Documentary joins Celtic rockers on road
Peat & Diesel reveal highs and lows of triumphant year
HEBRIDEAN folk-rock band Peat & Diesel reveal the toll it takes to make dreams come true in a new two-part BBC ALBA documentary airing as part of its festive schedule.
Following the band throughout a challenging but triumphant year, the documentaries invite viewers to experience the highs and the lows of life on the road.
The first part follows the boys on a zig-zagging tour of the UK and Ireland, in Peat & Diesel – Trying to find a way to make a living airing on December 28 at 9pm.
In Ireland, they need to move to bigger venues to accommodate the enthusiastic audiences in Belfast, Dublin, Galway and Cork, and while in England, it becomes evident that fans are travelling far and wide to hear the band. Despite not understanding many of the Gaelic lyrics that weave through their songs, a sell-out crowd in Birmingham sing their hearts out.
And the boys are in awe as they find themselves on the bill at Glastonbury, a bucket-list opportunity to perform at one of the world’s biggest festivals.
In the second part of the double bill, Peat & Diesel – Hitch your wagon to a star, airing on 1 January 1 at 9pm, the band’s return to the road goes from strength to strength.
Taking a break from their “ordinary” lives, part-time fisherman Calum “Boydie” MacLeod, electrician Innes Scott and window cleaner and delivery driver Uilleam “Uilly” MacLeod take their seats alongside Rod Stewart to pick up a gong at the Scottish Music Awards, before summertime sees the band perform in Europe for the first time at a music festival in Germany.
Their sharp rise up the festival ranks sees them play to 20,000 people at The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and culminates in their first festival headline slot at the Hebridean Celtic Festival, becoming the first local band to ever headline the festival.
The programmes can be watched live or on demand www.bbc.co.uk/ tv/bbcalba