Deacon Blue at The Barrowlands 1994

If there ever was a gig I didn't want to have to go to, but could never miss it was on May 20th 1994 in Glasgow's Barrowlands.  Saying goodbye to a band that's music had echo'd your emotions over nearly ten years was never going to be ideal at the best of times.  Farewell gigs are discomfiting, emotional events and Deacon Blue's certainly fell into that classification.  




The queue that ran back the street was in an expectant frenzy, hoping for that one last memorable yahoo.  For my part I wasn't so sure it was so much a time for celebration but for condolence.  I was loosing an old friend.

The gig itself was a full-on run through of their greatest hits, 'Chocolate Girl', 'The Very Thing', 'Loaded' and 'Love and Regret' took the crowd to an emotional high.  By the time 'Dignity' is ringing out and everyone is singing out, I'm in tears, the people next to me are in tears...I think the whole of The Barrowlands must have been in tears.  







The energy in the hall that night was more than electric as they launched into the finale merging their 'Twist and Shout' with a homage to Liverpool lads The Beatles 'Twist and Shout' (an irony that I'm about to share with you), so we all did just that and, as they say - the rest is history.

2007 and I move down south to St Helens and in nearby Liverpool I notice that the Summer Pops festival was taking place at Aintree Racecourse.  Topping the bill was (ironically) Deacon Blue and it was like we'd never been parted.  They launched into 'The One About Loneliness' and 'Fellow Hoodlums' before 'Raintown' took the capacity crowd into raptures.

'Your Swaying Arms' lulled us before they had us leaping out of our seats through killer tracks like 'Twist And Shout', 'Wages Day' and 'Queen Of The New Year'.  Then, ever the crowd pleaser Ricky slowed the tempo with a solo tribute to the Liverpool fans and John Lennon in a very moving version of 'Beautiful Boy'.

We bounced to 'Fergus Sings The Blues' and Ross had the fans taking over much of the vocals on old favourite 'Loaded' before 'Dignity' rounded things off.

Three rapturous encores ensued, The Band classic 'The Weight ' followed by 'When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)' led us into the anthemic 'Real Gone Kid'.  Tears of joy this time - happy days.




Ralph would like to thank/apologise to everyone he's pinched pictures from for this article...I thank you...

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards

Due to last minute circumstances Ralph was unable to attend the Scottish Alternative Music Awards in person but his able deputy Mr Malcolm (anorak) Parry stepped in (with the offer of drink and debauchery) to cover the night and this is the result!

My week began with an SOS message from everyone's favourite Jack Russell - Ralph , who was due to be covering the awards but unfortunately had to cancel because he was having his claws trimmed (well he is a diva). So he asked if I could cover and review the event for him.  Of course I accepted the mission and like a nervous, rookie Rolling Stone reporter I headed over to Glasgow.

This is the fourth event in the awards history, gaining popularity over the years and gradually moving up to a bigger capacity venue.  This being my first time at the annual event, on entering the venue you could already feel the atmosphere & excitement building.  I mingle saying hello to a few of the award nominee's & music biz personalities.  One Scottish radio hero Vic Galloway, looking suitably dapper in a 3 piece suit he tells me - "I had this made exclusively for me for the night and its a one of a kind" - and why not, he has excellent taste in music and obviously clothing.

I bump into Best Newcomer nominees Ded Rabbit.  A quick chat and photo opportunity was had, with the guys telling me they were inspired to name the band after Led Zeppelin, taking out the 'a' of the dead. The band of brothers (now based in Edinburgh but all hailing from Yorkshire), blame their dad (who was present) for crossing the border to reside in the Highlands.  




All humbled and excited to be nominated, they do owe their dad some praise, If it wasn't for him shovelling them up north to a new warren, they wouldn't be stood here today with a nod under their belt. They make indie pop with a sax edge, sounding to me like a mix of Arctic Monkeys with The Zutons.

We get an announcement that the event's proceedings will commence in 10 minutes.  The excitement grows.....as well as the ever increasing audience.  A busy night ahead!

We begin the evenings entertainment with funny man Billy Kirkwood, storming the mic shouting - "HOW YOU DOING YOU MOTHER FUCKERS?" - in his strong Glaswegian accent, looking like a young Billy Connelly disguised as a roadie.  He does his job well warming us all up on this cold night as he introduces us to the opening act Fat Goth.....

A mix of doom laden falsetto vocal, ferocious metal riffs, all with punky attitude, music your granny would love.  A mixed reaction from the audience, maybe stunned or shocked at the extreme noise coming from the speakers.    Lead singer Frazer Stewart tells me later that - "One manager from a nominee's band thought we were utter shite" 


I must admit, I like them myself.  A band who don't take themselves too seriously, enjoying the ride regardless of bad press, though Frazer also commented - "It all adds to the comedy edge".  I'm sure I overheard someone say the venue had received a call from Edinburgh police to turn the volume down.  Joking of course, but these are a band best enjoyed with the volume turned up.  Fat Goth were nominated for Best Rock/Alternative.

Vic Galloway then announces the award for Best Acoustic which went to Little Fire who has performed around the UK including the Latitude Festival, Rockness, the Bedford in London, all around Scotland and has had his music played on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2 and performed live on national television.

The next award is introduced by two Scottish wrestlers who announce the winner for Best Metal - Bear Arms, a band all hailing from Kinross/Glasgow.  I managed to get 5 minutes with the guys afterwards who were delighted to win their award and gave huge respect to the rest of the bands in that category.  

I went on to ask - “Now you have won, what venue would you like to headline?" - without hesitation - "The Barrowlands".  I also asked - "If you were offered a support slot with any band, who would it be?" They replied - "If they got back together then Alexisonfire or Brandnew, both would be dreams come true".  Well you never know lad's, the doors will be opening for you I’m sure.

Our second live band for the evening was Vigo Thieves.  Stadium sounding Indie Rockers, with 80's U2 bass lines and keyboard sounds.  On one tune we get a guest saxophonist, giving the tune an Aztec Camera feel.  The band introduce their track Ghosts, telling us the video features the controversial, former TV star John Leslie. The band are nominated for Best live Act and based on their set I can see why.

The stage suddenly gets a T in the Park /Slam tent make over for Electronic Band, Roman Nose.  All of them wearing wrestlers masks, the 3 piece armed with two laptops and a drum machine take the stage sounding to me like The Prodigy arm wrestling Daft Punk.  Someone put the roof back on!  Stunning!  The band are nominated for Best Electronic and whilst enjoying their set I get a quick word with another nominee Plum, who tells me "The guys wanted to do a live collaboration with me tonight, but having such a tight schedule with the dance base project I sadly had to refuse, though one day soon I would love to work with the guys and maybe tour together."  Exciting stuff, I’m sure you'll agree?

Next Award : Best Hip Hop goes to Gasp.  Purveyor of hard nosed Scottish reality rap and founder of Badmouth Battles, he's a veteran of the burgeoning Scottish hip hop scene.  Along with the likes of Hector Bizerk and Stanley Odd he's brought Scottish hip hop to the mainstream music fan.

Then Radio 1's Ally McCrae announces Best Rock which goes to Culann.  They're a band that has secured a loyal following, and have played the legendary King Tut's not once - but an astonishing 10 times, including prestigious support slots with the likes of The Datsuns and Band of Skulls. They have also supported punk polemicists Capdown in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

We get the big music man, Jim Gellatly on stage to introduce Best Electronic artist which causes some confusion between him and Billy Kirkwood, who says "Strangely the award is advertised as Best Electronic, on the award is Best Electro" - Jim adds -" Or Best Electrician" - followed by - "This person isn't expecting this and has had a few drinks, the award goes to Plum"  







Earlier Plum had said - "I am absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award.  Female electronic music producers are very rare right now, so I hope that my shortlisting inspires other female artists to produce great electronic music and compete with the best." 

She accepts her award stunned, almost speechless ("Oh Crap") but elated.  Good on her, I feel this will be her year.  

I make my way back stage to greet her but struggle to get an interview as she still cant talk, just smile with her award.  I spot Fat Goth and manage a chat with lead man Frazer who tells me - "We were up against some stiff competition in our category, we were just honoured to be recognised."  and - "On the back of the nomination we have been able to find funding to nearly complete our third album which is due out soon."  They've a tour booked taking their alternative metal/rock across the border to London, Leeds, Cardiff and hopefully other cities.  I ask who they would like to go on tour with?  - "One band we would love to see reform and go out with is Jesus Lizard, also we would love to tour with Torche."

While I chat with them I unfortunately miss the Best Newcomer award which goes to Edinburgh Country Rockers: The Holy Ghosts, who tell me later that they were taken aback and never expected to win. Well personally I wasn't surprised, great tunes from them and really fun live. Ralph makes up for that in their blog.

The Last award goes to Best Live act OK Social Club.  I only catch a glimpse while I chat to band s and radio people (ligging) backstage but I like what I see and hear.  Given that The OK Social Club have only been together as a band since mid 2011 their achievements are becoming the stuff of legend.  Their first two singles 'The Shape Of Things To Come' and 'The Late 90's' were released on Platform records in 2012 and featured on a number of radio and TV shows.

Well thanks to the great organisers of the SAMAS, I would say everyone was a winner, both the award holders and the nominees who were all bringing their musical talents to a wider audience of Scottish music loving fans, me included. So I’ll see you again next year, hopefully with a Jack Russell and his entourage, in tow.  Many thanks also to Darren Jones Williamson for the photographs he let Ralph steal to accompany those taken by Malc.  Ralph would also like to big up Richy Muirhead and the SAMA team.

The OK Social Club

The OK Social Club closing the show after winning
Best Live Act at The Scottish Music Awards

Ralph's man on the spot asked them stuff..... 

So you hear " The award goes to - OK Social Club.....

MP: How did you feel, explain the moment? 

 OK: "We were surprised, the category was full of great bands. You always get a bit nervous waiting on any results, it's a relief when they announce it regardless of the outcome but you get a little burst of adrenaline when they say your name."

MP:How do you feel the award will help the band, is it something that will open more doors, bring you to a wider audience?

         OK: "I think everybody who was nominated got some great press but hopefully          winning best live act will help with things like festivals and touring."

MP:If you could pick a band, who you admire to go on tour with, who would it be?

  OK: "We've got lots of friends in bands so  going away with them would be fun, the guys in We Are Scientists are good fun too. U2.....that'd be an experience!"

MP:Briefly, can you share any confirmed plans, gig's, festivals etc?

   OK: "We're going to release another single from this album.  All our dates are on our Facebook/Website etc. There's a few things in the pipeline festival wise but nothing confirmed.  At the moment I have been writing songs for the next album and we plan to start recording that later this year." 

Who said 'I don't like Mondays' (OK, OK I know it was the Boomtown Rats) because one reason to absolutely love Mondays is the release of The OK Social Club's first album 'Nothing In Common' next Monday!  They've been on the blog list for a bit but good things come to those who wait and there's no arguing this album is a very good thing.  it's Scottish Indie Pop at its very best, out Frattelli-ing the Frattellis and poppier than The View (who they shared the stage with at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Celebration).  







Given that The OK Social Club have only been together as a band since mid 2011 their achievements are becoming the stuff of legend.  Their first two singles 'The Shape Of Things To Come' and 'The Late 90's' were released on Platform records in 2012 and featured on a number of radio and TV shows including MTV Rocks, Channel 4's Sunday Brunch playlist with the legend that is Tim Lovejoy, Hollyoaks, (I know) E4 and Ralph's staple viewing Soccer AM as well as Janice Forsyth's record of the week on Auntie BEEB and they were Steve Lamacq's 'Rebel Playlist' winners on BBC Radio 6 (and breathe).






I'm not going to give away too much of the album for free, you've got to go and fork out your hard earned beer tokens for this slice of musical goodness.....however I will let you hear 'The Shape Of Things To Come' which is an indie-pop classic in waiting.  It's bouncy and just what you need to kick off a gig at The Barrowlands and get the joint jumpin'.

The OK Social Club are Raff Eragona on vocals and guitars, Chris Finn on guitars and backing vocals, Gordy Burn on bass and Jordan Harvey on drums.  The reflective start to 'Twisted Young Gentlemen' lulls you into a false sense of security as it bursts into a twangy guitar, chant anthem that'll go down a storm at any festival that's got the sense to snap them up.










They're going to be busy with a load of gigs to kick off what's going to be a good year for them.  Hopefully the second half of the year will see them nip down to Manchester or Liverpool.....I'll put you up in the kennel.....nae worries.....and they've been nominated for Best Live Act in the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and you can vote on this link.....Vote for OK Social Club

• The Ok Social Club Live @ The Tenement Trail in Glasgow Saturday, 9 February 2013

  TBC

• The Ok Social Club Live in Glasgow Anti-Valentines Wednesday, 13 February 2013

  Flat 0/1 Glasgow, United Kingdom

• The OK Social Club Live @ PJ Molloys Sunday, 17 February 2013

  PJ Molloys Dunfermline, Fife

• The OK Social Club live at RocknRoll Club Meda Italy Thursday, 21 February 2013

• The OK Social Club live at RocknRoll Club Varese Italy Friday, 22 February 2013

• The OK Social Club live at RocknRoll Club Milano Italy Saturday, 23 February 2013

• The OK Social Club "Nothing in Common" Album Launch @ The Teviot Underground 14+ Friday, 1 March 2013 at 20:00 EhOne Live

  Teviot Underground Edinburgh, United Kingdom

• The OK Social Club live @ 20 Rocks STIRLING Friday, 15 March 2013 at 19:30

  20 Rocks Stirling Stirling

• The OK Social Club live @ Pivo Pivo Glasgow Friday, 3 May 2013 at 20:00

  Pivo Pivo Glasgow, United Kingdom

• The OK Social Club live at Bakers, Kilmarnock Saturday, 1 June 2013

  Bakers Nite Club Kilmarnock

Bring Huey Morgan to Glasgow

OK so here's the deal...Huey Morgan tweets tour dates for The New Yorker...so I Tweet back...Dude no Glasgow dates The Barrowlands would be great...and Twitterland lights up with people desperate to see him at The Barrowlands and also King Tuts.....

So here's the next deal...I've done a poll so it's up to you Twitter...let's see if we can bring Huey and the New Yorkers to Glasgow...it's Rock 'n' Roll History in the making...Jeah!