Composer and folk singer to gig again
“The ballads club was started by Norman Buchan, who went on to become an MP but was a teacher there at time, and that was where I was introduced to folk music.
“Later on I was running the ballads club for former pupils of the school, and that’s when I began to sing for the first time.
“There were a lot of great singers at the school, who went on to play folk music around the area.
“I remember there was a folk club that met in a cafe in the shopping centre for a while, and there were always lots of shows going on, and a lot of talent around.”
After success as a solo artist, Fraser worked with his brother as a duo, gigging for several years until 1986, when he decided to focus on his construction business.
Now he’s decided to return to making music, starting with the Town Hall this Friday.
He added: “It ’ s partly been caused by retirement from the construction business, and because I was missing the folk side of things as well.
“So I started singing again, just socially, and realised I still really enjoyed it.
“My brother was doing a gig with Bruce & Walker for friends, and I got onstage to sing with them at that.”
Given the amount of time since Fraser performed as a solo act, it’s fair to say there might be a few butterflies before he appears on Friday. “There’ll be some nerves for sure. “When Ian and I toured we travelled around the world and it never worried me, but I am a bit nervous about this one - I’m just hoping I don’t look like a plonker onstage.”
Assuming his Rutherglen gig goes well, Fraser is already looking ahead to the future, and fancies an album release in 2015.
He added: “I want to release an album at some point next year.
“I’ve not had any recordings out since 1985, so it’d be nice to have something new out, and something that’s not on vinyl.”
Before that, there’s just the matter of Friday’s show, where he’s hoping to perform a few tunes that’ll be familiar to fans of the Bully Wee.
“I’ve never actually played the Clyde songs at a show, just a couple of times at Clyde games, but I’m hoping to play them at the Town Hall. “It’ll be a fun night.” Fraser Bruce plays alongside Bruce & Walker at the Town Hall this Friday.
Tickets are priced at £12/£10 and are available from the Town Hall, by calling 0141 613 5700, starting at 7.30pm.