PAOLO NUTINI HAS SCOTS HOMECOMING AT TRNSMT

 TRNSMT Festival welcomed back 50,000 fans on day one and Paolo Nutini made a long awaited comeback at the festival in Glasgow Green.  

The opening day of Scotland’s biggest music festival was packed with outstanding performances from the moment the gates opened until the sun set, with the likes of Paolo, Sam Fender, Beabadoobee, Ella Henderson, Luke La Volpe and even more, all making it an exciting day for a sold-out crowd.  

With a weekend of celebrations ahead which will see over 70 acts perform across 3 stages, fans' excitement and enthusiasm at returning to the festival was palpable as the city-centre site played host to the best in live music. After the culinary triumph of last year, cinch presents TRNSMT 2022, partnered once again with Big Feed offering fans everything from dirty vegan burgers at Typhoon Ten, to Bao Buns over at Street Bao Buns, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and indulge. The vibrant atmosphere continued at the Boogie Bar where the crowd could check out DJ sets from K4cieand Beth, or for a more chilled out experience, fans headed to the Wellbeing Area, where they could take a break and recharge. 

Making his triumphant live return and TRNSMT debut no less, Paisley’s own Paolo Nutini performed to a sold-out audience, experiencing first-hand the magic only a Glasgow crowd can bring as he performed classic hits including‘Funk My Life Up’ and ‘Candy’ as well as new single ‘Through The Echoes.’ Renowned for his brooding swagger and smoky vocals, the Paisley singer gave his all to the cinch presents TRNSMT crowd, with Nutini saying“Glasgow you’re looking good, you’re looking very good in fact, you’re looking great.” Up next was ‘Jenny Don’t Be Hasty’ mashed up with a cover of the angsty classic ‘Teenage Kicks’ followed by fan favourite ‘New Shoes’ - the crowd went wild for it. With a bittersweet cover of ‘Caledonia’ he had the audience in tears but ready for more. After a hiatus from music, it’s as if he never left, closing the first day on what is set to be the biggest TRNSMT yet.

The Main Stage crowd experienced what is sure to be one of the more emotional moments of the three-day event as North Shields' ownSam Fender performed the breakout hit of last summer ‘Seventeen Going Under’, with backing vocals provided by 50,000 ecstatic festival fans. As the chant began to wind down, Fender played the opening note to ‘Angel In Lothian’ reminding everyone he’s only played it four times in the past - a real treat for those TRNSMT fans lucky enough to witness it. As the song continued he said, “I spent about half my life growing up in the borders of Scotland, so this song is about that.” As the rain came down, he thanked fans for sticking around. 

The Bootleg Beatles kicked the day off in nostalgic fashion, donning matching black suits, they performed ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ and anthem ‘Hey Jude’ to a mesmerised crowd. Disco heavyweights Nile Rodgers & CHIC made their sensational return to Glasgow, “Are you ready to party?” He ponders before a surreal exhibition of club nostalgia takes hold, performing legendary tracks ‘I Want Your Love’, ‘Le Freak’ and David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’.  Tom Grennan and The Lathums followed, with the latter achieving a UK No1 last year for their debut album ‘How Beautiful Life Can Be’. Walking on stage to crowd chants of “Here we f****** go!”, the Manchester stars teased the audience saying, “you might know this next little song?” before playing fan favourite track ‘I See Your Ghost’. Ella Henderson, had the crowd dancing from the get-go, introducing herself to the crowd as ABBA’s iconic ‘Dancing Queen’ boomed, before jumping into a glorious pop rock infused set, which included her hit song ‘Ghost’ and a snippet of Gerry Cinammon’s ‘Belter’. No stranger to Scotland Ella said, “I gotta say I’ve got Scottish in me, my dad is Scottish and I love Scotland” before belting out new track ‘Crazy What Love Can Do’.

Friday’s King Tut’s Stage line-up saw a host of award winners and nominees performing, from a Brits Rising Star Award nominee inBeabadoobee, to a Scottish Jazz Award recipient with Kitti. Kitti opened today’s River Stage, backed by her 5 piece band - it was a set dedicated to female empowerment with the songstress dedicating new track ‘How Long’ to all women in the audience, she said,  “Imma’ do this song on my own, this ones for all you ladies!”. With quiet confidence, Beabadoobee made her return to Glasgow - headlining the King Tut’s Stage, with her unique fusion of contemporary low-fi beats and vintage Britpop sound, it made for a Friday highlight. London based rap artist M Huncho captivated audiences with his brand of edgy, thought-provoking lyrics and beats, along with local legends SAINT PHNX who played to a hometown crowd. “We are SAINT PHNX from Glasgow and we’re so happy to be among you sexy people!”. Fresh off their preshow party last night at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - the duo shine on stage, loving what they do. “Glasgow, it’s good to be home!”, Callum Beattie screamed to a buzzing audience as he guzzled his beer, pumping his fist in the air he shouted “come on!” before performing ‘Daddy’s Eyes’. Walking out in a baby blue ensemble which included a sharp suit and tinted glasses to boot, Luke La Volpechannelled rock kings of the past from Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley, bringing a coy swagger to the King Tut’s Stage - ecstatic at the response from the crowd, Luke said, “I didn’t expect so many of ya” before playing track ‘Dead Man’s Blues’. Brooke Combe followed, with Brooke sauntering on stage shouting “What’s happening Glasgow!”, she received a warm welcome from the cinch presents TRNSMT crowd, the Edinburgh singer has had an incredible year and it all culminated in a white hot performance on the legendary King Tut’s Stage. 

Over on the River Stage, fans could catch the best up-and-coming artists, one day destined for the main stage. An energetic crowd saw The Skinner Brothers, coming alive at the question of frontman Zachary Skinner, “Are you ready to get it f****** moving?!”. Alongside Stone, Finn Askew, Dead Pony, The Roly Mo and Etta Marcus, there was no shortage of show stopping performances. Terra Kin, sashayed onto the stage in a flowing silk maxi dress, telling the crowd, “The sun is out and hopefully it’s here to stay”.

The next two days will see Main Stage headliners The Strokes and Lewis Capaldientertain crowds at sold-out Glasgow Green, with sets from Foals, Wolf Alice, Nina Nesbitt and many more. 

KT TUNSTALL HAS SCOTS HOMECOMING AHEAD OF SUMMER SHOW

SCOTTISH singer songwriter KT Tunstall rocked Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms for Burns night as part of her nationwide tour. 

Theshowbizlion.com and the audience were treated to big songs as KT and her talented friends rocked through a repertoire from Black Horse and The Cherry Tree to Suddenly I See as well as their version of Fairground Attraction’s Got To Be and Erasure’s A Little Respect.

 KT performed the show as part of her food and music tour with supermarket giants Lidl and guests were treated to drinks and nibbles as they raised money for charity. 

Earlier this week KT who was looking healthy after changing up her diet to fresh food officially unveiled Lidl’s 100th store in Scotland in Cowdenbeath. 

The new supermarket forms part of Lidl’s ongoing expansion and regeneration plans in Scotland and has created up to 40 new jobs for the community. Last year, the retailer announced plans to open a further 12 new stores across the country by 2022, creating 500 new jobs.

We got a chance to chat with KT backstage and she told us she’s absolutely loved showing children how to cook with Lidl’s fresh and natural ingredients. 

She also said it was great to be back in Scotland to catch up with old friends from her old school. 

 It’s going to be a busy year for KT who is working on a few secret projects as well as appearing at Summer Nights in Kelvingrove Bandstand. 

Now in its seventh year, the annual concert series at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove bandstand returns with another truly sensational programme of concerts from July 30 to August 15.

 KT said of her upcoming gig on August 6: “Thrilled to share that I’ll be part of the absolutely stellar line-up for Kelvingrove Bandstand this summer. If you haven’t experienced a gig at this special venue before, I highly recommend it and, if you have...I’m betting you’ll want to come again! The girls & I will see you there."

 Legendary singer/songwriter Edwyn Collins is also billed and said: “I spent a lot of time in Kelvingrove in 1978/79, when I was an illustrator for Glasgow Parks. I designed and illustrated leaflets for walkways and nature trails, it was a very nice job for someone like me, the only paid job I ever had. Once, with some schoolkids on a trail, they asked me if I was a punk. “Yes children, I’m Nature Punk!”. I hardly remember the bandstand then, it was disused, but I am delighted it has been returned to its original glory, hosting great music nights and I am excited to be playing my part this year." 

The Birra Moretti and Eden Mill Village will offer up its finest beers and assorted gins along with a selection of fab street food, there will be no better place to relax and soak up the truely amazing  atmosphere before taking your seats in the beautifully restored Kelvingrove Bandstand. Gates will open each night at 6.30pm.

CELTIC PLAYERS AND FANS HIT THE STATES

CELTIC players Bobby Peta, Tosh McKinlay, and Joe Miller are amongst the former Hoops stars headed to Vegas this week.
The event is being organised by the North American Federation of Celtic Supporters Clubs in Vegas and takes place until June 11.
Bobby who flew out this morning following his charity match for the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation in Wishaw is keen to Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions out there and said: "It's a Celtic convention so it's going to be busy. Every couple of years they organise it for the fans and with it being the fiftieth anniversary of the Lisbon Lions it will be great. It's my first time there. Joe Miller Tosh McKinlay, some of the Lisbon Lions will be going. It will be like a green and white spring break in Vegas. I'm looking forward to it. We are out there for a week so will go to a dinner and films and other things. We won't be playing but a lot of them will be drunk at the pool while I will be exploring the place and getting to know it. It's a great chance for everyone to catch up with each other."

Excerpts from this article have since appeared in The Scottish Sun.
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

DEACON BLUE FANS REBEL AT GLASGOW FILM THEATRE

DEACON Blue fans caused a revolt in a Glasgow cinema when ushers repeatedly told them to sit down during a film about the band.
The Scots group were airing the world premiere of their Live At The Glasgow Barrowlands documentary at Glasgow Film Theatre when some people in the audience tried to get up and dance.
As one woman got on her feet to the song Wages Day in the warehouse cinema, strict ushers attempted to get her to sit down only to be met with a wave of loud boos before the rest of the crowd got up from their seats in defiance in time for the anthem Dignity.
The cinema ended up like a mini version of the legendary Barrowlands venue without the spilled pints.
Following the showing, a thrilled Ricky Ross who admitted he was initially sceptical about the event said: "Seeing the audience reaction in the cinema was amazing. I remember years ago going to see Gandhi at the Odeon down the road and I'd never been to a film where they clapped at half time and at the end.
A friend of mine said at the time:'You were obviously never at the pictures on a Saturday morning. It was like that every Saturday when they were at the Western.".
Singer Lorraine Macintosh who is also married to Ricky added: "l've just watched Deacon Blue in concert for the first time. It was a very bizarre experience sitting there and during half of it, well most of it, I was looking at it through my finger's then I realised we're actually at a Deacon Blue gig tonight. I loved it. I'm not sure if I'd pay for it but I loved it."
Drummer Dougie Vipond added: "You've probably noticed Jim Prime isn't here. We could make something up but the truth is actually better. His mum is looking after his dog tonight so he had to get back and take his dog for a walk.
He added: "I think it was really important for us to play a gig in the Barrowlands because we finished in 1994 with a gig in the Barrowlands so it was a hugely emotional evening for all of us. It was a great night but I remember being in the dressing room beforehand in floods of tears so to go back it was hugely important."



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

WET WET WET WILL BE KINGS OF EDINBURGH CASTLE THIS SUMMER

WET Wet Wet will celebrate thirty years of their classic debut album Popped In Souled Out by taking over the stage at Edinburgh Castle.
Marti Oellow and the lads will play the famed Edinburgh landmark on Saturday July 15.
With huge hits including three UK No.1’s – ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’; ‘Goodnight Girl’; and ‘Love Is All Around’, the Glasgow lads have made an incredible impact with their music over the years, making them one of the most successful bands in British pop history.
Marti Pellow said: “It was a major career highlight when we took to the stage at Edinburgh Castle some 25 years ago. We are honoured to be asked back and it is sure to be a special moment when we take to the stage again.”
Graeme Clark added: “We’re coming back to the Capital to celebrate the anniversary of our Popped In Souled Out album and to do it on this scale at Edinburgh Castle some 30 years after its release is incredible.”
Tommy Cunningham can't wait to return and enthused: “It’s going to be some night! Playing live is what we love doing most and you never know, there might even be the odd wee splash of tartan just like there was last time!”
And Neil Mitchell said: “To get to play those classic pop songs in such an iconic venue will make it an amazing day for us and the fans.”
Having sold in excess of 15 million singles and albums to date, featured in the UK official singles and album charts for over an immense 500 weeks, the band have played to more than four million people in dozens of countries around the world.
Mark Mackie, director of Castle Concerts said: “It is with great delight we are able to announce today that pop sensations Wet Wet Wet will be the fourth act to play Edinburgh Castle this July. Its only taken us 25 years to get the band to come back and play this truly unique venue.Over the years, Edinburgh Castle has played host to many international stars such as Rod Stewart, Blondie, Elton John, The Proclaimers, Leonard Cohen, Stereophonics, Sir Tom Jones and Pink. Wet Wet Wet join Emeli Sande, Olly Murs and Deacon Blue at this world-renowned venue this year.”
The lads set a record by playing ten sold out shows at Glasgow’s SECC in 1995, when they were officially the most popular live act in the UK - even out-selling the Rolling Stones who were also on tour that year. Their most ‘2016 Big Picture Tour’ was an extensive 17-date arena tour that culminated in a sold out show at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. The tour reached as far south as Plymouth and as far north as Inverness whilst covering all of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, giving fans all over the country the chance to see the band live. For the anniversary ‘Popped In Souled Out’ is being re-released as a 5 disk super deluxe edition that includes unreleased and rare material along with many extras. The band will be performing tracks from their classic debut at Edinburgh Castle as well as their greatest hits from over the past three decades.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 31th MARCH AT 9 am
Online: www.ticketmaster.com www.seetickets.com
Over the phone: Ticket hotline 0844 844 0444
In person:
Tickets Scotland Edinburgh, 127 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DT
Tickets Scotland Glasgow, 237 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL
The Hub Tickets, 348-350 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE
Grouchos, Dundee, 132 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4ED
Tickets are NOT available from Edinburgh Castle Box Office
https://www.facebook.com/edinburghcastleconcerts




- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

GLASGOW JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF DEPECHE MODE AS THEY STORM THE BARROWLANDS

ENJOY the silence became an ironic title to an encore that was anything but quiet as Depeche Mode rounded off a thrilling set at the Barrowlands.
Dave Gahan, Martin and Andy last played the legendary Glasgow venue in 1984 and whipped us all into a frenzy as they were unleashed upon the crowd once again.
Only 1400 of us were lucky enough to gain entry to the hallowed space but unlimited access was given online to those not jammy enough to nab a ticket.
Those who were there knew how fortunate they were and the excitement was truly palpable as the electro pioneers took to the stage for BBC 6 Music Fest.
This was history in the making.
Set opener Going Backwards set the precedent for the evening as the trio performed newer tracks before heading backwards to where it all began.
The song from new album Spirit was a commentary on our way of life now, where technology appears to set us back rather than take us forward, but then Depeche Mode have always been visionaries
So Much Love was also new but had the synthy stamp of the eighties as we were taken on a journey of old and new.
The crowd lapped up every pulsating beat as Dave camply wiggled his hips and strutted around the stage.
The once cute fresh faced frontman was now more akin to a rock God with his moves as he gyrated and stomped, waving his arms around manically.
We may not have been treated to Just Cant Get Enough but tracks like World In My Eyes from the 90s Violator album brought back memories of dancing in sweaty night clubs amid a purple haze.
The Barrowlands floor was bouncing and the atmosphere was amped a notch higher as the set hurtled only too quickly towards its end.
But we were treated to a few more before the band called it a night. Where's the Revolution got everyone marching along as Dave offered up his deep throaty vocals to an ever appreciative crowd.
Of course Martin Gore sang his solo as he got stuck into Home and then it was time for Walking In My Shoes with Dave doing a Freddy Mercury and lifting up his mike stand.
Messed up edgy Barrel of a Gun brought some darkness before the brilliant Personal Jesus, inspired by Priscilla Presley's love for Elvis. It was a real crowd pleaser from the moment we heard the famous opening notes.
Huge classic Enjoy the Silence ended the set all too abruptly as Dave said: "See you next time."
We hope he won't make us wait another thirty odd years before he turns up in this part of town again.
Glasgow like the rest of the world just can't get enough.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SCOTLAND'S RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS AND KILTED YOGIS APPEAR ON US TELLY

SCOTLAND'S Red Hot Chilli Pipers and viral sensations The Kilted Yogis have made a big impression on viewers after being guests of US programme The Today Show.
Presenters Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker spent the weekend in Scotland's capital and visited sights including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat where they saw the Kilted Yogis, JK Rowling's writing hotspot The Elephant House, the rooftop of the Balmoral hotel and Duns castle.


The show crew, who were given a tour by local lad Phil MacHugh, also headed to the Sheep Heid Inn -dubbed Scotlands oldest pub as well as trying out deep fried Mars bars and a chippy.
They also had a tug of war at a Highland Games in Dunns castle before watching the Red Hot Chilli Pipers in action.


Sheinelle said: "Al and I checked out the capital city and we had a blast from the streets of old town to the streets of new town. You know what? I want to come back now."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SCOTS LET IT SHINE FINALIST MARK ANGELS TALKS LUXURY LIFESTYLE

SCOTS Let It Shine contestant Mark Angels says he's happy to be back home after an intense time in the competition - even though he was staying in a plush penthouse with its own pool.
Eat Kilbride lad Mark, who is now laid down with the cold after an intense eight weeks recording the show, revealed: "I'm actually happy everything went the way it did. It was so intense towards the end and although I loved the experience and will for the rest of my life I've got some other plans which I'll reveal shortly."
Mark who caught up with his family on his return said it was a real experience living in London with the rest of his band Drive.


He said: "We were staying in this incredible flat in Knightsbridge with its own pool, tennis courts and gym. It even had a reception desk. We never got a chance to use it though because we were always so busy going out and rehearsing."
He added: "Some of the boys took it in turns to cook and then as the programme got more intense they gave us our meals in between the rehearsals."
Mark said he loved the experience and got chatty with Dannie Minogue afterwards.
He said: "I got high praises from all the judges. Dannii told me I was great and that I should keep doing what I do. All the judges were amazing."
"We had a great wrap party and Graeme Norton wished me all the best too."
Mark also revealed he knew Scots contestant Jordan Harvey before the show because the two boys went to uni together.
He said: "It was nice to hear another Scottish voice on the show."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

DOCTOR WHO REVISITS GLASGOW UNIVERSITY FOR TIME TRAVEL COURSE

DOCTOR Who fans can now examine his time travel theories and experiences during a new Glasgow University course.
The short course entitled Dr Who and Philosophy: Time Travel And the Nature of Reality will see tutors examine if time travel is possible, and if it is, what it tells us about the nature of reality.
Students who attend on Monday June 5 or Saturday July 1 are promised a tour of philosophy's deep mystical questions using characters and episodes from the series during the course which will take place in June and July this year.
The uni which has previously offered a Game of Thrones Philosophy course as well as one inspired by The Simpsons says the £30 course is already proving a hit with Doctor Who fans who want to explore the possibilities of having a tardis of their own.
Tutor Dr John Donaldson said: "This is a course offered by a part of the University Centre for Open Studies to give people a taster of the courses we offer. They are open to the general public."
Following the success of our Simpson's Introduction to Philosophy we looked at other figures in popular culture and Doctor Who has quite an obvious connection with Philosophy and Metaphysical questions of Time Travel.
There will be twenty five students in the class from 10am until 4pm and I'm still working on what clips from the show we will use, but there are two main issues in the philosophy of time; first the nature of time and what time is and the second issue is of time travel itself.
The nature of time brings up some big metaphysical and philosophical issues and there are different views we will examine from the Block Universe View which says the universe is an unchanging four dimensional block where time exists equally in the past present and future.
We will also look at the Growing Block view where only Past and Present exist, not the Future and and thirdly we will examine Presentism where the Past and the Future don't exist.
It is most obvious how time travel can occur if the Block Universe View is used but there are theories about the other models too, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
"With regards to Doctor Who and his Tardis, travel into the future is in theory easier than into the past. Relativity theory says the faster you travel as a proportion of the speed of light the slower time goes for you relative to someone else, so time for them will go much faster than it will for you.
"Even today we can build a spaceship to travel ten to twenty percent to the speed of light and even when we got on a plane and off a plane we become a few milliseconds younger than when we got on.
Travelling into the past however, like the Doctor also does, is a lot harder because to travel into the past, if you accept what physics says, you need to build a wormhole and use it to travel back to the time when you first built it."
Dr Johnson is planning to illustrate his course with some episodes which see the Doctor Who travelling back and forth in his tardis.
For example, in one story called Father's Day the Doctor and his companion Rose travelled back into the past to save Rose's father from dying but the result was a paradox in which monsters known as Reapers destroyed almost all life on Earth until the time stream was set back on track.
Dr John Donaldson explained: " To the question, 'Can I visit myself?' You build a wormhole and wait while you travel back to meet yourself just after you built it. We run into serious issues with the grandfather paradox though because if time travel into the past is possible then it's possible to travel back into the past to kill your grandfather before your grandfather meets your grandmother, or even directly kill yourself. It means you'd never come into existence."
"Doctor Who approaches time travel differently from Back To The Future and we will examine the complex debates surrounding his method. We won't be looking so much at the technology but more about the issues surrounding it.
Dr Donaldson is unsure at the moment if the actual Doctor Who who is said to have studied at the university, will use his tardis to attend his particular course, but he laughed: "If anyone wants to wear a long scarf I'd be more than happy to have some Doctor Who's in thr audience. We all time travel to a point when we fly on a plane but I haven't had the opportunity to go inside a time machine. I would be severely tempted if I had the opportunity. I'm not sure if our physics department are working on that.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

FORD AND GREG WANT NEW STILL GAME STAGE SHOW TO BE MORE THEATRICAL

Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill decided not to record their new stage show because they claim the last one felt 'a bit flat' when they watched it back on a screen.

The Still Game: Live 2 show is on at Glasgows SSE Hydro from February 4-16 and Ford said: "We wanted it to be a theatrical experience and we felt when we saw the DVD played back from our last show that there was a third hand feel to it. It was all there but there was a flatness about it we were not entirely comfortable with when we saw it back.

Greg added: "This show is kind of unique in that it's the first time we've done Still Game where it hasn't been been recorded. All the TV episodes we've recorded are obviously on DVD and the original stage show we did at the festival in 1997 is also on DVD but this is uniquely theatrical and by the fifteenth of February it will be gone forever. It kind of feels good. That's how theatre should be. I know you can go to the GFT and watch a big production because people can't go to London and whatnot but I think theatre has to be experienced live.

"You can watch Kevin Bridges or Frankie Boyle on a DVD because you are used to seeing them live. It's them and a mike so it's not that much of leap to watch a DVD of them live but to watch a theatre show with lots of actors, you've got to be here."

The two actors who play Craiglang pensioners Jack and Victor in the comedy admitted there was a huge pressure on them to fulfil the expectations of their audience.

Ford said: "There is a huge pressure because everybody raved or passed comment on the last one and said they had a terrific time and a big part of the audience is repeat business who have been before so we've got to keep them entertained and surpass what we've done before."

Greg added: "It feels like a very different animal from the TV show but that has its own pressure and it feels like we are used to that. When the show was on, people loved it and there was the pressure to continue it at the level we were at and there was the pressure to bring it back after seven years and now we are doing the stage show again, it's got to be fresh and different and are kind of used to it and thrive on it .

The duo also suggested a new series of Still Game may soon be on its way.







- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

ROBERT BURNS WOULD FIT INTO CRAIGLANG WITH JACK AND VICTOR

STILL Game's Isa reckons Rabbie Burns would love a night out at The Clansman with the rest of the Craiglang pensioners.
Actress Jane McCarry who plays the gossipy shop cleaner in Navid's corner shop appeared at Ayr racecourse Burns Supper to reply on behalf of the lassies.
Speaking of Scotland's National Bard who has brought us gems like Tam O' Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss, she said: "Rabbie would love a night at the Clansman. With a wee goldie in his hand, one of Boabby's microwaved pies and the bonny Isa and Peggy to gaze at over the puggy."


Jane even reckons Still Game creators Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill should make a special edition of the show dedicated to the Ayrshire lad.
She said: "A Burns night Still Game special would be a great idea. Boabby would mix up some tinned haggis with some pedigree Chum and we would all be happy. Jack and Victor would do the immortal memory, Winston would toast and Isa would reply."
The Ploughman Poet and his tartan bunnet might well fit in perfectly to the surroundings of Osprey Heights - and we could see him having a good old chinwag with Isa and her pals.
Jane who appeared at the bash with Grant Stott, said: "My favourite Burns night tradition has to be the immortal memory...as long as it's not too long. I genuinely love Burns and I've heard so many different versions of the immortal memory over the years and I've always come away with some new information. That and the haggis of course."








- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

EWAN MCGREGOR JOKES ABOUT TRUMP AT EDINBURGH TRAINSPOTTING PREMIERE

EWAN McGregor said he wouldn't talk US politics at the T2 Trainspotting premiere then cheekily referred to the orange carpet.
The star was in a naughty mood as he referred to Donald Trump and said at Edinburgh's Fountain Park: "Let's make the only orange thing we talk about this carpet."


He admitted it was great to be back with the old gang and said: "It was nice to shoot this in Edinburgh cause we shot the first one mainly in Glasgow although the first one is set in Leith. I think you'll feel Edinburgh is more of a character than it was in the first one.
Admitting that he felt a bit older and wiser this time round than when he first played the character in his twenties he said: "Every day there was a twenty years later moment. It was lovely to read John Hodges words again.
He also said he wouldn't have minded wrapping roles with Ewen Bremner for the sequel explaining: "I probably would have swapped with Ewen. He played Renton in the stage play before the movie so probably I'd be Spud and he'd be Renton if we could swap."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SINGLE BY SUNDAY HEADLINE GLASGOW O2 ABC

SINGLE by Sunday can't wait to wow their crowds with their infectious pop rock this Saturday January 7 at Glasgows 02 ABC.
TheShowbizlion.com caught up with the Scots talents just before the New Year at the Scottish Music Awards when they were buzzing to mingle with people like Twin Atlantic.
The lads said: "A lot has happened in a year and now we are headlining the O2 and we are releasing our third EP."
The boys have grown a huge fan base over the last twelve months and recently had to be taken away by the police after fans got over excited.


Lead singer Josh explained: "We were at a gig in East Kilbride and the police had to come and help us out. We’ve got the best fans in the world, they're so supportive and we couldn’t believe how many people turned up. It was crazy."
The new EP includes previously unheard tracks ‘It Is What It Is’, ‘Never Ever Ever’, ’22.5.16’ and ‘I Can’t Go On Like This’.
Connect with the band @singlebysunday


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

MARTI PELLOW CRACKS UP PLAYING BADDIE IN SCOTS PANTO

MARTI Pellow made his Scots panto debut in Aladdin - and despite being serious baddie Abanazer - couldn't hold back the laughter as he mispronounced a rude word or two.
The Wet Wet Wet star took on a more sombre role as he showed off his bad boy vocals and evil laugh in the brilliant SECC panto which also included an incredible flying carpet, 3D creatures, giggles galore audience interaction and plenty of laughs from hilarious Wishee Washee character Johnny Mac who is a real star.
His improvised comedy  on stage with young children from the audience was a real highlight of the night.
There was even an elephant in the room - and it wasn't The Krankies and John Barrowman who for the first time in years were sadly missing from this year's panto.


At one point Marti was trying to pronounce the word Situation and ended up adding in an extra H after the S making the audience who included weatherman Sean Batty and footballer Ally McCoist  roar with laughter.
Marti himself burst into giggles.
The Wet Wet Wet singer had previously said he wasn't playing for laughs, adding: "Its so easy to be seduced by the sound of laughter but my comedy is in not acknowledging the comedy."
Clearly no one could resist in that particular s*ituation.
The panto is on until December 31 at the Clyde Auditorium.

- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

RYAN LAWRIE MAKES LOW KEY RETURN TO GLASGOW

RYAN Lawrie was given a heroes welcome by his friends as he made a low key return to Scotland following his X Factor exit.
Ryan who left the competition on Sunday night after a sing off with rapper Honey G decided not to stick around in London after leaving the house he shared with contestants including his girlfriend Emily Middlemas.
Following his exit interviews he hopped on a plane back to Glasgow to catch up with family and friends before deciding on the next step of his career.
He arrived in Glasgow around eight pm to be met by a posse of pals at the airport.


Annabelle Seeth was amongst those who welcomed the singer and carried him for a photo at the airport.
Ryan said: "It's great to be back. The hard work starts now."


Excerpts of this article appeared in the Scottish Sun


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

JUSTIN BIEBER'S DOG WANTS TO RETURN TO SCOTLAND

JUSTIN Bieber's dog Esther has become an even bigger favourite with Scots fans after she posted that she was 'missing Scotland' on her own Instagram account.
Esther the pup accompanied Justin on his visit to Scotland and was seen roamin in the gloamin as he spent time at his Perthshire residence.
Esther is a smaller black and brown Yorkshire terrier who is Justin's newest puppy.
She has more than 730,000 followers online on her account estherthecutie and has only posted 83 times since April 2015.
Last night around eleven pm, just after Justin came off stage in Germany, the cute little doggy who tends to reflect what Justin thinks admitted she would love to return to Scotland.
As she posted up a pic of herself with her famous daddy taken at the walls of Kinross House she wrote: "Missing Scotland."
Fans have gone wild following her latest comment.
Samya said: "And we miss you Justin, come back."
Natalie Rosie added: "Scotland misses you!!."
And Scottishbelieber1994 said: "Your more than welcome to come back Esther."


Excerpts of this article appeared in The Sun


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

XFACTOR HOUSE TOO HEALTHY FOR RYAN AND EMILY

Exclusive
Beverley Lyons
Emily Middlemas and Ryan Lawrie admit they are fed up with healthy eating in the X Factor house and just want some junk food.
Asked if they were cooking for one another in the house Emily revealed: "No we don't cook dinner for one another. We have a chef.
Ryan quipped: "Thank God."
But he added: "It's all too healthy. We don't have any fried stuff or anything. We want a big chippy from Glasgow.
Emily laughed: "Yeah, we want a big burger. We need pizzas."
Emily said of her time in the house.
She enthused: "It is amazing honestly. Every single contestant is so nice and there for each other. Everyone is so lovely and we all get on really well. I was expecting it to be cat fights but it's not like that at all. Everybody is so nice and we are really enjoying ourselves. It's good."
Ryan added: "It's amazing. We just support each other and focus on what we are here for which is to perform every week and do the best we can and when we get some spare time we like to chill out and spend some time together which is nice and is a bonus".
The new Jukebox feature will see the song themes for the following week being decided via a spinning wheel on the show. Themes up for grabs include Oscars, Boy Band vs Girl Band, Disco, Motown, 80’s, Divas and Louis Loves (the Louis Walsh collection).
Emma said: "It's crazy cause you never know which theme it's going to land on so it's really exciting."
Ryan admitted it concerned him adding: "It's scary cause all the genres are not something I would do. It's not really my kind of music. It'll be a really big challenge to try and adapt to what it is."
Ryan added: "It feels so amazing we wanted Scotland to get everyone behind us and hopefully get the votes in so we can stay a bit longer. It doesn't usually happen to someone like me. Coatbridge is not one of those places you get a lot of opportunity. I'm just holding it with both hands and hopefully am not going to let it go for a while."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

HARRY STYLES MUM AND FANS HELP SAVE LITTLE SCOTTISH SHIP

HARRY Styles mum has played her part in helping to raise £6000 for a Scots charity in a bid to help restore a small Scottish ship that saved 600 lives in Dunkirk.
One Direction and Harry Styles fans around the globe have helped out after the star's mum Anne Twist tweeted about it, and made her own donation to restore the Skylark IX in Irvine.
Many of them will now wear a special Skylark IX pin badge when the movie is finally released in cinemas.


Now the Skylark IX Trust campaigners are asking Harry to become an ambassador for the Skylark charity Trust.
The Skylark IX is being restored over the next 18 months to two years at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine.
The little ship which rescued 600 men from the shores of Dunkirk has been in West Dumbartonshire for nearly forty five years and will be ninety next year.
She was saved for posterity through the Skylark Trust since being rescued from a watery grave in 2013.


Harry Styles and One Direction fan Sasha Wedge from Salford and her pal Maartje van Hoorn set the ball rolling along with the Trust when they set up a just giving page to help rebuild the ship after Harry Styles was announced for a lead role in Dunkirk.


When Harry’s mum Anne found out about it she retweeted the story, branding it “wonderful”.
She has also donated £100 to the campaign bringing the total to £6000 and recently judged an online art competition for the Trust.
She exclusively told theshowbizlion.com: "It was a privilege to get involved with the trust. Their competition was a fabulous way of bringing a little bit of history to life. With the anticipation of the Dunkirk movie simmering amongst all us Harry fans, the art competition has now helped restore a little piece of it"
Her donation also means Harry's name will be added to a plaque in the ship alongside his step dad Robin.
Harry's costar Jack Gover is also in possession of a pin badge bearing the ship's logo and one fan even made a tattoo of the ship for fans.
Sasha Wedge told fans: "In June 2016, a flotilla from the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships made their way to Dunkirk to star in the new movie. Sadly, there was one little ship that should have been there, and couldn't be. Her name is Skylark IX, and we're fundraising for the Skylark IX Recovery Trust to restore her.
The Trust are hoping to raise at least £1000 to move her into a covered workshop (safe from the Scottish elements!) & for an initial purchase of materials to reinforce and ensure her stability as they seek lottery funding. Skylark will then be restored plank by plank.
​This is our chance to play our own part in Dunkirk's history and show Harry that we really care about the true subject of his movie! Why #SaveSkylark?!
As a thank you, Harry will be thanked for inspiring us and we will be collectively thanked for our donations on a plaque on board Skylark once her restoration has been completed.
The Trust work alongside Alternatives, which works with people recovering from alcohol and drug addictions. They will learn key employment skills while helping with the restoration.
She will sail on the River Clyde in Scotland taking veterans, visitors, and school children "doon the water" on short trips, where they can hear about the miracle of Dunkirk through an interactive on board system.
She will move to Dumbarton Castle and will continue to be used for educational purposes. She will also once again take veterans once a year for a short service of remembrance on the anniversary of Dunkirk.
The target is to restore Skylark so that she can sail to Dunkirk for the 80th anniversary of Operation Dynamo (2020) alongside the other remaining Dunkirk Little Ships, but if they have the funding in place, the work can be completed within 18 months to 2 years.
If you donate £100 or more your name (or another) can be added to the Skylark 600 plaque. Please contact the Skylark IX Recovery Trust directly via www.skylarkix.

Skylark IX's story is now known by many, as we move towards the 76th anniversary of Operation Dynamo.

1927

Skylark IX is born

Skylark IX began life in 1927 in the shipyard of J H
Bolson & Sons of Poole in Dorset, the ninth in a series
of ten Skylarks.

1939

Wartime Duties

At poole, Skylark IX served as a shallow water minesweeper and was engaged in placing anti-invasion obstacles around the harbour. At one time she erected decoys on Brownsea Island, consisting of wooden sheds filled with coal and sprayed with oil. They were set alight when German bombers flew over, looking for the Admiralty Armaments depot at Holton Heath

1940

Skylark IX’s finest hour

During the 9 fateful days of 'Operation Dynamo' Skylark IX saved the life of over 600 allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk.

1946

Skylark Moves North

After the war, Skylark IX gradually worked her way north, via Morecambe and Burntisland to Loch Lomond, where Sweeneys Cruises operated her for 33 years. John Sweeney gave Skylarks services free, to Dunkirk Veterans once a year, for their reuninion on Loch Lomond. Veterans remembered those who did not return and laid poppies on the Loch.



Excerpts of this article appeared in The Sunday Post

- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

CAITLYN VAN BECK SINGS FOR SCOTTISH DREAMMAKER CHARITY

X Factor singer Caitlyn Van Beck might have been knocked out of the telly show on Saturday but she didn't stay at home weeping over the decision - and managed to wow as a surprise guest at a charity bash for sick kids.







Guests couldn't believe their luck when 18 year old Tranent gal Caitlyn turned up at the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation bash in Glasgow's Crowne Plaza.







And at exactly the same time as X Factor fans watched the judges houses stage of the show where Simon made his shock move she performed a moving rendition of Piece By Piece by Kelly Clarkston on stage at the party.







Revellers included GLOW reality stars Brian Matthews and James English, Still Game's Jane McGarry and Mark Cox who play Isa and Tam and radio host Suzie McGuire.

Caitlyn said: "It's great to be here to support the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation and to see all the smiles on the children's faces."

Meantime fans of the Scots singer have kicked off after house after her pianist appeared to hit a bum note during her Judges House audition.
Caitlyn sang Praying For Time by George Michael during the audition in Malibu in front of Simon Cowell and his friends.
Caitlyn appeared to forget her words as she sang the famous song and Simon encouraged her to keep singing.
Now however, followers online have pointed out that the pianist seemed to hit a wrong note which put the Scots talent off.



At fifty five seconds into the audition just as she is about to sing the word wounded which she begins to pronounce, she stops dead and gives a puzzled look.
Simon urges her to continue after the two exchange a look and Caitlyn then performs the rest of the song beautifully.
Fans are now furious that Caitlyn, who was put head to head with fellow Scot Emily Middlemas at judges houses, was put out of the competition by a regretful Simon.
And some are raising questions about her musical accompaniment online.
Paul Lang commented: "The guy playing piano went wrong there, didn't he? She was thrown.#xfactor"
Another Sasha Lang added: "Anyone else notice the Pianist messed up just as Caitlyn was smashing her song at judges, struggle to believe that wasn't set up..furious."
Another wrote on a forum: "I just watched again on YouTube and it almost seemed like the keyboard player played the wrong notes to the line 'when there is no hope to speak of'. Very strange"



Excerpts of this article from The showbizlion.com appeared in The Sun online.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.comSun online

STILL GAME GETS NEW TITLES AND MUSIC

STILL Game producers got together with the world-renowned BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to make the new title music for the show.
And they engaged the services of BAFTA award-winning TV & film composer Ben Foster.
Recorded last week at the City Halls in Glasgow, home to the BBC SSO, Foster arranged and orchestrated the new titles, re-recording the Frank Chacksfield song ‘Cuban Boy’.


The track has long been associated with the Still Game series since its debut in 2002, originally using a version by The Cuban Boys.
The new title music was conducted by BAFTA award-winning British composer, Ben Foster whose TV and film credits include Doctor Who Live, Torchwood, Prometheus and The Grey, amongst others.


The iconic opening titles of Still Game which see evergreen pensioner pals Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade (Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill) age through the years, have also been reshot for the new much-anticipated seventh series.
The new titles remain faithful to the original style seeing Jack and Victor through the ages from schoolboys, to teens and adults in the 60s, 70s, 80s to the present day.



Jacqueline Sinclair, Producer, said: “Jack and Victor may not have aged and the original titles have been fabulous for 14 years but as the whole series is getting a polish, we really needed to make the titles sparkle for HD widescreen televisions too. The re-recording of the title music has been the icing on the cake and it really did bring a tear to my eye to hear it being performed live!”


Joan Morrison, Orchestra and Events Manager for the BBC SSO, added: “We are thrilled to be a part of the new series of Still Game and had great fun recording the soundtrack. The orchestra plays a vital role in contributing to programmes across the BBC, entertaining and enlightening audiences throughout Scotland, the UK and beyond.”
After a nine year hiatus, Still Game returns to BBC One on Friday October 7.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com