Songwriters’ Festival pays tribute to its co-founder
THE NINTH Kintyre Songwriters’ Festival paid a fitting homage to co-founder Kenneth Gilchrist.
Held in Campbeltown last weekend, the annual music event provided another unique musical experience for locals and visitors alike, including a moving tribute from the Gilchristians to the former musician whose ambition was to start a music festival in the town.
Kicking off at a packed Whisky Macs last Friday, eight acts took to the stage and showcased a wealth of local talent.
David Fee was first on stage while Sleeping With The Enemy made their impressive live comeback early in the night, before Gullion had the crowd dancing with a set that included everything from hip hop to opera via punk, sometimes all in the same song.
The night was rounded off by The Twisted Melons playing tracks from their new album and headliners Violent Echo.
On Saturday, Alex McAllister and Colin Campbell performed the moving tribute to festival co-founder Kenneth Gilchrist, entitled The Earl of Kintyre, with the Gilchristians also performing some of Kenny’s songs to start and finish the night. Marc Rooney of top Glasgow band Pronto Mama showed why he is so respected in the Scottish music scene and Mayor Stubbs provided a guitarplaying masterclass.
Top indie star Martha Ffion explained to the crowd that she had wanted to play at the festival for years after hearing all about the famous Campbeltown audience, and emerging local performers Matt McAllister and Thomas Jordan impressed alongside regulars Adam Fortune and Ross Macinnes.
On Sunday, local songwriter Gareth Croll drew a large crowd early in the night before up-and-coming Scottish singer Shanine Gallagher performed and The Bob Ross Appreciation Society continued their journey into the future of guitar music.
Megan Hill and The Wild Sarachs made welcome returns, and The Shift wowed the crowd with their new singer.
As darkness fell, Finn LeMarinel created a ‘pin drop’ atmosphere with his delicate and unorthodox guitar playing before festival headliner Louis Abbott had the crowd spellbound as he played all of Admiral Fallow’s indie hits before finishing with a stunning tribute to David Bowie.