Scots music acts together with Amy MacDonald, The Fratellis, Mogwai and Franz Ferdinand are set to star in a brand new BBC documentary celebrating the heritage of Glasgow's beloved Barrowland Ballroom.
The Barrowland Roar, screening on New Yr's Day on BBC Alba, sees numerous Scottish icons recount their reminiscences of the east finish venue, a favorite of acts the world over. Introduced by Isle of Lewis musician Iain "Spanish" MacKay forward of his first present on the venue, the documentary sees him get recommendation on placing on a very good present from the likes of Del Amitri, Dylan John Thomas, Easy Minds frontman Jim Kerr and even Smiths legend Johnny Marr.
He additionally speaks to the employees that hold the enduring constructing ticking over, from supervisor Tom Joyes and proprietor Anne Dick to doorman Willie Thomson, who has the Barrowlands' world-famous signal tattooed on his physique. In between, he roadies for the likes of the Fratellis and learns extra in regards to the ballroom's storied historical past.
The 90-minute documentary, narrated in each Gaelic and English, provides a uncommon behind the scenes take a look at life within the Barrowlands and its in any other case unseen again corridors. After talking to the likes of Spanish rounds off the documentary by becoming a member of Western Isles band Path West on stage to carry out his personal songs for the primary time.
Johnny Marr, who has performed the venue seven occasions with seven totally different acts, quips early within the documentary: "Mad scorching, insane quantity, and that was earlier than we even performed a observe." And Amy MacDonald says of its virtually unchanged state because the 60s: "In the event that they ever resolve to spruce it up, I will be devastated."
Have you ever received treasured reminiscences of the Barrowlands? Share your tales within the feedback.
The doc opens with Spanish standing in an empty, brightly lit Barrowlands forward of a gig. He tells viewers: "It is one of many best-known venues on this planet, and it is in Glasgow.
"Standing right here, it feels essential. This sprung flooring was constructed for dancing and it is seen plenty of that over time.
"I have been right here, sweating, just a few occasions. It has hosted among the world's largest stars and many individuals had the very best night time of their lives right here.
"However what makes this place distinctive? And why is it so necessary to the bands and their followers?"
All through, Scots music icons like Jon Fratelli communicate in regards to the venue's particular place in Scots music lovers' hearts – and its famously excitable crowds. Fratelli says: "It is the one place I get nervous taking part in. It is the place we aspired to play to."
The Barrowlands have been first inbuilt 1934 by Maggie MacIver as a dance corridor for merchants at subsequent door's well-known Barras market. It burned down following a disastrous hearth in 1958 and was rebuilt virtually identically.
Since then, the venue has performed host to legendary acts from throughout the musical spectrum, together with the Rolling Stones, Lulu, Large Nation, David Bowie, Katy Perry, Oasis, Ed Sheeran and even Bob Dylan. Its starry skies, intentionally bolstered flooring, and its huge neon signal have made it a favorite with followers and musicians alike for many years.
The Barrowland Roar airs on BBC ALBA on Sunday 1 January 2023 at 9pm, and shall be accessible on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after.
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