LINE OF DUTY CASTMEMBERS REUNITE IN GLASGOW

HERE’S the moment Line of Duty cast member Vicky McClure aka DI Kate Fleming was reunited with cast members Martin Compston (DI Steve Arnott) and Craig Parkinson who plays DI Matthew ‘Dot’ Cottan at a Glasgow club.

Punters couldn’t believe their eyes as stars of the hit BBC police show took to the stage to dance to ABBA, The Proclaimers, Madness and more on Saturday afternoon.

Vicky and her writer and producer husband Jonny Owen were hosting their daytime nightclub Day Fever UK alongside Reverend and the Maker’s Jon McClure in Glasgow’s BAad centre in the East end and didn’t hold back when it came to dancing to the classics.

Martin and Craig couldn’t resist joining in for what turned out to be a massive reunion in front of over 800 people.

Martin crowdsurfed and climbed on his friend’s shoulders while Vicky danced to all the songs, kissing punters and laughing away as she watched the crowd in front of her.

Craig also giggled as he swigged from his bottle.

The cast joined others on stage for a huge rendition of Loch Lomond by Runrig.

Anthony Boyle from Masters of The Air also joined the party and A Place In The Sun’s Jean Johansson was also in attendance.

Vicky arrived on Friday night with her husband and their ten strong party and they headed out for a curry at Glasgow’s The Dhabba restaurant as well as popping into the Horseshoe Bar.

She said she loved her visit to Glasgow and the food in The Dhabba.

Martin also said: ”Genuinely one of the best days out I’ve  had in years. Edinburgh you’re in for a treat.”

Fans loved seeing the trio back together with some questioning if they were meeting for another Line of Duty comeback in mind.

SCOTS BAND THE RONAINS GET SEAL OF APPROVAL FROM LEGENDS

SCOTS band The Ronains have had the seal of approval from a legendary singer after their new single attracted more than 1.8 million views on YouTube. 

Rockers Jim Reid and Debi Ronain and their band first recorded House of The Rising Sun in 2019 and their atmospheric video even features their guitarist and ‘brother’ Shaun Scott who sadly passed away not long after the band released the iconic video by Partickular films which can be seen on YouTube. 

After notching up millions of views across their social media platforms online, and after it was picked up for Netflix by gangster documentary Faces, the band decided to release it officially for download this week.

They’ve now received a message from original lead singer of The Animals Eric Burdon who had a hit with the song in 1964. 

And Eric who is now 82 years old didn’t hold back on how great he thought their version was, with fans now calling it the ‘best version ever’.

After hearing Debi’s vocals Eric wrote in an email: “She's absolutely magnificent, raw and the harsh and acidic qualities you're hearing might just be the result of her unique vocal style and the raw emotion she pours into the song. 

That being said, music is subjective, and what matters most is how it connects with the listener.

 I Ioved it and loved the style of how the track flowed from start to finish.

This song is nearly 60 years old and it really hits my heart strings, makes me so proud to know young bands are still singing it. Great job. Up The Ronains.”

Eric’s manager also commented: “I let Eric hear your version of the song and I have to say he absolutely loved it. There's been a variety of covers over the years but certainly none as unique as this one and the vocals of the singer are incredible.”

Jim Reid said: ”We’ve had a lot of comments from all over the world saying it’s very possibly the best version ever. We teamed up with Simple Mind’s Gordon Goudie and Rolling Stone’s producer Matt Colton on this which was amazing and we changed the song up a bit at the start and end, adding some extra lyrics. To have the seal of approval from Eric Burden takes things to a different level and we are buzzing. 

Debi added: “When I heard the news Eric had listened to the song i was speechless. It’s such an iconic song, thats been covered a million times over so the very fact he heard it and  took the time to even email us left me gobsmacked. 

He described my vocals exactly the way I wanted them to be received. When I sing that song I do so from the pit of my stomach and feel every word, those lyrics are mighty and if even one person can be moved by them, well then my job is done.”

House of the Rising Sun is available for download on all music platforms now.

https://ditto.fm/house-of-the-rising-sun-the-ronains

https://youtu.be/gDhcUFWNSB0?si=TxEjkgSMIrxm3kzv

SCOTLAND’S FIRST LISTENING BAR COMES TO GLASGOW

Glasgow’s renowned South East Asian Bar & Brasserie, Mamasan, begins a new chapter as it transforms into Scotland’s first listening bar with a programme of impressive global DJs and exceptional sound quality set to soundtrack the city.  

Starting this weekend (Good Friday, 29th March), it reinvents itself as an audio bar, following a comprehensive hi-fi overhaul and the installation of a bespoke, state-of-the-art sound system designed by sound engineers to elevate late-night cocktails and dining to an unparalleled auditory experience - a first for Scotland. With DJs from Belle & Sebastian and Sub Club already signed up to play, Mamasan enters a new era as the country’s first dedicated listening bar.

Despite being named the vinyl-collecting capital of the UK, Glasgow hasn’t had an audio bar concept to call its own. Until now.  Originating from 1950s Japan, the listening bar concept blends intimate dining with audiophile-grade music listening. These venues, which emerged in Tokyo's small bars, cafes, and record stores, serve as a hub for music lovers seeking a relaxed environment to appreciate high-fidelity sound.

Catering to a change in nightlife habits and a love for high-fidelity audio, the new Mamasan direction introduces a trio of new core pillars Bar, BBQ and Records. With an exciting roster of programming set to play: Chris Geddes of Belle & Sebastianfame as well as Harri from Glasgow’s iconic Sub Club, & Nick Peacock from The Buff Club and session drummer & DJ Toni McVey, who plays with Joesef, and recently completed a tour with Jungle. Curated by music specialists, Open Ear, guests can expect an interesting lineup of global musicians playing vinyl in the heart of Glasgow. This auditory feast is complemented with a brand new cooked over fire casual sharing menu crafted in partnership between top Scottish chef, Finn Steel-Perkins, and Great British Menu star, Ali Borer, alongside innovative cocktails from the bar.

The cutting-edge sound technology in Mamasan, complete with Danley’s renowned audio file quality, ensures every record is played back with the integrity and richness it was originally intended to convey. The venue has collaborated with leading music-tech brands including Technics, Pioneer, Master Sounds, Small Town Audio and Danley to unlock the full potential of recorded music, to elevate the guest experience for audiophiles and vinyl lovers alike. 

Alongside the music, guests can indulge in experimental cocktails from Mamasan’s bar or enjoy a brand-new Thai BBQ menu, featuring innovative sharing dishes, all cooked over coal on a bespoke grill. With fire at the heart of so many South East Asian flavours, Ali Borer of London’s renowned Thai BBQ restaurant, The Smoking Goat, and Mamasan head chef Finn Steel Perkinshave crafted the menu together in an unique collaboration that pushes boundaries with flavour. All of Mamasan’s fish, meat and produce are slowly cooked or smoked over fire, using a combination of charcoal, wood and freshly pressed coconut husks to develop a real depth of flavour. 

Brad Stevens, Founder of Mamasan, commented: “When Mamasan opened in 2020, our vision was to create a stylish dining concept that was as much about the drinks and music as the food. Due to the restrictions in place throughout the pandemic, we couldn’t finish the job we started. Now our new state-of-the-art sound equipment, combined with incredible Thai BBQ food and drinks means we’ve elevated the guest experience and we can’t wait for Glasgow to join us at Scotland’s first dedicated listening bar for an outstanding line-up of music.

Speaking about programming, Kevin McCrorie of Open Ear Music and DJ Matthew K said: “It’s a great honour to curate the lineup for Scotland's first audiophile bar. In a world where any song is available to anyone at the click of a button, it's important to have a place where music can be heard as it was intended. People will get the opportunity to hear music, with clear, pristine sound on an amazing system, yet will still be able to hold a conversation without the volume being overpowering. For a music loving city such as Glasgow, this is a much welcome addition.  Look out for some special names over the next few months.”

Mamasan Bar, BBQ & Records is open seven days a week from noon until 1am, with curated DJs spinning vinyl from Friday + Saturday from 9pm, and Sunday from 2pm.   The spring music programme is below, to book your table please visit mamamasan.co.uk.

MIDGE URE ANNOUNCES NEW TOUR AT 70

Having celebrated his 70th birthday with a sold out show at the historic Royal Albert Hall in October 2023, Midge Ure is keen to continue the celebration of his life in music by announcing a new 23 date UK tour for November and December 2024.

 

The tour will give Midge the opportunity to showcase the musical breadth and versatility of his extensive song catalogue written during the past 50 years; giving old and new fans alike a truly remarkable night of hits and rarely heard gems.  

 

Midge says “I performed live long before I was ever allowed anywhere near a recording studio and as much as I love spending time writing and recording, live music remains my first love. This ‘Catalogue’ tour will allow me to not only play a wide selection of hits from my past but perform some of the most requested favourites. Revisiting these moments from my musical life is something I am really looking forward to sharing”.

 

Midge Ure has had an unrivalled career earning him Ivor Novello, Grammy and BASCAP awards along with a flotilla of gold and platinum records during the past five decades. His story includes the early teen glam rock of Silk, his foray with The Sex Pistols Glen Matlock for The Rich Kids into the 80’s which saw him secure his place in musical history not just as part of Ultravox and Visage who helped shape the new romantic and electro-pop era, but as producer and co-writer of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ which led to Live Aid, the summer 1985 global concert that, all exaggeration aside, spoke for a generation.

 

15-Nov-24                  Bournemouth Pavilion

17-Nov-24                  Truro               Hall For Cornwall

18-Nov-24                  Torquay          Princess Theatre

19-Nov-24                  London           Palladium

22-Nov-24                  Portsmouth    Guildhall

23-Nov-24                  Oxford             New Theatre

24-Nov-24                  Cardiff             New Theatre

25-Nov-24                  Leicester         De Montfort Hall

27-Nov-24                  Ipswich           Regent Theatre

29-Nov-24                  Guildford        G-Live

30-Nov-24                  Sheffield         City Hall

1-Dec-24                     Birmingham   Symphony Hall

3-Dec-24                     Hull                 City Hall

4-Dec-24                     Gateshead     Glasshouse

5-Dec-24                     Scarborough  Spa Theatre

7-Dec-24                     Liverpool        M&S Bank Arena Auditorium

8-Dec-24                     Leeds              Grand Theatre

9-Dec-24                     Manchester    Bridgewater Hall

12-Dec-24                   Aberdeen        Music Hall

13-Dec-24                   Perth               Concert Hall

14-Dec-24                   Edinburgh       Usher Hall

18-Dec-24                   Glasgow          Royal Concert Hall

MEL GIBSON MEMORABILIA UP FOR GRABS

Pic: Propstore
Beverley Lyons 
MEL Gibsons’s performance as William Wallace in iconic Scots film Braveheart would not have been the same without his trusty Claymore and now those with deep pockets have the chance to own one of the movie world’s most famed weapons. 
As legendary as Luke Skywalker’s original Star Wars light sabre, and arguably as important on screen as the protagonist himself, the signature Claymore was designed by noted armorer Simon Atherton and constructed with Del Tin blades based on real-world medieval-era Scottish broadswords.
It is now going on sale in auction from March 12 with a predicted price of between $60,000 - 120,000. 
The sword’s metal handle is said to be the only ‘screen match’ to that used by Gibson in the Award winning medieval biopic which first reached our cinemas on May 24 1995.
As the real Wallace was believed by some scholars to have wielded a customised sword of his own design, Atherton's version is similarly distinguished by personalised, yet historically accurate, detailing on its pommel and grip.
The Claymore is not perfect - as you would expect from one used in the movie which was best picture winner in 1996. 
The blade has been restored but the nicks and production distressing on this sword's pommel screen-match to when Wallace thrust his sword into the ground during the Battle of Falkirk.
Images from the fan-favourite moment later inspired the film's promotional campaign.
The handle features a distinctive cruciform crossguard, a matching scalloped pommel, and a brown leather ricasso and grip. 
According to auctioneers at Propstore, at an indeterminable time, the sword's original blade was removed just below the leather-wrapped ricasso, possibly for a specific effects shot. 
The sword has been restored to its original appearance by welding a replica metal blade to the ricasso. The replica blade was created from the exact dimensions of another production-used Wallace sword. 
The sword was intentionally distressed by production with nicks in the guard and pommel and discoloration to the ricasso to appear well-used in battle. It also exhibits some tearing from use. 
Propstore COO, Brandon Alinger added: “What makes this such a great piece is that we are able to match the sword to a specific scene in the movie.  The handle and all leatherwork is original and screen matches to Willaim Wallace thrusting the sword into the ground during an epic battle scene. It was that scene that inspired the film’s entire promotional campaign – so this one prop has multiple reasons to be prized and valued.”
The Claymore is not the only prized piece from the film that is up for grabs. 
The double bladed buckler used by Scots actor David O’Hara’s as Stephen of Ireland in the film is also for sale at a lesser estimate of $2,000 - 4,000.
Stephen wielded his signature buckler against the English as he battled alongside William Wallace. 
Constructed from metal and wood wrapped in red leatherette with solid metal blades extending from either side to create the double-bladed effect, the leatherette is studded with metal and a piece of tape across the front is hand-marked "Stephen." 
The weapon is intentionally distressed by production to give it a battle-worn appearance with nicks and grime applied to the metal. The buckler exhibits some discolouration from age and the blade was dulled by production.
Stewart's (Donal Gibson) bloodied stunt Battle of Stirling Bridge dagger which was used to slit the throats of English soldiers while fighting alongside William Wallace l in the Battle of Stirling Bridge is also for sale. 
The rubber stunt dagger is hand-painted silver and brown to resemble metal and wood, blood-stained, and erroneously labeled "MacGregor Stirling" on a piece of tape wrapped around the handle. It exhibits flaking paint and exposed rubber from production use and age and is estimated to sell for between $1,000 - 2,000. 

Those who also want to spend more on something less aggressive can get a vital piece from the historic wedding scene between William Wallace and Murron MacClannough (Catherine McCormack).

Pic: Propstore

William and Murron wrapped a wedding tartan around their hands when the priest (Robert Paterson) wed them in secret.
The red, black, and green wool tartan features a sewn straw "W and "M" for William and Murron alongside a flower-patterned arabesque design sewn with straw. 
The tartan exhibits intentionally frayed edges and loose thread from production use and is expected to sell for between $12,000 - 24,000.
Widely considered one of the greatest war epics of all time, Braveheart received 10 Academy Award nominations and won five, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson. 
The film also generated a great deal of tourism for Scotland and piqued interest in Scottish history, including into the real lives of Wallace and MacClannough.

SCOTS POSTIE PUNCHES ABOVE WEIGHT WITH GYM GEAR

A Scots postman is punching above his weight after starting up his  own designer sportswear business in his bedroom - and now his creations are being worn by the world’s champion boxers. 
Robbie Campbell , 23, who was born in Alexandria but now lives in Edinburgh began his own sports company ActiveLine wear in late 2022.
The year before he’d started reselling Nike and UnderArmour sportswear online and felt there was a gap in the market for a more affordable designer sports and outerwear brand.
Robbie, who is himself a keen footballer, explained: “I didn’t agree with the pricing of some of the items I was selling like jackets that cost £120 and felt that I could sell my own quality brand for less. 
“I got a logo made and went for a brand and then I began looking for manufacturers. I work with a designer so we are always coming up with new ideas and everything we do is reflective so they are visible if you are running in the dark.”

He added: “I was selling a lot of items through Instagram but learned how to do a website myself and how to make the most of social media.”
I’ve now seen it grow from something small to getting more traction and I’ve been approached by online retailers who now want to stock my clothing.  I’m also supplying to a shop in Glasgow’s Re-Up clothing in the St Enoch Centre. 
Robbie’s new collection will mean he has more than thirty items on his website and he’s  also going to be offering women’s summer collections.
At the moment his shorts and T-shirts are his biggest seller alongside his jackets.
He said: “We’ve got bright colours and a mint range just now that everyone seems to be loving as well as black and grey that anyone can wear. We try and get the balance between bright colours and neutral colours so it will appeal to different people and I do think the price point is a major selling point.  Nike and UnderArmour are selling windbreaker jackets for three or four times the price and it’s too much for a lot of young people.”
Robbie was keen his brand would be taken seriously by sportspeople so reached out to some boxers to see if they’d be interested in being ambassadors for his clothing. 
His designs are now proving to be a knockout with two of them fighting on the biggest stage of them all in coming weeks.
Robbie said: “I chanced my luck and it paid off. We've now got Raymond Ford who is based in New Jersey and is going for the WBA  featherweight world title shot on March 2 in New York.  If he wins he will be the world title holder for the featherweight championship 
He seems to love the clothes and posts him wearing them all the time.”

EBU Champion Gavin Gwynne who will defend his lightweight title against Mark Chamberlain in March 8 in Saudi as the undercard of Anthony Joshua's fight with Francis Ngannou is also regularly seen in Robbie’s brand. 
Middleweight Liam Williams also wears ActiveLine and Welterweight champ Chris Kongo is also an ambassador. 
The brand has gained traction and Robbie is selling across the Uk and Republic of Ireland with other customers in Australia, Amsterdam, Netherlands and beyond. 
He said: “More retailers are approaching us daily and we have doubled our order numbers every month.”
Robbie would love to target footballers and other sports people but acknowledges it might be harder to muscle in on that market. 
He added: “We are focusing on real sportspeople and my hope is that I will soon be able to concentrate on this full time.” 
As he prepares to jet out to the States and Saudi Arabia next month, Robbie said “It’s very early days yet but I’m very excited. If I could attain a fraction of the success of Sir Tom Hunter as a Scot in the sportswear market I’d be over the moon.”

MICHELLE KEEGAN AND MARK WRIGHT CELEBRATE AT INGLISTON ESTATE AND COUNTRY CLUB IN BISHOPTON

MICHELLE Keegan and Mark Wright spent the weekend partying at a Scots estate and country club to celebrate her grandfather Michael’s 90th birthday.
Michelle and her family including Scots born dad Mike, and her brother Andrew booked their three day long celebration at Ingliston Estate and Country Club in Bishopton, near Glasgow Airport.
Mark, who had also been booked to DJ at the venues Galentine’s lunch party in their grand marquee on Saturday, had initially asked Michelle to join him as an extension of their own Valentines Day celebrations. 
But, according to insiders, when Mark showed her the swish venue, the couple thought it would be perfect for her grandfathers own party and ended up booking Ingliston’s boutique hotel, function room and some lodges exclusively for their use. 
Michelle and Mark are believed to have hosted fifty of their own guests at the venue, which also saw Mark party with over five hundred revellers.

The three day long celebration began on  Friday when Michelle and Mark were spotted by fellow diners enjoying a meal at the resort’s Palominos restaurant.  
As she and Mark tucked into their food order from a menu which includes dishes like haggis croquettes, and prawn tempura, they were joined by other Scots born family members who soon took over a large section of the restaurant. 
The following day Michelle was spotted enjoying time with the horses on-site at the 100 acre country club twenty minutes from Glasgow centre. 

She also posted a picture of herself beside her grandfather as they tucked into a pint of Guinness following her breakfast of some square sausage, and told her followers online: “Let the weekend celebrations begin. Happy 90th birthday grandad.”
Michelle also made a brief appearance onstage with Mark, her dad, grandad  and other family members as revellers chanted her name at the venue during his set, but the star became overwhelmed as she was swamped for pictures from adoring fans. 

Later the couple and their relatives and friends headed to the art deco Salerno Suite, which boasts furniture from the Savoy hotel, to carry on with their celebrations. 
They are believed to have carried on until the wee small hours and left the venue today. 
An Ingliston spokesperson said: “We were delighted to host Mark Wright, Michelle Keegan and their family for what turned out to be a momentous occasion. It’s not everyday you get to celebrate your grandfathers 90th birthday and we are delighted such a high profile and much loved couple decided to spend his birthday with us. It made our Galentine’s event even more special.” 
The couple plan a return to the venue which says it has other ‘big name’ announcements coming soon.