The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Home gig wish of McGregor
Hollywoood star Ewan McGregor has revealed he would like to perform with Perthshire Brass Band and his old mentor George Annan.
BRASSED OFF star Ewan McGregor has revealed that he would like to join up with his home town brass band.
The Hollywood actor, who starred in 1996 film Brassed Off, about a colliery brass band faced with troubles following the closure of their pit, has said that he wants to play with the Perthshire Brass band.
McGregor, who was taught how to play the French horn by the band’s musical director, GeorgeAnnan, said he still gives his old instrument “a blow from time to time”.
His promise to play with the band came after he was invited to join their Perthshire Brass weekend Burns supper, held at Scone’s Murrayshall House Hotel.
He could not attend but his mother, Carol, conveyed the screen star’s apologies, explaining that filming commitments prevented the busy actor from accepting the kind invitation to join the celebrations.
The letter read: “Ewan has very fond memories of Mr Annan and still gives his French horn a blow from time to time.
“He sends his best wishes to everyone at Perthshire Brass and wishes you a very successful Burns supper. He also hopes that one day he will be able to sit down and play with the band.”
Event organiser Susan Mathieson, from Scone, admitted current Perthshire Brass members would be thrilled if the star could find time in a hectic schedule to join them.
She said: “It was nice to get such a pleasant response from Ewan and the letter was read out at the Burns supper.
“The evening went very well and we were very fortunate to have secured a number of talented entertainers.”
Mrs Mathieson’s husband, Jim, enjoyed a standing ovation after a powerful Tam O’Shanter from guests including wellknown master of ceremonies David Adam, who toasted the lassies; singer Craig Dennis; Iain Hall, who handled the Immortal Memory; Dr Lenny Burnett, who addressed the haggis; and Clare Mitchell and Clair Annan, who responded to the toast.
Former Morrison’s Academy pupil McGregor famously harnessed his brass band skills on the big screen, playing a role in 1996 film Brassed Off, set against the background of the miners’ strike — with Mr Annan giving him a rave review for his miming skills.
In 2012 he revealed he had bought a new £3000 French horn and paid warm tribute to one-time mentor Mr Annan. He told band member Rachel Hotchkiss: “He’s a brilliant teacher. Tell him I bought a horn with a detachable bell.”