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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.
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Billy Connolly to be honoured at Glasgow Hydro in all-star concert
Billy Connolly's life is to be celebrated with an all-star concert at Glasgow's OVO Hydro. The show is being staged with the comedian's backing to mark 60 years since he first performed with folk act The Humblebums. December's Hoolie in The Hydro: The Big Yin concert will pay tribute to the 82-year old who was forced to retire in 2018 after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Organiser Gary Innes, 44, said: 'When I approached Billy and his family last year about the idea, they were over the moon. 'It's been 60 years since Billy started The Humblebums and I'm absolutely delighted Billy himself and the family have given me the green light to honour and celebrate his life. 'The show will be full of special guests. There will be a big house band and lots of people who have played with Billy Connolly over the years and lots of people who have been inspired by Billy as well. 'Each year I try to do something special with the Hoolie to celebrate a band or achievement or somebody. We're talking to the biggest stars on the planet and people closer to home.' The Humblebums, who also featured Gerry 'Baker Street' Rafferty, were a key part of the Glasgow folk scene in the 1960s, regularly playing in the Scotia Bar. Billy's folk roots and beloved banjo remain close to his heart to this day. Award-winning fiddler Aly Bain, who performed briefly with the band, is taking part. He told the Record: '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.' Billy worked as a welder in shipyards in Glasgow, before quitting to pursue his career in entertainment.
