Runrig’s farewell gigs on BBC ALBA Band members hope three-hour film will raise spirits
Runrig’s farewell Stirling shows will be broadcast on BBC ALBA next month.
The full version of ‘The Last Dance’ will air as part of a special weekend of programmes about the Gaelic rock band from Friday, April 2 to Sunday, April 4.
The sell-out gigs in the shadow of Stirling Castle in August 2018 were filmed live in front of 50,000 fans.
The three-hour film also features performances by Glasgow Gaelic Islay Choir, singer Julie Fowlis, fiddlers Duncan Chisholm and Laura McGhee, accordionist Gary Innes and saxophonist Dave Towers.
Runrig lead singer from 1974 to 1997 Donnie Munro joins the band on stage during the show to the delight of fans.
Percussionist Calum Macdonald 1980s, culminating in a career spanning 45 years.
They produced 14 studio albums and took Gaelic music from the village halls of the Highlands to arenas across the world including Canada and New York with sold-out concerts at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as New York’s Times Square, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh Castle.
Calum’s brother, bassist Rory Macdonald, said: “It’s the love of performing that kept the group going for over 45 years.
“Our farewell performance brought all this to a close – a shared, visceral experience that will stay with me forever.
“In many ways our bond with the fans has been our success and this film illustrates this throughout.”
The Last Dance concert film producer Steven Little of Blazing Griffin, added:
“We’re so pleased to see the full threehour concert film released on BBC ALBA, it’s the perfect platform to reach out to Runrig’s fans.
“I was delighted to work on this production, it captures the magic of the band and provides the tribute the band was looking to give to their fans.
“It’s an incredibly uplifting and lively concert film, I just know that Runrig fans are going to love this.”
Runrig -The Last Dance is on BBC ALBA on Saturday, April 3, at 8pm.
Air an Oir, from the BBC ALBA archive, which looks at the roots of Runrig’s musical influences will also be shown on BBC ALBA on Friday, April 2 at 9pm, and an archive concert Runrig – City of Lights will air on Sunday, April 4 at 9pm.
All programmes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days after they air.