Latest news with #RuMac
STV News
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Peat & Diesel to get Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations under way
Scottish folk-rock favourites Peat & Diesel have been confirmed as headliners for Edinburgh's Hogmanay Night Afore Hoolie. The Stornoway trio will kick off the capital's world-famous New Year celebrations with a 5,000 capacity open-air show in Princes Street Gardens on December 30. They'll be joined by Ullapool accordionist Ruairidh MacLean, also known as RuMac, whose profile has been raised by recent performances on Britain's Got Talent and the movie 28 Years Later. Speaking ahead of the announcement, the band said: 'We're not just playing, we're unleashing the full force of the 'Night Afore Hoolie' to kick off your legendary Edinburgh Hogmanay Show 2025. Get ready for an absolute explosion of sound and craic that'll have the whole city jumping. 'This isn't just a gig; it's going to be the most raucous, unforgettable start to the New Year you could possibly imagine. Trust us, you won't want to miss a single second when the island madness hits the capital.' The Night Afore Hoolie forms part of a four-day programme of events across the capital. Festivities begin on December 29 with the Torchlight Procession, as thousands of torchbearers illuminate Edinburgh's streets in a spectacular river of fire. The following days feature a mix of live music and traditional ceilidhs, including the Hogmanay Ceilidh and the Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh at the Assembly Rooms. The celebrations culminate on December 31 with the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens, ringing in the New Year with fireworks and live entertainment, followed by free live music across Edinburgh on January 1. Margaret Graham, culture and communities convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: 'The Night Afore Hoolie is a brilliant addition to this year's Hogmanay. With Peat & Diesel and RuMac, it promises to be a night full of Scottish spirit and fantastic live music.' Al Thomson, co-director of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, added: 'We're thrilled to bring the sound of the Western Isles to Princes Street Gardens. It's going to be a brilliant way to start the celebrations.' Tickets go on sale at 10am on Saturday July 26, with a pre-sale opening at 10am Friday July 25 for those signed up at Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Reporter
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hogmanay – Scottish band to headline the Night Afore Hoolie
Scottish folk rock stars Peat & Diesel will headline this year's Night Afore Hoolie on 30 December 2025 in West Princes Street Gardens, joined by Scottish accordion sensation RuMac. The Hoolie offers locals and visitors alike the chance to start Hogmanay 2025 celebrations in style with an unmatched night of Scottish music. Blending Scottish folk and Celtic punk, Peat & Diesel will perform under the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, marking their debut at Edinburgh's Hogmanay with a 5,000 capacity headline show. Edinburgh's Hogmanay Night Afore Hoolie is on sale from 10am Saturday 26 July – sign up for pre-sale access via Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: 'The Night Afore Hoolie in Princes Street Gardens will be a fantastic addition to the Edinburgh Hogmanay line-up. With headliners Peat & Diesel joined by RuMac it promises to be a fantastic night of Scottish music to launch a lively series of traditional Hogmanay celebrations. Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a special time for the city and I'm thrilled that we're able to offer such an exciting and eclectic programme for our residents and visitors.' Al Thomson, Unique Assembly and Edinburgh's Hogmanay Co-Director said, 'We're thrilled to welcome Peat & Diesel and RuMac to Princes Street Gardens for their Edinburgh's Hogmanay set, bringing the sound of the Western Isles to rock the capital.' for the Night Afore Hoolie with Peat & Diesel are on sale from 10am, Saturday 26 July priced from £32.50 plus booking fees. Revellers who register at will get early access to tickets in a pre-sale which opens at 10am, Friday 25 July. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BGT star says 'it becomes mental torture' as he calls for U-turn on 'unfair' part of show
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Britain's Got Talent's first ever winner, Paul Potts, wants to see the back of red buzzers being used during the show's live performances. Last week, musician RuMac didn't get the reaction he hoped for during his semi-final performance, after previously impressing judges with his rendition of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie. Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Bruno Tonioli all pressed their red buzzers, as he performed his version of A-ha's Take On Me. The 32-year-old managed to finish his performance, thanks to head judge Simon Cowell, who said he "loved it". Sharing his thoughts on red buzzers being used during live shows, Paul, who won the show in 2007, believes it's time for producers to have a rethink. Speaking in association with Sky Vegas, he argued: "There shouldn't be any red buzzers at this stage of the competition. "We should be focusing on the positives and celebrating the talent that's made it this far." He went on to question: "The golden buzzer is a great idea for highlighting standout acts – but the red buzzers? "If we've chosen the finalists based on their ability, there really shouldn't be a need for them. "And if there is a need for red buzzers in the live shows, then it raises the question, why are those acts in the final to begin with?". The 54-year-old added: "There's a risk that if you include acts just for comedy or shock value, and then use the buzzers on them, it becomes mental torture – that's not fair. "If something genuinely falls flat, the voting audience will make that clear without the need for red crosses. So, in my view, they're unnecessary at this stage." Although RuMac didn't impress three of the judges, all four ended up giving him a standing ovation at the end. Sharing his thoughts, Simon said "I think you and your agent are going to get a billion phone calls tomorrow for New Year's Eve to book you, because that is exactly the type of performance people love at a party. (Image: ITV) "I'm not a huge fan of that instrument, however, you played it really well and I loved it." Reflecting on the judges' use of buzzers during the performance, Simon continued: "When they buzzed you, you just got faster and faster. "Most people's heads would go down, but you just went for it. You did great." Alesha added: "In the history of being on this show, that's the first time I have given someone a red buzzer and a standing ovation at the same time." Despite earning applause from the audience, RuMac's journey on the show came to an end when he secured sixth place in the public vote. (Image: ITV) Dance group Ping Pong Pang were the winners of the night after receiving the highest public vote, while singer Jasmine Rice was awarded Bruno's golden buzzer. These two acts will now compete for the overall win in the final, alongside Stacey Leadbeater, Vinnie McKee, Olly Pearson and The Blackouts, as well as the next two winners of tonight's semi-final. Britain's Got Talent continues tonight at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.
Press and Journal
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Ullapool musician's Britain's Got Talent journey ends after semi-final public vote
Ullapool musician RuMac's Britain's Got Talent journey has come to an end after he was voted off in last night's semi-final. The 32-year-old Wester Ross accordion player, whose real name is Ruairidh MacLean, failed to win over the public in a live vote. He previously wowed the judges on the first episode of the new series of the ITV show with his rendition of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie. And while his version of Take On Me by A-ha had the live audience on their feet dancing and singing along on Saturday night, the BGT judges were not impressed. Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Bruno Tonioli pressed their buzzers halfway through the show in an attempt to take him off stage – to which RuMac quipped: 'I knew this would happen.' Fourth judge Simon Cowell stayed his hand for the entire show, however. But, Maclean looked to have won over the judging panel with even those who had previously buzzed up on their feet clapping to the beat by the end of the song. The judges then appraised his performance afterwards. Cowell said: 'I didn't buzz because he got through the first round, which means he must have had three or more yes votes. 'That was better I think than your first audition. 'I think you and your agent are going to get a billion phone calls tomorrow for New Year's Eve to book you because that is exactly the type of performance people love at a party. 'I'm not a huge fan of that instrument, however, you played it really well and I loved it. 'When they buzzed you, you just got faster and faster. 'Most people's heads would go down, but you just went for it. 'You did great.' However, other judges were not so complimentary. Bruno Tonioli said the performance 'gave him a hangover.' Tonioli said: 'I feel like I am having a hangover and need an aspirin.' 'But I'm telling you, definitely, definitely, insanely funny.' Dixon added: 'In the history of being on this show, that's the first time I have given someone a red buzzer and a standing ovation at the same time.' 'Which kind of sums up how I felt about this act. 'I did tell you that I don't like the accordion, but I have to say you made that so much fun, it was so crazy, it was good!' 'It was terrible and brilliant all at the same time.' RuMac was then unfortunately voted off, finishing in 6th place at the end of the show. Progressing from tonight's semi-final was operatic singer and drag queen Jasmine Rice, who got the golden buzzer from Bruno Tonioli. Meanwhile, groups Ping Ping Pang and The Blackouts went through alongside singers Vinnie McKee and Stacey Leadbitter and 11-year-old guitarist Olly Pearson.
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Alesha Dixon says 'it's the first time' as Britain's Got Talent act stuns judges
Alesha Dixon says 'it's the first time' as Britain's Got Talent act stuns judges The judges were both impressed and horrified on Britain's Got Talent Alesha had mixed emotions about the act (Image: ITV ) It is very rare for acts to make it through to the live semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent and then get the red buzzer, but three judges gave one act a red buzzer and then a standing ovation during the live semi-final. Alesha Dixon said "it's the first time in the history of the show" as the judges seemed both impressed and displeased at the act. RuMac, who plays the accordion and sings, had the judges both hating and loving his performance. While performing, RuMac was buzzed by Alesha, Amanda Holden and Bruno Tonioli with only Simon Cowell not hitting his red buzzer. Shouting out that he knew he was going to have some red buzzers, RuMac carried on performing with enthusiasm. Despite the red buzzers, all four judges gave RuMac a standing ovation and the live studio audience loved the performance. Explaining why she both buzzed and gave RuMac a standing ovation, Alesha said: "In the history of being on this show, that's the first time I've given someone a red buzzer and a standing ovation at the same time. Article continues below "Which kinda sums up how I felt about this act. I did tell you I don't like the accordion, but I have to say, you made that so much fun! "It was so crazy, it was so good, it was terrible and brilliant all at the same time." Elsewhere in the show Amanda was booed. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Saying "I'm not going to be very popular" Amanda was not impressed with the first act. Bravely performing first was dance duo Harry and Lewis, from the Wirral and Manchester, having danced together since they were children. Despite receiving positive comments from fellow judges Bruno and Alesha, Amanda quickly brought the mood down. Article continues below Saying "I'm not going to be very popular" and "thank God for the production", Amanda did not mince her words. She said: "I don't think it was enough, I just don't feel like that was a step up from your first audition" while being drowned out from the loud boos from the live audience.
