It’s quite the worrying time for live gigs at the moment. Particularly music festivals where the likes of Doune The Rabbit Hole, Freewheelin’ Fiesta, Fresh Ayr Folk, Mugstock and Vibration have either been postponed or cancelled this year. There are many reasons for this, but if we look to the root causes we can pinpoint Brexit, rising running costs, the catastrophic mini-budget of September 2022 and the subsequent cost of living crisis where pretty much everything from food to drink to fuel to inflation to interest rates have increased. Wages? Not so much. Of course, there is one constant feature behind all of this, the current U.K. incumbent government who are a party infested, and thoroughly invested, in power, corruption and lies. Things can only better, right? D:Ream on, their red brethren have long since abandoned any Socialist morals and are hell bent on continuing the same and similar policies. And let’s not even go down the migrant issue and the hate-filled rhetoric those at the top support. Those who believe this is a Union for all are either very wealthy or extremely gullible. If you’re a Unionist and not sure where you fit in, check your bank account and you’ll find the answer. 

Anyway, I guess you can tell how bloody annoying this is but more importantly the negative chain reaction this has had and continues to have on our music industry. Touring has become almost impossible both for bands coming to the U.K. and our home grown talent looking to play in foreign lands. This in turn impacts all sorts including session musicians, producers, roadies, merchandising, venues, support and so on and so on. 

However, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and see live music. We know it’s a tough environment at the moment but our message, from Into Creative to you is please go out and support the bands and artists when you can. Read on for some choice gigs coming up soon. 

Concert: The Walkmen
Venues: Glasgow SWG3 
Dates:  21 August 2023

The Walkmen have been on a bit of a sabbatical for a while. Well, ten years, all in, so when news broke a few months back that they were getting the old band back together there was quite the buzz and hope that a U.K. tour would follow. Prayers answered, the NYC based 5 piece are back and hit the road on an eleven date tour of the U.K. and Ireland this month. 

It’s great to have them back, singer Hamilton Leithauser’s distinct vocal backed by the tightest of bands are sure to delight on this hotly anticipated tour. Crashing on the scene in 2004 with the eponymous The Rat, the band have released seven albums, the last of which was Heaven in 2012, which the band toured including a date at Glasgow’s ABC. 

Alongside luminaries such as The National and The Strokes, The Walkmen are a fantastic live band and their date at SWG3 is not to be missed. Be quick and grab a ticket via the official website here. 

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Concerts: Dave Sharp (The Alarm)/ Grahame Skinner (Hipsway)/ Kevin McDermott/ JJ Gilmour (The Silencers)
Venue: Gourock, Lyle’s Bar 
Dates:  31 August/ 7 September/ 14 September/ 28 September 2023

There’s definitely something going on down the Inverclyde Riviera. Gourock played host to rockabilly legend and Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim phantom recently at his gig in The Albany Theatre (read the Into Creative review here) and now the town’s uber cool Lyle’s Bar are bringing a who’s who of the Scottish music scene to the town. 

With a capacity of around eighty, these gigs are sure to capture the imagination and are a great setting to see some great musicians up close and personal.

First up on 31st August is Dave Sharp who was a founding member of The Alarm who started off in north Wales, supporting the likes of the Stray Cats and U2 before hitting the big time with the release of their debut album, Declaration, in 1984. Tracks such as the anthemic ’68 Guns’ and ‘Rain In The Summertime’ established the band and helped their solid live reputation throughout the 1980s. Sharp has since pursued a solo career and formed a band, The Hard Travelers. Tickets for this show can be purchased here. 

Grahame Skinner needs little introduction. A voice that bleeds pathos, guile, charm and soul, a wonderfully sonorous and honeyed baritone, distant yet intimate. He has graced bands such as Jazzateers, Hipsway, Cowboy Mouth and The Skinner Group. 

While Hipsway staples such as The Honeythief and Long White Car are likely to feature, with such a rich back catalogue to choose from, Skinner is really spoilt for choice. Having recently seen Cowboy Mouth in concert, this is sure to be a belter of a show. Tickets for the show on 7 September are available here. 

It could be argued that the early to mid 1980s was the pinnacle of the Scottish music scene, not just in chart terms but the overall sounds, craft and cross pollination of ideas. Part of that scene was Kevin McDermott who fronted The Suede Crocodiles and went on to form the majestic Kevin McDermott Orchestra. Again, Kevin has a plethora of tunes from his back catalogue to choose from and his own indomitable style will no doubt be warmly welcomed at Lyle’s. Tickets available here.   

JJ Gilmour, of course, is another stalwart of the Scottish music scene and will round off the Lyle’s September gigs in style. Having come to fruition with The Silencers, the singer-songwriter has since gone on to establish a solo career, releasing five albums and will entertain with his blend of rock and folk tunes. The label, Last Night From Glasgow are also in the process (due Jan 24) of releasing a double album covering Gilmour’s solo career. Tickets for the show can be obtained here.

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Concert: Jack Valero
Venue: Glasgow, McChuills
Date:  17 October 2023

There’s quite the hype around at the moment about singer-songwriter Jack Valero and having listened to his early releases, it is 100% justified. Mixing rock and Americana and taking a nod to the likes of Jake Bugg and Elvis Costello, the Brighton native has a new single in Catch My Soul out right now. It is infuriatingly catchy and without doubt will catch your ear and possibly your soul! 

The single precedes the debut album, This Is A Nightmare, which is released on Modern Sky UK Records on 15 September. A month or so later on 17 October, Valero will take to the stage at McChuills in Glasgow’s High Street for a live show. Anyone who has been to a gig at McChuills will know how special a venue this can be and this is sure to be a great platform for Valero to showcase the new album. 

Having recently played at the renowned SXSW, Kendal Calling and Glastonbury festivals, tickets for this one will be hot. Get them while you can via the link here. 

John Welsh
@welshjb

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