Fans’ delight as Dundee rockers The View return

IT’S been almost five years since Kyle Falconer, Kieren Webster, Pete Reilly and Steven Morrison waved goodbye to fans at the Caird Hall as they finished their final live show as The View.

Initially the hiatus was only meant to last a year. But amid solo projects, starting families and briefly moving to LA, the Dundee band are finally back and ready to perform live again.

The group has announced details of a comeback gig at the O2 Academy in Glasgow in December, and told their fans: “We want you all there making magic happen.”

A post on the band’s Facebook page said: “It’s an honour to be able to play our songs to live audiences again and we know you’re ready! The View are probably in the best position we have ever been in to play live, so get ready for O2 Academy Glasgow in December with Shambolics and The Roly Mo!

“Taking some time to refocus has given us all the drive and the hunger to smash this and we want you all there making magic happen.”

However, a photo of the band only features three of the original members – with drummer Steven Morrison missing.

It comes just weeks after it was revealed that the band have been back in the studio working on new material.

The Same Jeans stars have been on a hiatus since 2017, having first shot to fame in 2007 with debut album Hats Off to the Buskers.

Members of the band have pursued other projects in recent years.

Frontman Falconer has released two solo albums, including last year’s critically acclaimed No Love Songs for Laura, which was inspired by the “real-life experiences” of his relationship with partner Laura Wilde.

The album has since been turned into a musical, which debuted at Dundee Rep’s Red Stripped Festival. Father-of-three Falconer also spent a brief time living with his family in LA before moving back to Scotland as the pandemic hit.

Meanwhile bassist Kieren Webster, who co-wrote many of The View’s bestloved songs along with Falconer, started a musical side-project called WEB.

Fans have expressed their delight at news of the band’s live comeback.

One said: “Is this a prequel to a tour of the UK lads? Smashed it last time you were in Manchester.”

Another wrote: “This has made my day. The View are on fire!”

Meanwhile Shambolics, who hail from Kirkcaldy, wrote that they are “buzzing” for the gig.

Fans can access a tickets pre-sale today and tomorrow before briefs go on general sale on Friday at 9am.

The View on stage at Fat Sam’s.