Last encore as Runrig retire after 45 years
Rockers Runrig have taken the Low Road to Loch Lomond for the last time and bowed out to rapturous applause. The veteran group invited former frontman Donnie Munro to the stage beneath Stirling Castle for their last ever concert after an incredible 45 years as Scotland’s unlikeliest rock band. Tickets for their two farewell concerts sold out within minutes and with the band’s popularity never higher in German and Denmark, fans came from far and wide for the event – including thousands from their Western Isles heartland. From their early years playing village halls, Runrig’s Gaelic repertoire and take on Scottish favourites secured worldwide appreciation, with numerous hits. The band supported U2, the Rolling Stones, Genesis and Rod Stewart. Last night’s concert was the second of two shows following Friday night’s sellout event and the two concerts will be seen by some 47,000 fans. Donnie Munro joined Runrig in 1974, a year after brothers Calum and Rory Macdonald formed the band with Blair Douglas. He left the band 21 years ago to pursue a career in politics, but failed to get a Labour seat in Westminster, unlike his SNP bandmate Pete Wishart. Munro said: “Runrig has been a hugely significant part of my life. It felt right to be there at the end.” Bruce Guthrie, from Nova Scotia, replaced Munro when he quit in 1998 and he was joined by Skye guitarist Malcolm Jones and keyboard player Brian Hurren from Falkirk. Meanwhile, outdoor pop and rock gigs beneath Stirling Castle are set to become an annual fixture as it emerged that Runrig’s two farewell shows will generate an estimated £8 million for the local economy.