Musician Chris joins Thistle’s talent line-up
Shoppers are delighted
Stirling musician Chris Russell is the latest recruit to the Thistles shopping centre’s #STIRLINGSHINES campaign which celebrates the achievements of inspirational talent.
The 30-year-old is resident pianist of Rusty’s Travelling Piano Bar which he founded with wife Billie, a professional chef and marketing adviser.
Chris grew up in a musical family: his mother performs with Scottish Opera and his father with Leeds Opera North while younger sister Pauline also works at Scottish Opera.
He was immersed in set productions and rehearsals from a young age. Whilst studying music at Strathclyde University, at the age of 18 Chris was invited to join the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. He played piano in the band for four years and toured the world headlining gigs in the US, China, India, South Korea and Europe, as well as music festivals including T in the Park, RockNess, HebCelt and Lorien.
It was at a festival that the idea of a musical bar in a horsebox developed.
Through the Prince’s Trust network, Chris and Billie were able to bring their idea to life.
As well as touring a busy diary with Rusty’s, Chris performs with Killer City Sound, the five-piece band that has rocked the Gleneagles Hogmanay Party for four consecutive years now.
He is also working on a new album with his band, the Byson Family who are performing with rocker Phil Campbell at St Luke’s in Glasgow on December 18.
Speaking about Thistles #STIRLINGSHINES, Chris said: “It is a great initiative to shine a spotlight on local talent and for Billie and myself to share our story of Rusty’s.
“I’ve performed across the world to a wide variety of audiences but my visit to Thistles with my melodica was a first. I really enjoyed the experience and hope shoppers enjoyed hearing the music too.”
Thistles centre director Gary Turnbull said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Chris into the centre and his appearance certainly brought some star quality to shoppers who were fortunate to hear him play. We would like to thank Chris for being part of our campaign and wish him every continued success with Rusty’s and his musical endeavours.”
To find out more about #STIRLINGSHINES and share your story about a Stirling area hero, visit www. thistlesstirling.com.