2012 - Ready, Set, GO!

It's my first blog of 2012 and I'm rather excited.  I had a great relaxing festive period, enjoyed the fireballs in Stonehaven and have come back to the barn ready to face the year ahead.

The first treat was discovering the new delights on Buchanans menu.  Lots of wee bites and savoury snacks to keep us going in the office.  I also got far too excited about getting a new diary.  It's a sad day when stationary is what gets you excited. 

Now we're into the year proper, we've been booking events left, right and centre.  We've got some really special gigs planned for later in the year and some bigger events too.  It's all under wraps just now (in case it all falls apart at the last minute!) but it's looking like this will already be our busiest year yet!

One event I can talk about is Roddy Woomble on the 17th of May.  As a fairly massive Idlewild fan, I've been following Roddy's solo career closely and have managed to see him live a few times (including at the Barn in 2010 prior to my being part of the team) and I know we're going to be treated to a special show.  Tickets are on sale now: Roddy Woomble at Woodend Barn, 17th May

Idlewild are one of those bands that I reach for when I need cheering up.  I grew up listening to them and they were the first band that I felt were growing along with me.  I count 100 Broken Windows as my all time favourite album and have managed to see them live more than any other band - easily into double figures.   I'm under no illusions that they were the best band or that they've changed music but they've always been mine and I've never been disapponited by them.  I'm sure all music fans have a band or artist they feel the same about.

There can be no doubt though that Idlewild did influence a good batch of young Scottish music fans, either introducing them to frantic punk energy or switching them onto bands like Fugazi.  They've also championed the work of Scottish poets like the late great Edwin Morgan.  Now they're introducing that audience to folk music and perhaps introducing folk fans to slightly edgier sounds in the process. 

Anyway, it's sure to be a great night.  I'd better stop reminiscing and get on with some work!