Ayrshire set for Primal party
Great news that Primal Scream are coming to play at Kilmarnock’s Grand Hall on Friday, November 25. The legends have dabbled in everything going, from indie and funk to dance, and are sure to be a big hit – and it’s great to see that Ayrshire continues to be a destination for the big bands.
The Scream are touring their new album Chaosmosis and Ayrshire is set for one hell of a party. The band join the rather impressive looking line up of talent to grace Kilmarnock recently with Rod Stewart and Johnny Marr having taken to the stage in the last year.
It has to be said that much of the traffic of bigger name head to East Ayrshire and the grass roots scene in Killie plus the endeavours of East Ayrshire Council have to be noted. There must be a willingness to be accommodating for these things to go ahead – if only it was like that all over the shire.
If only South Ayrshire Council were quite as ambitious when it comes to attracting name bands. It doesn’t feel that long ago that we had Julian Cope, Pete Doherty and top Scots DJ de jour Mylo performing in the town.
I would seriously urge South Ayrshire Council and the Gaiety ( who have been programming the Town Hall for the last few years) to get with it and bring in performers and bands who will appeal to a demographic which appreciates original music.
There is nothing wrong with celebrating the music of the greats by way of tribute acts but somewhere along the line we must put a value on showing ambition and flashing the cash. It’s important to put on shows that give people something to remember.
So please, if you’re reading, consult with your live music loving population and hire someone who puts a show on which appeals to them. You might find yourself being seriously thanked for it.
• Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival will take place from October 1 to October 21 and will see a wide range of activities and events take place all over the country including Ayrshire. I’m particularly keen on Luminate as an organisation as it does so much good work for breaking down intergenerational barriers of isolation and misconceptions about what it means to be more experienced in life. Luminate will see live music events for all take place in Ayrshire including The Organist Entertains: 2 Hands, 2 Feet and 27 Stops.
• Three senior and two younger organists play music from yesteryear on the 1904 Lewis pipe organ in Ayr Town Hall. It is one of the most outstanding in Scotland, baby brother to the Lewis in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
I heard what I hope was a rumour in the future of the organ being under consideration. I would hope the only thing under consideration is how much money is spent keeping it in good nick as whatever it costs, it’s worth it to preserve this unique part of music history that we are fortunate enough to have in Ayrshire.
The performers are handpicked by Seafield, Fort and Wallacetoun Community Council and much thanks has to go to Ayr Arts Guild and longtime friend of the arts Michael Hitchon MBE. Until next week, keep burning bright. @ LittleFire