Review: Gun – Hombres

Originally published on 5D Blog:

Gun at Montrose Town Hall on Thursday 25th April 2024

Gun have a new album called Hombres, this is their 9th studio album. This event is on of a series of album launches arranged by Assai Record Stores, from whom I bought the package of a signed CD and the ticket. What a celebration it was, as the album has already reached number one in the Scottish UK album charts, and is in the top 10 for the UK charts! An amazing achievement for this marvellous band. Although they have been going since the late 80s this is the first time that have had such a good response to one of their albums. Judging from the joy and sheer emotion on stage last night, they are eternally grateful to all their fans for this long awaited acknowledgement!

Gun Hombres album launch in Montrose — Gun in Montrose

It was not your usual concert: there was no support act, we were told what time the band were coming on stage, and there was no bar. Just a merchandise stall and a room full of fans. I had taken my son, and his friend from school, with me for the evening. This friend had never been to a concert before and it has to be said that this was a nice way to first experience live music. It was not a huge arena tour with too many people and all the shenanigans that goes on with such events. I was not sure what he would make of it but was given a thumbs up very early on, and he assured me afterwards that he had loved it. We did hang around at the end and the band members were really patient, posing for photos with the boys and Paul even ran off back to the stage to find two drum sticks for them – and didn’t object when he was then presented with a Sharpie and asked to sign them! What amazing mementos of a special night and I’m sure they will be treasured, especially as the friend does actually play drums.

The setlist was a little shorter than a normal concert but I had thought it was just going to be the new album, so was happy to get some old songs mixed in. We started with Lucky Guy from the new album, the older songs were All Fired Up, Steal Your Fire and the encore was Shame.

There was quite a lot of chat in between the songs. Dante explained how much this album meant to them, that some of the songs were written in lockdown, and here they were with a hit record! It was also a special gig for Ruaraidh (Roo) the guitarist as he grew up in Montrose and we were told about when he did not even make the top seven of a talent show at school! Things have certainly come full circle and it was lovely to find out at the end that the band had actually been into the school during the day and some of the kids had been invited along to sound check earlier in the evening and were enjoying the concert and seeing where one of their fellow pupils had ended up in the spotlight. Roo did an amazing guitar solo, hopefully inspiring the next generation of rock band members.

One of the songs had featured in a Samuel L Jackson movie, and Dante explained that You Are What I Need was also supposed to be used in a scene where he gets drunk, but unfortunately it was cut from the actual movie. Dante thought this was quite unfortunate as it was a perfect song for this scene, and we all enjoyed it anyway. I might need to see the movie at some point.

Falling is Dante’s favourite song from this album, Jools wrote the chorus and verse in lockdown and took it to his house and he loved it so much he just wanted left alone to work on it. Many of the songs from this album were written during the pandemic when no one knew what would happen moving forward, or when bands would be able to tour again and share the live music experience with their fans, which somehow made this amazing evening even more enjoyable and special.

Further information .

Personal note: I took Owen and his school friend to this concert with me as Sonic PR were kind enough to give me two free tickets when I offered to review it with the ticket I bought. The friend had never been to a concert before and when asked what music he liked said Frank Sinatra. Bit different! He loved it though and we had a great night.

At the end I suggested we hang around in case the band members came out and we were able to get a photo with each of them, which was brilliant. When we asked Paul for a photo he insisted on going and getting a pair of drumsticks for the boys so we asked him to sign them – what a memento to go home with from your first gig!!

Review: Lulu

Originally published on 5D Blog featuring photography by Dod Morrison Photography:

Champagne for Lulu at Music Hall, Aberdeen on Sunday 7th April 2024

Champagne for Lulu tour with Rachael Sage and Will Wilde — Lulu’s champagne

Advertised as “with special guests” we started the evening with Rachael Sage, a singer/songwriter from New York. She played brightly coloured guitars and a keyboard adorned with flamboyant scarves, in a brightly coloured outfit topped off with a floral headband. She was accompanied by Will Wilde on harmonica, apparently they wrote Sleep When I’m Tired together in lockdown – her in New York and him in Brighton! Rachael has a very unique sound, as well as looks, which includes clicking her fingers right by the microphone on occasion, and one song was her singing along to just claps. Her song Alive was dedicated to anyone going through challenging times, she wrote it to celebrate being in remission for cancer, 5 years and counting!

Lulu bounded onto the stage, after some footage of her career showed on the big screen, to the hit song Shout. She then introduced her little sister Edwina and they performed Heatwave, before Edwina moved to the backing singer microphone to one side. We then got the start of Lulu’s story of her life, from growing up in Glasgow, to being in a Sidney Poitier movie aged 16, to marrying a Bee Gee, to working with Elton John. She told us of so many pinch yourself moments in her life and how lucky she was, although she never mentioned how talented she is.

The Champagne for Lulu tour is to be her last tour, at 75 years of age, with a 60 year career of singing she thinks its time for saying goodbye to the road. She earned the champagne though, what a career and what a show! Each song was hand picked for a particular reason that she wanted to share it with her fans on this last hurrah. The production of the show was amazing, three of the songs saw her dueting with singers of the past – them on the big screen and her in front of it in full bouncy 3D! We had footage from the TV show An Audience With Lulu when she sang with Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, after their divorce. She sang along, sat at the side watching the clip with us. There was similar for The Man Who Sold The World with footage of David Bowie on stage singing, and she brought it to life for us. The videographer had both live Lulu and recorded Bowie on the big screen singing away to each other, it was rather surreal. A proper pinch yourself moment for some of us in the audience, or hairs on the back of your neck at least. The third was Tina Turner with I Don’t Wanna Fight, which she used at the end of her autobiographical movie. This was a world wide hit and happened after Lulu’s song writer brother assured her she could write her own songs – totally proving his point!

Other clips were shown on the back screen, we had Eurovision footage whilst Lulu sang her winning song Boom Bang A Bang from 1969 and there was a most splendid James Bond montage whilst she sang The Man With A Golden Gun. There were also gorgeous light effects with pretty patterns on the roof, not just focusing on the stage. It was quite an immersive experience.

There were many moving moments through the night as Lulu talked, and sang, us through her life story. She loves performing and sharing moments with an audience, and this was not just idle words, you could see it and feel it in her and the audience responded in the most amazing way. There were a few times she needed a moment to compose herself and we just clapped and cheered until she was ready to carry on, pulling her through and willing her on to the next hit! Her sister also helped a few times with some of the singing – the show must go on!

There was another special guest at the end of the first half when Nathan Evans treated us to a wee sea shanty, followed by a duet with Lulu for Scotland Is A Place Called Home. He was really quite brilliant too. Unfortunately Ronan Keating and Take That did not turn up but their songs were included. We’ve Got Tonight was performed with Lulu’s musical director and keyboard player singing Ronan’s part. When we got to Relight My Fire, the audience was on their feet dancing along, videoing clips and just having the time of their life – just like Lulu said she wanted to do with her final tour.

By the end of the night everyone was on their feet, applauding forever, loving this “wee lass from Scotland” with all our hearts. What a life she has had and what a night she gave us. A truly memorable experience that is one to Shout about, because Oh Me Oh My that girl deserves all the champagne she can get!

Further information.

Personal note: I did not want to go and see Lulu, I thought she had an annoying squeaky voice, but Dod told me we had to get passes and so I applied. I take it all back, as I said in my review, she was amazing. We all had a wonderful, amazing night and it was such an honour to meet her afterwards. Poor gal must have been knackered after 2 hour long sets but she still chatted, posed, took our selfies and we each got something signed. A true professional and now firmly in my heart. I LOVE LULU!!!

Review: CCR

Originally published on 5D Blog:

Clearwater Creedence Revival at Music Hall, Aberdeen on Sunday 31st March 2024

Advertised as the “Bayou Country” 40th Anniversary Tour with very special guests we were interested to find the support band were Man of the World: the Music of Peter Green. I enjoy Fleetwood Mac songs so was happy listening to some of their songs by these 4 talented musicians, including Remi Harris on the guitar. The lead singer played the bongo drums, a tambourine and the harmonica during their set. Oh Well and Shake Your Money Maker were especially enjoyable.

There was quite a break before the tribute band to world acclaimed rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival took to the stage. Despite some technical issues with the sound, the careful named Clearwater Creedence Revival gave an outstanding performance of some of those much loved songs. It started with Proud Mary and included Run Through the Jungle, Who’ll Stop the Rain, Cotton Fields and Down On The Corner. Graham Pollock on guitar took the microphone at one point to sing his favourite John Foggerty song Almost Saturday Night, and told us he was normally a butcher!

Lead vocals are by the formidable character of Peter Barton (previously of The Animals), with Alan Sagar on bass, whilst Geoff Hammond plays the drums. During the instrumental of the band’s version of Marvin Gaye’s Heard It Through the Grapevine Geoff played the balcony, a speaker and anything else he could hit with sticks! Utter genius of a drummer!

The audience was varied, from some young lads to many of the older generation. There were some people there with their parents, there were couples, several groups, and many were drinking happily. Unfortunately the ensuing trips to the bar and loo were rather distracting for those of us who wanted to just sit and watch the band. I’ve never seen such an active audience in a seated concert!

There was very much a party atmosphere and everyone was there to enjoy the music come what may. The set ended with the amazing Fortune Son and Have You Ever Seen the Rain, by which time we were all on our feet dancing and clapping. As someone born too late to see the original band I am grateful for the opportunity to experience their songs live by these brilliant musicians who pay homage to their twisted namesake in the best way possible!

Further information: https://www.manoftheworldmusic.com/ and https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/clearwater-creedence-revival-bayou-country-40th-anniversary-tour-very-special-guests/

Review: Cirque

Originally published on 5D Blog:

Cirque: The Greatest Show at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen on Friday 29th March 2024

This show is obviously geared towards fans of the very successful Greatest Showman movie which a lot of us know and love. Some of us have watched it repeatedly and been to the outstanding live show with Hugh Jackman. It was interesting to think how a circus would transform onto a theatre stage and I must say I was impressed with the answer.

Dinner at Zizzis before Cirque at HMT with Owen — The Teenager and I outside HMT before the show

When we went into the theatre the stage backdrop looked like a monochrome room, with a small physical set at the front, of that room. Complete with a chair and a TV, it turns out that this is the home of a Mime, Christian Lee. When the show starts he comes in and turns on his black and white TV. There is a competition advertised on it to win a technicolor TV set. He enters the competition on his massive mobile phone and in come some people with a new TV. As he switches it on his little room set moves to the back of the stage as the technicolour wonders from the TV screen transfer onto the main stage in front of him.

It is a clever way of bringing the TV to life for the stage show. We then watch the brightly coloured performances with him, and set changes are covered by his room moving back to the front of the stage with him entertaining us whilst they set up the equipment behind him. This gives a story running through the show as well as not leaving any boring gaps for the audience.

The circus performers were amazing – we had juggling, trapeze artists, contortionist. Billy George on the Cyr wheel and LED wands had me transfixed whenever he was on the stage. Adam Boom twirled fire around effortlessly. Three ladies wowed the crowds with their aerialist work: Dione Hassell, Jennifer Van Gool and Sheonagh Leatherbarrow. Duo Eclipse spun round in breathtaking fashion on their roller skates. There were also fantastic dancers in amazing outfits.

All the songs were sung live, including songs from The Greatest Showman and other popular songs like Rocket Man from Elton John. I felt the singing was not as strong as the performers and costumes and sets but obviously it is nice to have live performers rather than just a recording.

Overall it was a most enjoyable experience and proved that you can have a circus show in a theatre setting!

Further information .

Review: The Blockheads

Originally published on 5D Blog:

The Blockheads at the Lemon Tree, Aberdeen on Sunday 10th March 2024

Photos on 5D by J N Photography Aberdeen.

Sons of Descent were the support band, and were 3 well dressed gentlemen from Edinburgh. They were perhaps “an acquired taste” with a very electronica sound and some rather blunt lyrics. The set included songs: Look at the Sky, Your Lips Were Warm and Access is Denied – if their names are the most repeated phases. I actually quite enjoyed the latter and maybe would acquire a taste for them if I spent more time listening to them. I did almost buy their Know My Name t-shirt as it was rather cool, and only £5, they made a point of telling us about their very cheap merchandise…special deal of two for a tenner apparently…

The Blockheads supported by Sons of Descent — Sons of Descent

There’s always some songs that you think would be great to hear live and Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick is one that’s always been in my head as a prime suspect. Unfortunately I missed seeing the original line up with Ian Dury singing before he passed away 20 years ago but tonight was my chance to experience it live, with the rest of the band. My friend thought that Ian’s son was the new singer but it turned out to be Mike Bennett, who did a fantastic job, with great vocals. He had quite a stage presence and got the crowd going with yells of Oy Oy!

The band came on doing an instrumental and were captivating from the start. Dave the saxophonist was absolutely amazing – even playing two saxophones at once at one point. I do have a soft spot for a sax but he was outstanding. We had various hits from through the years such as Wake Up and Make Love With Me, Billericay Dickie, Reasons to be Cheerful (part 3!) and the controversial (banned by the BBC) Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. It was an energetic and highly enjoyable set by some very talented musicians. There seemed to be a good camaraderie between the original members and Mike, although Ian has been gone for over 20 years unbelievably so he has had time to settle in!

I sang along to a few songs, jiggled around for most of the set and was joyous for the whole of Hit Me! It did not disappoint at all, although it was followed by a lullaby sounding Sleep Francis that had me worrying about driving home! Understandably they did not leave us on that quiet note, the whole place went mental when we were asked if there were any Blockheads in, by that part of the set we were ALL Blockheads. The last song was an amazing amount of energy and enthusiasm across the whole room and the applause was plentiful!

Further information.

Preview: Nathan Carter

Originally published on 5D Blog:

Coming Soon – Nathan Carter

Not many musicians book two nights in a row at Aberdeen’s iconic Music Hall, but Irish crooner Nathan Carter has – and luckily for us the first night has not yet sold out. He’s also going to Stirling, Dunfirmline, Edinburgh Glasgow, Inverness and Dundee. So we have no excuse not to catch him at some point!

He has outsold the likes of Beyonce in Ireland, performed for the Pope, sold out venues across the world; and is one of the most prolific touring artists in the UK. Now, as he releases his new album ‘Music Man’, we get the chance to experience him too.

With tracks such as ‘Wagon Wheel’ and ‘I Wanna Dance’ becoming huge hits, he is one of Ireland’s biggest artists. He also became the first Irish country act to reach number 1 in the Irish charts in 2013 after Garth Brooks, six years before. His new album ‘Music Man’ features 11 tracks including the hugely successful single ‘Dance With Everybody’ and the new song ‘Dear Elizabeth’.

On the album, Nathan says:
“For as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around music. It’s a language I’ve always understood, which started out as a hobby and has grown into a career which I am so privileged to enjoy every day. Thanks to music, I get to wake up each morning to do something that I love and share it with all of you.

It’s a complete love, a total obsession and has literally dictated the course of my life. I am proud to be a ‘music man’ and think it’s a really fitting title for this album. It certainly sums me up!

On the ‘Music Man’ album, you’ll find new music I’ve really enjoyed making and I hope that comes across as you listen. With the help of some amazingly talented artists, producers and songwriters, we’ve created something which I hope you will enjoy and will keep your love of music alive too.”

Growing up in a house where Country and Western music filled the air, Nathan was exposed to the classic songs of Johnny Cash, Don Williams and Dolly Parton which firmly rooted themselves in his musical DNA. Our reviewer Maria is very excited to get the chance to experience his live show this Thursday evening. Nathan’s first love is said to be performing on stage and Maria is a self proclaimed live music addict, so they should be a match made in heaven!

For tickets click here.

Review: Skerryvore

Originally published on 5D Blog with Skerryvore photos by JN Photography Aberdeen:

Skerryvore at Music Hall, Aberdeen on Saturday 30th December 2023

Intrigued by the support band as previous nights had Manran or The Eves, both of which I am a fan of, I was delighted to get there and find it was Nati Dreddd. I have been following her on Facebook for a while, but not had the chance to experience live before, having missed her recent Older tour. This loan singer gave us a lovely some really nice songs, mostly of her own material, including 5 More Minutes, This Town and Stay. Her set included a rather interesting cover, which was slightly unexpected considering the rest of her material, but certainly raised some smiles across the room and yes we did sing along to I’m Horny! Nati was accompanied by Kieran on drums and Ben on keyboard and did a great job of warming up the audience.

Nati Dredd supporting Skerryvore — Nati Dreddd

Skerryvore came on stage following flashing lights and a ticking countdown of anticipation and excitement. Although I knew I had seen Skerryvore before I was surprised on checking back and finding that it was as long ago as 2010! At the now defunct music festival T in the Park my friend and I had gone into a ceilidh tent to dry out and try to warm up, only to find Skerryvore definitely livening up the crowd.

What a vibe! What a fun time you have watching this band. It contains some very talented guys who cannot only play the bagpipes, which alluded me as a youngster, but play other instruments as well – whilst jumping up and down and totally getting the crowd going. The fiddle player Craig Espie is amazing, although I take credit for not maiming the people behind us that were talking about tamagotchi during his amazing solo. If you just want to talk please stay in the pub or wait until the gig is over, this is definitely one of my pet hates, but especially when its during a quieter instrumental when the chatter can overcome the actual music that we all go to concerts for.

Skerryvore at the Music Hall — Skerryvore in the Music Hall

This band is a unique mix of the rocky electric guitar, massive drums, and the shiny base guitar of a rock band mixed with very traditional instruments of our country: the bagpipes, fiddle and accordion. One minute we are bouncing about like crazy, the next listening wistfully to the thoughtful lyrics. Alec Dalglish writes the lyrics as well as playing lead guitar and is a force to be reckoned with. Sometimes he seems quite insignificant in-between the unmissable pipers Martin Gillespie and Scott Wood but he really is essential, there was a lovely moment when he was in a central spotlight doing a wee solo and it was just captivating. When introducing the song Good Times Never Die he suggested we all remembered anyone we had lost during 2023 and dedicated the song to their special friend Bruce Guthro from Runrig who passed away in September. In Live Forever we were all singing along to the “forever” and “together”s even if we did not know the other words. I especially enjoyed Happy To Be Home and Take My Hand. I love dancing with my husband and slipped my hand into his during this song and had one of those special moments when you just feel totally in tune with your partner and know everything is well. The power of music never ceases to amaze and overwhelm me.

There was a young boy up in the balcony who got a shout out as it was his first concert, every time I glanced up he was bouncing away on a knee from the party he was with, looking utterly ecstatic. At the end Fraser West was careful to throw one of his drum sticks up to them which is a wonderful momento of your first concert, and what a great choice of bands to experience. This was their last live concert of the year and they very nearly took the roof off the Music Hall with their tremendous sound, and the very enthusiastic appreciation shown by the audience. At one point the band ended a song that we had been encouraged to sing along to the “oo”s and the crowd just kept going, unwilling for the joy to end – until the band started back up again and we got another round of it! I think they were as happy as we were to keep it going, just a joyous moment!

An earlier incarnation of Skerryvore was called “Brois,” a Tiree Gaelic word which translated to “a complete cock up”. After spending an evening with them it is safe to confirm they were utterly correct to change their name to the name of a lighthouse as it is far more indicative of the bright stars that they are.

Further information on Nati Dreddd and Skerryvore

Review: Sleeping Beauty panto

Originally published on 5D Blog:

Sleeping Beauty at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen on Tuesday 5th December 2023

Every Christmas in Aberdeen the big question on everyone’s lips is: what is this year’s pantomime? Never mind the whole: is Santa coming to my house?!

This year we are being treated to a very Aberdonian version of “Sleeping Beauty: The Pantomime of Your Dreams”. Our scripts are always custom written by Alan McHugh, who plays the dame each year. As always there is a local slant to the names and the jokes. Sleeping Beauty is set in Aberdonia, some Doric is included, and lovable HMT panto regular Paul J Corrigan plays a character called Slimeball.

Pantomimes have a certain formula, you know that there will be the “oh no it isn’t”, “oh yes it is” audience participation as well as the fabulous dame, and the cute character that we are all instructed to yell hello to whenever he comes on stage. This time we have Gary Tank Commander shouting “Hiya Troops!” I must admit I had no knowledge of this character previously and had naively presumed that he was some kind of Action Man TV character for youngsters. I was slightly wrong on that, as probably everyone reading this will know, because he is very well known as being from a sitcom about soldiers. He may not be your average member of the British army… He is very amusing, although they do seem obsessed about the fact that his name is Gary, presumably part of his usual character.

Family pantomime night — Pantomime staging

This year Crossroads Pantomimes have really upped their game with the sets and costumes. Perhaps it is because of the Aurora Princess theme, but several times when the curtains opened or the background dancers came on stage I squealed at the gloriousness of their outfits. They are simply stunning, so super shiny! There seem to be more lights flashing around the theatre and lots of pyrotechnics. It is all just very glorious and amazing. Even on arrival there are beautiful lights projected around the theatre in the shape of spinning wheels, which we all know is a key part of the Sleeping Beauty plot.

Two key parts of the HMT pantomime formula that always appear are parts that I found incredibly hilarious this year. It is not that you get bored of them, more that you wonder what they are going to do with them next! One is when they tell a story with a theme running through that basically is a play of words. This year it is a story about the dame going on a date, which is illustrated with musicians. So the first one is a picture of U2, with “you two” being part of the story script. At one point we had Ma”donna kebab”. It is all very cleverly scripted and funnily done and as a music lover this one particularly struck a chord and I was giggling all the way through!

The other key component is when they sing a repetitive song with appropriate props. This year there are only four of the cast singing The Twelve Days of Christmas, or an adaptation thereof! So there are “five bog rolls” for example. It would be interesting to know how this scene was actually written, as I do think there may have been some slips from the script the evening we were there, but it was all absolutely hilarious. Gary Tank Commander even caught the ring of bog rolls right over his head when it was thrown from the stalls and a huge cheer went up, well deserved! Anyone that did not find themselves laughing out loud through this part of the performance in particular might need to have a humour check at some point in the new year as it was comedy genius.

If you have not already got tickets, Sleeping Beauty runs at HMT until early January and it is definitely well worth a visit. We all need some festive cheer and this certainly has an abundance of it and will get you feeling festive. Oh yes, it will!

Further information.

Review and interview: 218 by The Sun Day

Originally published on 5D Blog:

Following on from our recent piece on local band Hitlist we now are chatting to The Sun Day about their new song. I was lucky enough to see both bands support Skylights recently in the Beach Ballroom, so its great to get this opportunity to get to know them. They will both grace the stage at OGV Podium on the 8th December along with Audiokicks and Stonechild.

The Sun Day and Hitlist supporting Skylights — The Sun Day at Beach Ballroom

Comprised of frontman Connor Ritchie on vocals and rhythm guitar, Luke Doyle on lead guitar, Aidan Forret on bass and Craig Spink on drums, this young band from Aberdeenshire see themselves as a “glowing collective pioneering new things in indie-rock”.

Their new song 218, for which I love the bus graphic, is well worth a listen. Their explanation of 218: “I think it’s equally about contempt and dependence on someone or something. It’s quite erratic like that, and I think you hear it in the riff as well. That back and forth of wanting to explode but at the same time, being terrified and wanting to shrink back into yourself and not face whatever it is you need to. I suppose I wrote it trying to capture two feelings at once.”

Q1. What’s the reason behind your band name, The Sun Day?
A1. If we’re being honest there isn’t really a reason behind the name! We kinda just picked it out of a batch of bad names as it was the best one. We kinda like to think that we’re called The Sun Day because our music could maybe shine a bit of light into someone’s life.

Q2. How did you guys meet? Who are the band’s main influences, what’s on your playlists?A2. So me (Ritchie), our guitarist, Luke, and our bassist, Aidan, all went to academy together in Alford and have been good friends since. Me and Luke were the first two to start jamming together and writing songs. Back then we had a different bassist and drummer in the early days, who both went on to do their own respective things. Once we left school and went to college we met Craig and things sorta just clicked with him and around the same time Aidan joined the band too.
As for influences it’s quite hard to pin down the main ones, as we all listen to such a wide array of music. I know in the early days me and Luke were both heavily influenced by Oasis, but nowadays not so much. We also quite like to keep our influences on the down low as we want people to hear us for us and not try to compare us to anything that’s come before.

Q3. You recently played supported Skylights at the Ballroom, which was an ace night. You’ve got the OGV gig coming up, so what will be next on the band bucket list?
A3. Beach Ballroom was a massive milestone for us as it was like the biggest crowd we’ve ever played too which was so sick. As for other things on the bucket list, we’d love to play some of the historic venues in Glasgow like King Tuts and Barrowlands. We’d love to support some of the bigger bands that are doing amazing right now in the Scottish scene like Gallus and Deadpony.

Q4. Both line ups include Hitlist, is it just a local young band thang or is there something more to the relationship?
A4. We’ve got much love for the hitlist boys their doing well for themselves at the moment, as for relationship wise we’re not sure – they haven’t taken us to dinner yet but we’ll see! But no, honestly we’re just trying to band together all the Aberdeen bands in the scene to try and work together. I think the music in the city at the moment is fantastic and if we all work together we could create something larger than life.

Q5. I wondered if any of the band are reading anything good at the moment? (I am a Librarian by day, I can’t resist asking!)
A5. That’s a good question. At the moment I’m (Ritchie) trying to slowly make my way through The Shining whenever I find the time as I’m trying to get into reading a bit more. Luke is reading Paul McCartney’s A-Z lyrics book at the moment and he’s also making his way through Jimmy Hendrix’s biography. As for Craig he’s most likely reading a comic and for Aidan.. we’re not quite sure! He’s more likely to be shredding on his board 6.

Q6. Why should we buy tickets for the OGV gig on 8th December, give me your sales pitch?!
A6. You definitely wanna get yourself there because who knows you could be witnessing history!

Further information.

Review and interview: Dancing in the Rain by Hitlist

Originally published on 5D Blog with band photos by Dod Morrison Photography.

Aberdeen band Hitlist are releasing their latest song “Dancing in the Rain” on the 24th November. They have dedicated it to “our closest friends & Family who have been there from the start.” I was thrilled to get the chance to interview them and have a listen to the song.

Q1. What’s the reason behind your band name, Hitlist?

A1. As a joke we created a ‘Hitlist’ of all the bands we were going to “takeover” and we just decided to name the band after it.

Q2. So you recently played King Tuts which I believe was on your band bucket list, what’s the next target?

A2. Yeah it was one of our goals as a band to play at Tuts. Unreal to have been able to do that. Our next goal is to play some of the bigger venues in Glasgow like St Lukes, Oran Mor and The Garage.

Q3. I’ve now seen you on the same line up as Skylights twice, is it just a mutual love of Aberdeen FC or is there something more to the relationship?

A3. Myself (Callum Jones) and Skylights guitarist Turnbull get on really well and speak very often. They have taken us under their wing and are always giving us advice and tips.

Q4. What format do you prefer to listen to music on?

A4. I personally prefer Apple Music as does our drummer Ollie, but I know Calum our lead guitarist and Scott our bassist use Spotify.

Q5. I wondered if any of the band are reading anything good at the moment? (I am a Librarian by day, I can’t resist asking!)

A5. Calum and Ollie are always nose deep in uni books!

Q6. Why should we buy tickets for the OGV gig on 8th December, give me your sales pitch?!

A6. One big massive end of year cerry oan!! A LOT of new music which we haven’t played live before and we have 3 of the best bands in the city on support.

So that gives us some insight into the band behind their new song Dancing In the Rain. It is an upbeat tune with some amazing vocals, there’s one word that Callum absolutely belts out and holds the note for a remarkable length of time, and it just makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Well worth a listen to on whatever streaming format you prefer!

Further information.