Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
London calling
Coatbridge singer Pete has capital date
Pete MacLeod will follow in the footsteps of The Rolling Stones and The Who when he rocks up in the English capital.
London is calling on the singer after he was booked for a headline gig at the iconic Half Moon venue in Putney on September 6.
This will mark the Coatbridge native’s return to the city following his superbly received performance alongside legendary guitarist, and regular Paul Weller collaborator, Steve Cradock at the Water Rats pub in February of last year.
Pete, 39, cannot wait to head down south once again, telling the Advertiser: “I am really looking forward to playing in London, especially at such a historic musical venue where many of my peers have played regularly.
“Legends like The Who and The Rolling Stones have performed at Half Moon and it’s pretty surreal to think I’m going to be stepping out on the same stage that was once blessed by the presence of Pete Townshend and Mick Jagger.
“I was very humbled to receive the call from the venue and in-house promoters asking me to headline a gig there; it means I must be doing something right and they like my songs.
“They were keen to book me and I’m equally as keen to play at the Half Moon; the last time I played in London was a year ago with Steve Cradock and I also supported The Happy Mondays at the Brixton Academy.
“It’s great to perform at all of these different venues in such a massive city; a lot of music fans always turn out to the gigs and create a brilliant atmosphere.
“When people turn up to see you play from another city, it’s quite a buzz; I wouldn’t have that if it wasn’t for my music and it’s something I’m very grateful for.”
The confirmation of Pete’s London return comes as the musician completed work on his highly-anticipated third album, Walk To The Light.
The record – being released on Pete’s 40th birthday in August – was put together with the support of his loyal fans who dug deep to back his crowdfunding campaign on PledgeMusic.
Pete smashed his initial funding target and is eager to reward his backers with another hit album to go alongside previous EPs Rolling Stone and Crestfallen.
He said: “I have just finished Walk To The Light and the tracks are all sounding great.
“I’m very happy with the album and can’t wait to share the songs with my fans, a lot of whom are responsible for this release seeing the light of day.
“I am launching it at the Audio venue in Glasgow on August 18 and it will act as a double celebration alongside my 40th birthday.
“Everyone who supported and made a pledge contributed to Musicians Against Homelessness, who help registered homeless charities.
“They will also gain access to exclusive signed physical formats of the album, as well as the opportunity to buy a range of exclusive merchandise.
“Once again, I’d like to thank all who pledged for their support and encouragement.”
Limited signed copies of Walk To The Light are available to pre-order at www.petemacleod.net/official-store
Tickets for Pete’s September gig at Half Moon can be purchased by visiting www.petemacleod.net/gigs