WE’RE ALL FIRED UP
Rockers Gun plan to rock the party at our inspiring awards
Julian Boyle Rock legends Gun have been announced as the first act to play this year’s Sunday Mail Great Scot Awards.
The Glasgow outf it have performed at some of the biggest venues in the world alongside acts such as The Rolling Stones and Eurythmics.
But they can’t wait to play a more intimate setting at the ceremony, which takes place at the Hilton hotel on October 29.
Singer and founding member Dante Gizzi said: “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s an amazing occasion to be a part of and you just feel really humbled by it.
“It’s an honour to be asked. Any time anyone asks you to play for them it matters but, for an occasion like this, it’s really special.
“There’s so many truly special individuals there that playing live for them is the very least we can do. It’s an absolute pleasure.”
This will be the first time Gun have performed at the Great Scots but Dante is no stranger to the event as he has been a regular guest over the years.
It’s because of that experience that the awards mean so much to him.
He added: “I’ve been a few times as a guest and it’s always a great night. You just feel in awe of the people who are up for an award.
“You hear the most incredible stories and it’s brilliant to see that what they have done isn’t going unnoticed. That’s the best thing about it.
“There’s people there from all backgrounds and ages, from children to pensioners.
“They may have endured hardship, fought against illness or self lessly helped others but they are all united by the fact that they’ve gone above and beyond in some way.
“It can be quite emotional at times, listening to the stories, then seeing them up on stage being interviewed.
“But the main thing you take away from it is just how exceptional people can be when push comes to shove. It’s properly inspiring and I’m sure everyone at the event feels the same way.
“Of course, it being Scottishbased as well makes it all the more special.
“You come away f rom each event with a warm glow and a renewed fai t h in humanity.”
Playing an awards ceremony is as far removed from a full- on rock show at Barrowland or Hampden as it gets but Dante promises that Gun will be giving it their all to entertain the crowd at the Hilton.
He said: “It’s going to be a great party. We’ ll be pul l ing out a selection of the greatest hits to make sure it goes off with a bang but we might even have a wee surprise in there too. So folk will have to wait and see.
“We’ll have finished our minitour of Scotland by the time the awards come up so the band will be a well- oiled machine on the night.
“The party feel is what we always try to create no matter where we play but this one is going to be something special.”