Drummer quits deli for Skids birthday gig

A SHOP worker is picking up his drumsticks again for the 40th anniversary tour of Scots punk band The Skids.

Mike Baillie, 56, was just 19 when he left his dockyard apprenticeship to join the new wave group for their Top Of The Pops debut in 1979.

Baillie is swapping shifts at a deli in Edinburgh for a rock’n’roll life on the road once again.

He said: “Now feels like the perfect time for us to come back.

“I think punk is important especially in these times of disillusionment. I think there needs to be some type of connection between people and music can do that.”

Baillie took up drumming aged 12 after joining The Boys Brigade and played in a number of bands before he got his big break.

He said: “I had a dockyard apprenticeship and got a phone call one day from the Skids. I was a fan of the band beforehand and there I was, aged 19, heading to London for Top of the Pops.”

Baillie performed in lineups such as the New York Pig Funkers following the Skids’ split in 1982, before ditching his drumsticks for the restaurant trade.

He worked as a sommelier in an award-winning restaurant before joining the Lupe Pintos deli in Edinburgh as manager.

He said: “I love it here and I am going to be really sad to leave. It’s got a real creative atmosphere which is what I’m into, be it music or food.

“The owner’s created an environment where people can relax and take time to discuss various aspects of food.”

On his return to the band, he added: “It’ll certainly be very different that’s for sure.

“We are older and wiser – or maybe not.”