Latest news with #IWishIWasinGlasgow
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
I saw Beluga Lagoon live at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Bandstand
BELUGA Lagoon brought a party to Kelvongrove Park on Sunday Night. For a band whose music is based in folklore and encapsulates all things wild in Scotland, the Bandstand was a perfect fit. The booming vocals, stunning harmonies and thickly layered instrumentals of the eight-piece band carried through the park as they took the crowd on a journey. Founded by Scottish wildlife film-maker, Andrew O'Donnell, Beluga Lagoon conjure up music "inspired by the great outdoors." And Andrew couldn't look more at home as he beamed at the front of the stage, enveloped in the lush green canopy of the park's trees. I saw Beluga Lagoon live at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Bandstand (Image: Newsquest) He looked to the sky and said: "It's not raining at least, eh? Yet..." The band swelled into life, with Misty Munro FM building up the crowd for a set that would have them dancing all night. READ MORE: Eight incredible pictures from the Hong Kong Markets in Glasgow And before Andrew signalled the start of the raucous Isla, he geeed up the crowd. He joked: "You ready for some dancing, aye? Just watch yourselves on the steps, I don't want anyone phoning Digby Brown on me." And with his battle-cry-esque wailing, the song and the crowd burst into life — people ceilidh dancing and bouncing from the front to the back. Andrew's voice is incredible. He plays several different instruments and goes from guttural, shanty-like wails to sweet, soaring harmonies. His talent is matched by his energy on stage - you can tell how much he and the band are enjoying themselves. (Image: Newsquest) Beluga Lagoon work their way through the sonic landscapes of their songs as each one ebbs and flows like living, breathing creatures. Stopping for a brief intermission after a meander through old and new material, Andrew opens the second half with help from support act Kirsteen Harvey. READ MORE: Can you spot yourself in these 13 brilliant snaps ahead of Robbie Williams' epic gig? Glasgow-based Kirsteen had warmed up the crowd with an angelic, stripped-back acoustic set featuring songs written for family and shaped by her upbringing - she bares her heart on stage as she sings. A highlight from her was a stunning rendition of Billy Connolly's I Wish I Was in Glasgow, which prompted a sing-along. Kirsteen joined Andrew to harmonise on Beluga's track Coping on My Own, adding a delicious bit of depth to the haunting tune. Kirsteen Harvey warmed up the crowd (Image: Newsquest) The whole band then rejoined, and the dancing ensued immediately, both on and off the stage. Andrew joked after having a laugh and a twirl on stage, saying: "We've been practising that choreography for weeks!" The only falter he had the whole show was forgetting some lines in one song, but he recovered well and said: "Sorry, I was struggling there, bloody weird lyrics... wit am a like?!" You could feel the warmth and joy pulsing from the band as they played tune after tune. Andrew's dad, Jim, even stole the limelight at one point, belting out his best Lulu impression. The crowd was a perfect mix for this kind of family fun, and they lapped up the antics while the sky grew darker and the orange hue of the sky added to the ambience. READ MORE: 'This is so unexpected': Famous Scottish baker receives high honour The night's highlight came from the band's biggest hit, The Glen. The crowd cheered and danced while singing every word of the TikTok-famous tune back to them. After a brief walk-off, they retook the stage for the encore, which rounded off the night with fan-favourite Margo & Barry. As the lights faded down and the crowd shuffled out of the park, groups were chanting choruses and basking in the leafy leftovers of a band that is no doubt about to head to bigger stages. But, with a sound so steeped in the essence of Scotland, the Bandstand stage is one they'll always fit like a big green glove.
Glasgow Times
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow event Hoolie in the Hydro to honour Billy Connolly
This year's Hoolie in the Hydro, titled The Big Yin, will take place on Saturday, December 13. A cast of musicians will pay tribute to Sir Billy, his humour, and his love for folk music at the OVO Hydro. Read more: Glasgow charity revives veteran football project with Rangers FC The tribute to the Glasgow icon will form the finale of the night, with artists performing some of Billy's most popular songs, such as I Wish I Was in Glasgow and Glasgow Central. Sir Billy was a key figure in the Glasgow folk scene in the 1960s, regularly playing sessions in the Scotia Bar and releasing music as one half of the Humblebums. His renowned banjo and folk roots have played an important role throughout his career. (Image: Gary Innes) Gary Innes, broadcaster, and musician, and organiser of Hoolie in the Hydro, said: "Billy Connolly is a true Glasgow and Scottish hero and his big personality, love for folk music and the joy of people coming together to have a great time, really made him the perfect inspiration for this year's Hoolie in the Hydro. "It's 60 years since Billy formed the Humblebums and 2025 is Glasgow's 850th birthday – as one of the city's great success stories and most famous sons, we just had to tip our hat to the Big Yin." Aly Bain, a famous Scottish fiddler who played alongside Sir Billy for years, will take part in the tribute. He said: "Billy and I started our careers on a motorbike with a sidecar, and things only got better from there. "Since then, Billy and I have shared over 50 years of friendship and countless great memories. "He's a very special man and friend, and I'm really looking forward to celebrating the incredible life and times of my old pal at the Hydro." Read more: Ambitious plan revealed for former Glasgow banking hall Now in its fourth year, Hoolie in the Hydro has gained a reputation as the world's biggest ceilidh and is once again set to feature a line-up from across Scotland's vibrant folk and traditional music scene. The event will feature performances from the Elephant Sessions, Trail West, Mànran, and Beluga Lagoon. More information about this year's Hoolie in the Hydro can be found on the Ovo Hydro website.
The National
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Glasgow event Hoolie in the Hydro to honour Billy Connolly
This year's Hoolie in the Hydro, titled "The Big Yin", will take place on Saturday, December 13. A cast of musicians will pay tribute to Connolly, his humour, and his love for folk music at the OVO Hydro. The tribute to the Glasgow icon will form the finale of the night, with artists performing some of Billy's most popular songs, such as 'I Wish I Was in Glasgow' and 'Glasgow Central.' Sir Billy was a key figure in the Glasgow folk scene in the 1960s, regularly playing sessions in the Scotia Bar and releasing music as one half of the Humblebums. His renowned banjo and folk roots have played an important role throughout his career. Gary Innes, broadcaster, and musician, and organiser of Hoolie in the Hydro, said: "Billy Connolly is a true Glasgow and Scottish hero and his big personality, love for folk music and the joy of people coming together to have a great time, really made him the perfect inspiration for this year's Hoolie in the Hydro. "It's 60 years since Billy formed the Humblebums and 2025 is Glasgow's 850th birthday – as one of the city's great success stories and most famous sons, we just had to tip our hat to the Big Yin." Aly Bain, a famous Scottish fiddler who played alongside Sir Billy for years, will take part in the tribute. He said: "Billy and I started our careers on a motorbike with a sidecar, and things only got better from there. "Since then, Billy and I have shared over 50 years of friendship and countless great memories. "He's a very special man and friend, and I'm really looking forward to celebrating the incredible life and times of my old pal at the Hydro." Now in its fourth year, Hoolie in the Hydro has gained a reputation as the world's biggest ceilidh and is once again set to feature a line-up from across Scotland's vibrant folk and traditional music scene. The event will feature performances from the Elephant Sessions, Trail West, Mànran, and Beluga Lagoon. More information about this year's Hoolie in the Hydro can be found on the Ovo Hydro website.
The National
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Glasgow's Hoolie in the Hydro reveals tribute to Billy Connolly
Returning to the venue for the fourth year, The Hoolie in the Hydro will be taking place on Saturday, December 13 Celebrating the Big Yin's comedy and folk music, the night has a line-up of 'windswept and interesting' musicians ready to share their favourite songs. (Image: Newsquest)Forming the finale of the Hoolie, audiences can expect Glasgow and Scottish talent to perform their favourite of Connolly's songs, including I Wish I Was in Glasgow and Glasgow Central. The celebration marks 60 years since Connolly formed the three-piece folk band The Humblebums and coincides with Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations. READ MORE: John Swinney calls for Kneecap to be cut from major Scottish festival The Hoolie's organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, collaborated with The Big Yin himself as well as the performer's family. Innes said: 'Billy Connolly is a true Glasgow and Scottish hero and his big personality, love for folk music and the joy of people coming together to have a great time, really made him the perfect inspiration for this year's Hoolie in the Hydro. (Image: Newsquest) 'It's 60 years since Billy formed the Humblebums and 2025 is Glasgow's 850th birthday – as one of the city's great success stories and most famous sons, we just had to tip our hat to the Big Yin.' Scottish fiddler Aly Bain is one of the performers already confirmed to be taking part in the tribute. Bain played alongside Connolly and is 'really looking forward to celebrating' his life and times. READ MORE: There is no sense of urgency from politicians for radical land reform He said: 'Billy and I started our careers on a motorbike with a sidecar, and things only got better from there. 'Since then, Billy and I have shared more than 50 years of friendship and countless great memories.' Elsewhere on the line-up, Elephant Sessions (below) will be making their OVO Hydro debut with their award-winning combination of trad, funk, and electronica. Six-piece ceilidh folk band Trail West will be returning to The Hoolie after performing at the inaugural 2022 event, coming off the back of two sold-out shows in the Barrowlands Ballroom. Supergroup Mànran will bring their traditional-modern combination of folk rock and mix of Gaelic and English songs back to Glasgow. Beluga Lagoon round off the so-far-announced acts for the Hoolie. The musical project of wildlife filmmaker and cameraman Andrew O'Donnell, Beluga Lagoon's music centres the beauty of the Scottish landscape. READ MORE: Tommy Sheppard: Scottish independence and trade unionism must work hand in hand Innes said: 'I'm also delighted to have some of the brightest names on the Scottish traditional music scene join the bill and showcase the energy, ambition and fun to be found on the folk scene today so come join us for a good bit of nonsense and the ultimate celebration of Glasgow.' Earlier this month, the concept travelled across the pond for the Hoolie in New York. Mànran, Julie Fowlis, Dougie MacLean and other Scottish stars took to the stage in one of the most prestigious music venues in the world, Carnegie Hall, for a night of traditional Scottish music. You can find tickets and further information about The Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin here.
The Herald Scotland
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Hoolie in the Hydro to celebrate Sir Billy Connolly
The Billy Connolly Tribute will form the finale of the night and audiences can expect Glasgow and Scottish talent to share their favourite Big Yin songs like I Wish I Was in Glasgow and Glasgow Central. With a star-studded bill for the Billy tribute to be announced, the line-up of singers will play their part in marking 60 years since Sir Billy formed the beloved Humblebums and pay tribute to one of Glasgow's most iconic sons as the city celebrates its 850th birthday. Sir Billy was entrenched in the Glasgow folk scene in the 1960s, regularly playing sessions in the Scotia Bar and releasing music as one half of the Humblebums. His folk roots and beloved banjo have remained close to his heart throughout his remarkable career, which has taken him to stages, screens and award ceremonies the world over. READ MORE: Hoolie in the Hydro returns to celebrate 100 years of Scotland's trad music scene Hoolie in the Hydro crossing the Atlantic for 'unprecedented' event in NYC Mural tribute to Sir Billy Connolly appears on Glasgow building Once Hoolie in the Hydro organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes got the green light from the man himself, with the help of his family, it was full steam ahead with plans to honour one of Glasgow's greats. Mr Innes, said: 'Billy Connolly is a true Glasgow and Scottish hero and his big personality, love for folk music and the joy of people coming together to have a great time, really made him the perfect inspiration for this year's Hoolie in the Hydro. "It's 60 years since Billy formed the Humblebums and 2025 is Glasgow's 850th birthday – as one of the city's great success stories and most famous sons, we just had to tip our hat to the Big Yin. "We'll have some fabulous names to announce in the coming months who will join us for the tribute and share their most treasured Billy songs – I can't wait to see the Hydro all singing and laughing along this December. "I'm also delighted to have some of the brightest names on the Scottish traditional music scene join the bill and showcase the energy, ambition and fun to be found on the folk scene today so come join us for a good bit of nonsense and the ultimate celebration of Glasgow.' Renowned supergroup Mànran will bring their electrifying live performance to Hoolie in the Hydro once again (Image: Hoolie in the Hydro) Renowned Scottish fiddler Aly Bain, who played alongside Sir Billy for years, will be part of the tribute. He said: 'Billy and I started our careers on a motorbike with a sidecar, and things only got better from there. Since then, Billy and I have shared over 50 years of friendship and countless great memories. "He's a very special man and friend, and I'm really looking forward to celebrating the incredible life and times of my old pal at the Hydro.' Now in its fourth year, Hoolie in the Hydro will once again also feature a stellar line-up from across Scotland's vibrant folk and traditional music scene. Elephant Sessions will bring their high-octane live show to the OVO Hydro for the first time. Creating a progressive blend of intricate tunes, engulfing guitars, with a bass and drum heavy backline, their music combines the very best of trad, funk and electronica resulting in a new and exciting sound that has earned them a plethora of awards and a reputation for the best live set around. Six-piece Trail West will also take to the stage, having played the event's debut edition in strong links to the Western Highlands and Islands, Trail West are a band who continue to rise in popularity from their modest roots as a four-piece West Coast Ceilidh Band to a formidable, award-winning live act. Their performance at Hoolie in the Hydro will follow two sold-out shows at the Barrowland Ballroom in September. Renowned supergroup Mànran will also bring their electrifying live performance to Hoolie in the Hydro once again. Their innovative blend of traditional and modern instruments and outstanding Gaelic and English songs have won them international acclaim and fans worldwide. Finally, one of the most original and compelling acts in the Scottish music scene, Beluga Lagoon has also been announced as part of the bill. The musical project of Andrew O'Donnell, a wildlife cameraman and filmmaker, Beluga Lagoon's music encapsulates the beauty of the Scottish landscape and expresses the essence of Scotland's natural wonders. Hoolie in the Hydro was born out of an ambition to bring Scotland's own music to its biggest stage, and share the genre-bending diversity and electric atmosphere of live contemporary traditional music with the world. Earlier this month, the concept travelled across the Atlantic with the inaugural and hugely successful Hoolie in New York, which saw Mànran, Julie Fowlis, Dougie MacLean and other Scottish stars take over one of the most prestigious music venues in the world, Carnegie Hall. Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin will take place on Saturday December 13, 2025. Tickets are on sale now at
