Live music nights aim to put EK on the map
A Lanarkshire promoter is aiming to put East Kilbride back on the music map by teaming up with a town centre venue.
In a bid to attract better quality bands to the town, Wagga Promotions director James Bowyer is hosting a run of top gigs at The Union over the coming months, with rising Mod rockers Dogtooth first on the bill.
Influenced by The Clash, The Stone Roses and The Libertines, the trio – whose teen bassist Craig Morrison hails from Larkhall – are tipped for big things with gigs at The Armadillo, Glasgow Barrowlands and Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club already under their belt.
James is hopeful this new partnership with the Cornwall Way nightspot will herald a new era for live music in the town.
The 55-year-old from Greenhills said: “I would love to bring a music scene back to East Kilbride.
“There are good things going on at the Village Inn right now with gigs selling out every time. But East Kilbride needs a bigger venue to attract better quality acts to town.
“We have a lot going on so far – I’m currently in talks with a famous 1980s band to play next year. We’re all in this together to support the arts and live music in East Kilbride and provide quality live music.”
James remained tight-lipped as to who the big name is – but did reveal they toured with his punk rock idols The Stranglers.
Also set to appear this autumn are international blues outfit Dapper – whose founding members and fellow East Kilbridians Gary White and Mike Macdonald played in the wellknown 1990s rock bank Ghandi’s Slipper. They play on November 16 with support from East Kilbride’s Paul Gemmell & The Black Magic Blues Band.
And Blondie fans are in for a treat when renowned Edinburgh tribute act Dirty Harry plays the nightspot on November 10. James added: “Bernadette and Joe at The Union have been absolutely fantastic and instrumental in helping me move into their 250-capacity venue.
“I’ll be honest, East Kilbride is a hard sell. But, if we can attact well-known bands who are making a comeback, things will hopefully snowball from there.
“The older generation is bringing the younger generation in with them now and we’re seeing all ages enjoying quality live music for an unbelievable cost on your doorstep. This will be fantastic for EK.”
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