TV debut for Runrig gig
Iconic band’s farewell film
The film of Runrig’s farewell Stirling shows in August 2018 will have its UK TV premiere later this month.
The Gaelic rock band, formed in Skye in 1973, had chosen City Park, or Falleninch field, to bring the curtain down on their 45-year career.
In all they recorded 14 studio albums, and performed live to audiences across the globe, including their native Scottish Highlands to Canada and mainland Europe, including sold-out concerts at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as New York’s Times Square, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh Castle.
Filmed against the backdrop of Stirling Castle and in front of a crowd of 50,000 over two nights, ‘The Last Dance’ will be broadcast on Sky Arts on Saturday, January 30.
Founding member of Runrig, Rory Macdonald, said: “It’s the love of performing that kept the group going for over 45 years.
“Our farewell performance brought all this to a close – a shared, visceral experience that will stay with me forever.
“In many ways, our bond with the fans has been our success and the film illustrates this throughout.”
Last April Runrig reached out to fans and livestreamed free the 180-minute version of ‘The Last
Dance’ to help ease the ennui of lockdown.
A worldwide online audience of over 90,000 fans tuned in from the Highlands of Scotland to Nova Scotia to watch the film.
Its producer, Steven Little of Glasgow-based digital entertainment company Blazing Griffin, said of the film’s television debut: “We are excited to work with Sky Arts to bring this uplifting film and stunning performance by Runrig to a wider audience.”
Before the film’s Glasgow premiere in 2019 Runrig drummer Iain Bayne told the Observer: “Runrig have always had a really good relationship with Stirling, from playing the Albert Halls in our early days and playing Stirling Castle.
“It’s an iconic and historic location and the perfect venue for us. It ticks all the boxes. There could not be a better backdrop.”
The 90 minutes of footage will be aired on Sky Arts via Sky TV channel 122, Freeview channel 11, Freesat channel 147 and on Virgin TV channel 123 at 9pm on January 30.