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

Southern Approach – Be Mine – video

June 12, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

The first band to feature on my blog when I started last August, Southern Approach, have released the video for their new song, Be Mine.

The song is the first to feature new vocalist, Zoe Lewis. Zoe has taken up the reigns as a foil to Munro’s dulcet tones following Shirley Guthrie moving on.

Be Mine has a massive melodic chorus. The song reflects and builds on the vast sweeping sound of the songs on their debut album, Restitution. The video is an atmospheric black and white battle of the sexes. The video premiered on their Facebook feed on Sunday evening, watch the video here:

Post Views: 493

… 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

The Filthy Tongues – Back to Hell album launch gig

June 2, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Back to Hell

The Filthy Tongues sophomore album Back to Hell, the second in a trilogy started with their masterful debut, Jacob’s ladder, is another triumph. It continues to build on the tremendous reputation of Metcalfe, Fin and Kelly as an accomplished unit and backbone of several of my favourite bands though the years. Joined by Asim and Alex and the wonderful Susannah Clarke on violin Back to Hell got its official live launch tonight in Glasgow.

This is a gig I have been looking forward to for some time and it was like the planets aligned tonight to make it one of those memorable gig nights.… 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

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

Free Gig Tickets – Reservoir Droog’s gigs

May 22, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Free Gig Tickets

I’m sure that heading has got your attention…

Fellow blogger (Reservoir Droogs), lover of music, vinyl, books & film, gig promoter and all round good guy Alex “Mainy” Main is keen to ensure those who love live music aren’t disadvantaged by their circumstances.

He is introducing an initiative with gigs he is promoting (and spreading the word amongst other bands and promoters) to allow music lovers who might not otherwise have been able to attend, to go to a gig they may really want to attend.

I asked him to share some information about this and allow the word to spread….… 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