Top band set to rock pub
The Hummingbirds to headline
Music fans are in for a treat when The Hummingbirds come to town for a special charity gig in honour of the late Lapelles frontman Gary Watson.
Fresh from supporting The Libertines, the rising Liverpudlian five-piece will be headlining the Village Inn tomorrow night in aid of music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins.
The gig is free with all donations going to the charity supported by Gary’s mum Linda and his former bandmates.
The Lapelles were named best up-and-coming band at the Nordoff Robbins awards last year.
But, sadly, the accolade came two months after Gary tragically died on a night out in Glasgow to celebrate his 22nd birthday.
The promising young talent is remembered with a lasting tribute on the walls of the Village Inn.
A memorial plaque was unveiled at the pub earlier this year in honour of the popular local musician who was a regular performer there.
Linda and the band hope to raise as much funds as possible on the night in Gary’s name.
Linda, of the Village, previously told the News she had been overwhelmed by the support she has received since losing Gary, saying: “He wanted to give everyone the chance to enjoy good music.”
Gary’s legacy will live on thanks to The Lapelles. The indie rockers honoured their late frontman’s dream with the release of a self-titled vinyl record.
A band admired by icons of the UK music scene and who were very much on the cusp of greatness, The Lapelles were notoriously billed to open for 80s cult rock idols and fellow East Kilbride rockers The Jesus and Mary Chain on the Glasgow leg of their UK tour last August.
Mary Chain lead singer Jim Reid, an idol of Gary’s, paid tribute by saying the band had “obvious star quality”.
Village Inn manager Paul Jardine told the News this is a night not to be missed.
“This is the best way we could celebrate Gary’s life and give something back to a charity that Gary supported,” he said.
“The Hummingbirds are a phenommenal band who have just supported The Libertines and are coming up from Liverpool for this night.
“It will be a fantastic night and we hope as many people as possible come down to celebrate and every penny raised on the night will go to Nordoff Robbins.
“Please get down early because the place is going to be rammed.” The Humming -birds will be playing with support.
Bassist Ryan Lewis said: “We’re honoured to have been considered to lead this show.
“Hearing of Gary’s passing was awful, hopefully we can raise lots of money for this amazing charity.
“East Kilbride is a great town with proper community spirit, we love playing in Scotland.”
Doors open 7pm.
Tribute