Let’s ska-rt again - after 35 years
Band reunites to entertain at Craigie Hill
The Perth music scene has changed dramatically since home town favourites The Rude Boys took to the road.
And with the reformed ska band making their first appearance in 35 years at tomorrow’s third “Hillfest” at Craigie Hill Golf Club, lead singer Stuart “Sparky” CampbellClark admits he’s bowled over by the range of young local bands making an impression on the contemporary music scene.
The annual family orientated “Hillfest,” backed by local company Kilmac, will attract up to 1000 music fans, with a string of Big County bands on the day-long bill.
While the eagerly anticipated Rude Boys re-union has captured the imagination of older fans, others including The Red Pine Timber Company , who are counting down to a Scottish tour in autumn, The Cascades, The Sandemans, Longstay – hot foot from a Southern Fried appearance celebrating their new album ‘Calling Me Home’ - The Purple Felts, The Irritable Owls, Rancho Rebop, True Gents, The Sibellas, Los Supremos, Morag Murray, McMasters Trouble, The Yonderleas and Floyd Tomlinson.
The Rude Boys, featuring most of the original line-up, have been rehearsing for months now.
In their heyday, spanning 1979-1982, the high energy, seven piece outfit toured the UK and the continent, and supported bands like Rose Royce, Bad Manners and Rude Boys the Bodysnatchers.
Vocalist Sparky is delighted to see such a vibrant Perth music scene, with Clearwater Studios and the Perth College UHI rock school playing a key role in fostering young talent.
“Young Perth bands now have access to great, professional practice facilities and I’m sure that has helped make the local scene so healthy,” he said.
“I remember we would be rehearsing at the long-gone Plough Inn, in a church hall or someone’s flat, hoping the neighbours The wouldn’t complain too much.
“It’s great to see so many local bands joining us on the Hillfest bill.
“We will be playing the old favourites like ‘Explain’ and ‘Uruguay’ but they are getting a rework to freshen them up for 2018.
“And full marks to the organisers for allowing kids under 14 free admission. It promises to be a great family day out.”
Sparky was invited to guest with Perth popsters Fiction Factory at Rewind seven years ago, with 30,000 gathering on the banks of the Thames at Henley.
The Rude Boys will headline Craigie Hill Fest
“The crowd won’t be in that bracket at Hillfest but being a home town re-union gig after all these years it will definitely be nerve wracking. But it’s one we are up for.”
The Kitchen Farmer Jim Fairlie and Ruby The Campervan will again be providing food and drink.
Tickets cost £28.50 and admission is free for U14s. They can be bought at the clubhouse tomorrow and online from www. ticketweb.uk/event/craigiehill-fest-craigie-hill-golf-clubtickets/8307625