I’ll stay in.

Of course, if that had been the case, there wouldn’t have been much more to write about.… Read the rest

A Beautiful Night Out – Therapy? & The Levellers in Kelvingrove

July 3, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Another West End evening

Sunday night and I found myself Kelvingrove bound for the second time in a week.

Having experienced a couple of days that hadn’t quite gone to plan up until then, I was hoping for a positive end to the weekend. Great company was a good omen for starters, and despite the Glasgow summer being as unpredictable as the next gig announcement in a year of pleasant surprises so far, it looked like the rain would hold off.

Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble was playing an acoustic support set as we stood shooting the breeze while waiting outside for a ticket to arrive.… Read the rest

Garry Alexander Borland – Tribute gig – Audio, Glasgow 9/12

December 11, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

High on Emotion

This weekend ended on a pretty bloody special note. A night that will live long in the memory. No, scratch that, a night that I will never forget.

The weekend had kicked off on a high with a brilliant works night out, so it was fitting that it should end on a high too. There were moments of emotion throughout my weekend. My first viewing of It’s A Wonderful Life for the year always ends with my eyes watering slightly, well, quite a lot. And I welled up again during Sunday morning’s Santa Dash. I know, I’m a sap. … Read the rest

World Mental Health Day 2018

October 10, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

10th October is World Mental Health Day

I couldn’t let today pass without at least a short blog, a day designed to raise awareness of and education for mental health issues and to provide advocacy for those who are impacted.

Several years have passed since I first experienced crippling anxiety leading to an extended period of depression. The experience had a lasting effect on me and, despite a lapse back into my depression and anxiety controlling me in more recent years, it has changed my whole outlook on life and the way I deal with my own mental health. I am in control and though you can never say never, I intend to keep it that way.… Read the rest

PYLON : Review, Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow

September 16, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

PYlon Live

Let me start by saying, whatever I write about Pylon will not do it justice.

There was a buzz around a packed Mitchell Theatre, a sense of anticipation as the audience filled the auditorium. There had been a bus stopped outside just as we arrived at the theatre, I assumed a contingent having travelled over from Kilmarnock especially for the show on its debut in Glasgow. The hubbub around the theatre was celebratory and there was a real sense of warmth as people greeted each other, seeing faces they recognised. A real sense of community. A sense of community totally reflected in Pylon.… Read the rest

The The – Barrowland, Glasgow 4th September 2018

September 11, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

The The – back in Glasgow

Yes, The The, back. Having spoken to several people, I know there was much anticipation and expectation for the return of Matt Johnson and The The to Glasgow for two gigs on adjacent nights in very different venues Several people I knew had purchased tickets for tonight’s gig and the following evening in the more salubrious surroundings of the Royal Concert Hall.

When the dates were announced though, for me there was no contest, I knew I had to be at Barrowland. For many, The Apollo was Glasgow’s iconic venue, unfortunately, by the time I stated my gig going, the Apollo was already a thing of the past, so to me the Barrowland Ballroom will always be Glasgow’s premier live venue.… Read the rest

VoiCeX DeBuT GiG ReVieW 18/05/18 – Hector Heathcoat Guest review

May 22, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

A Guest Review

Something new for the blog – a guest reviewer!

You may have seen me mention Voicex in previous blogs. The post punk “supergroup” is the brainchild of Scars guitarist Paul Research alongside Coco Whitson of Boots for Dancing, Colin Bendall of Matt Vinyl and the Decorators with vocals from poet Suky Goodfellow, and the band played their debut gig in Edinburgh last Friday (18th May).

Unfortunately I couldn’t be there. However, man of mystery Hector Heathcoat was in attendance and shares his thoughts below. By all accounts I don’t want to miss the next one.

All words by Hector Heathcoat.… Read the rest

Red or Dead – Trotsky Waltz – New Album

January 4, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Red or Dead

Red or Dead are:

Rob Murray – Guitar, Mandolin and Vocals.
Emma Sunerton-Burl – Cajon mandolin and Backing Vocals.
Gala Elvira – Vocals.
Dave Sunerton-Burl – Bass, Guitars, Backing Vocals.

The band met protesting outside a UKIP conference mid 2015. They ended up playing an anti-UKIP song Rob had written and made the first item on the BBC 6 O’Clock News that night.

Since then they have had some high profile support slots. Including Hugh Cornwell, Mike Peters, Ferocious Dog and the Christians (Twice).

Musically their heroes and inspirations are The Clash, The Stranglers, X Ray Spex, The Pistols, Iggy and so on.… Read the rest

Razur Cuts

January 4, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Razur Cuts

Compiled and produced by Derek S, Razur Cuts is for fans of stories, poetry and music and caters for those who yearn for the days of self-published fanzines. Get your hands on Razur Cuts IV before it sells out.

With its glossy cover it is a bit more high-tech than the old photocopied fanzines of old but the principle is still there. And it’s something tangible for those who still prefer a physical magazine or book.

The magazine features contributions from a variety of people, both new or more established, showcasing their short stories, poetry, interviews and articles.… Read the rest

thegingerquiff – 2017 – Looking Back

December 31, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Looking back on 2017

It is that time of year when everyone reflects on their “best of” lists for the past year. Why should I be any different? I may as well join in.

I’m not going to write lists as such, or limit myself to a top 5/10 or whatever. I’ll just go with the flow and shout out some of my personal favourites of the year…

I only started thegingerquiff blog in August and have enjoyed many albums, singles and gigs since then that have featured on my blog, but there were plenty from earlier in the year though too.… Read the rest