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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Scots country singer reveals awkward way he found out music legend wanted to collab
He will play the biggest show of his life next month COUNTRY singer Kevin McGuire has revealed he was shopping in Home Bargains when Marti Pellow asked him to perform at Edinburgh Castle. The musician was stocking up on toiletries from the discount store near his flat in Glasgow's Govan district when he got a life-changing email from the former Wet Wet Wet star. 4 Kevin had a blast singing with Sir Rod Stewart Credit: Supplied 4 He's building up towards the biggest gig of his life Credit: John Kirkby 4 Marti Pellow recruited Kevin for his blockbuster gig 4 Home Bargains will always be a special spot for Kevin now Credit: Getty It means Kevin will be swapping pub and club gigs for the biggest show of his life at the iconic landmark next month. He says: 'I was buying razor blades and other bits as I was just about to leave on a 10-day tour of my own. 'I had missed three frantic calls from my manager and it was only when I was at the checkout I finally saw his message saying, 'Read the email Marti Pellow has sent you!'. 'Marti had written this lovely message saying he really enjoyed my music and even said I had a great voice, which is a huge compliment coming from him. 'He asked me to open the show for him but said he hates the term 'support act' and was instead inviting me to be his 'special guest' then said he would wait for my answer. I paid for my goods and emailed the promoter saying the answer was, 'Yes, yes, yes and yes' then ran all the way home. 'But I took half an hour to compose myself before replying to Marti himself, thanking him for this amazing opportunity.' Reaching this point has been a long slog for Kevin, who worked behind several bars while pursuing his dream. And he believes he had to wait for music tastes to change before his brand of country pop became popular. Kevin, 32, explains: 'I've been doing country music since I was at school, when I fell in love with the genre and with songwriting. 'I loved the honesty of country and that famous phrase that it's just 'three chords and the truth'. But it was hard to get a gig as a new country singer at the time. Marti Pellow pranked by Jamie Oliver in hilarious restaurant stitch-up 'Back then I would go online and see who was top of the country charts in America, and that's where I discovered artists like Taylor Swift before she moved into pop. 'Now it seems everyone is trying to get on board, with Beyonce's country album Cowboy Carter and Post Malone's F-1 Trillion last year. 'It's led to more country bars popping up in Glasgow, and more recognition for local country artists. So it feels like the last 10 years of slog are finally starting to pay off.' Kevin's first break came when Clyde 1 DJ George Bowie did one of his GBX dance mixes of Kevin's cover of country classic Wagon Wheel. The boost to his profile means he can now sell out 300-capacity venues such as Glasgow's Saint Judes. And major promoter Regular Music, which is staging the Edinburgh Castle concerts, is now backing him as one of Scotland's rising stars. Kevin already got a taste of the high life when he went on tour with his manager, John McLaughlin, whose own band Johnny Mac & The Faithful were supporting Sir Rod Stewart. He says: 'John has been my mentor for years and has worked with me on my songwriting. One day he called and said he's going on tour with Rod and wanted me to come too, as I was doing a lot of the pre-production work for Johnny Mac & The Faithful. KEVIN will return to the capital later this summer when he performs his own stage show at the Edinburgh Festival. The singer has put together a Fringe production called Never Mind The Nashvilles, about the perils of growing up in Scotland as a budding country singer. And he reckons his story is a real-life version of the 2018 hit film Wild Rose, which starred Jessie Buckley as a Scot who dreams of performing in Nashville. He says: 'Never Mind the Nashvilles is about my journey trying to do country music in Scotland, and all the struggles that come with that. 'So it's songs and stories as I tell people how I got into the music in the first place and the slog of trying to get a break. 'I hope it will be a good laugh as well as a sort of truth-telling.' He adds: 'Wild Rose kind of sums up everything I've been through. Jessie plays a Scottish country singer desperate to make it to Nashville but when she finally gets there she realises, 'Wait a minute, I can still do country music in Scotland'. 'That's what I'm hoping to do – build the country scene in Scotland where singers can thrive instead of having to look to America.' Never Mind The Nashvilles runs from August 15 to 17 at the Voodoo Rooms. "I wasn't in his band but some of my songs were being played by John. That was the first time I had heard songs I'd written being played in arenas — it was a special time.' He adds: 'Because Rod and John are good friends, Rod really looked after us and made sure we had the same catering he did. 'It was amazing as we'd rock up to the venue three hours beforehand and have the most incredible five-star buffet you can imagine. You'd be having fillet steak for lunch. It was amazing.' Kevin even got to perform a duet of Rod's 1971 classic Maggie May with the 80-year-old rocker — in a Glasgow boozer rather than on stage. He says: 'When Rod comes to Celtic games he always goes to Murphy's Irish Bar with John afterwards. Inevitably it ends with a sing-song and on the night I was there I ended up singing Maggie May with Rod. 'I wasn't nervous at all as it's one of my favourite songs — I must have sung it thousands of times before.' Asked if Rod passed on any words of wisdom, Kevin says: 'Not specifically, but I learned just seeing how he takes care of himself with vocal warm ups and things like that. And also he treats his band and the crew really well. But the best thing is the way Rod still really enjoys what he does. 'I think that's why I'm not nervous when I perform. I figure there's no point being a bag of nerves when you go on stage because you've worked so hard to get there in the first place.' Now Kevin who, along with his West End star sister Emma Ralston, was raised in Glasgow by his college principal dad Martin and uni worker mum Caroline, is preparing for the biggest gig of his life when he warms up the 8,500 crowd for Marti Pellow's Castle concert. He says: 'When I got the news in Home Bargains I called my mum as I ran home. She was squealing with delight as she's a huge Marti fan. 'When I wrote back to Marti I just praised him for being one of the few male artists from the west coast of Scotland who is still pushing the envelope. 'It's a bucket-list gig to get and I'll never forget where I was the day I was asked to do it.' Marti Pellow Love Is All Around 30th anniversary tour comes to Edinburgh Castle on Saturday, July 5. For tickets visit
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
George Bowie's GBX remix of bagpipe anthem tops country charts
A Scottish dance music icon has topped the country music charts with a bagpipe anthem. Clyde 1 Presenter George Bowie achieved this feat on Sunday with his remix of Cammy Barnes' Whiskey Roll. The idea for the remix came from a few Facebook friends who messaged Bowie's wife, manager, and co-producer, Ellene, suggesting a GBX remix of the song. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Deaf football manager shares heartfelt message to younger self Bowie, Ellene, and their production partner, Outforce, created a rave version of the bagpipe anthem, which quickly gained popularity after being performed at Clubland Live. The song, dubbed 'Raveheart' by international fans, amassed millions of views online. Bowie said: "It was all a bit mad – a couple of people on socials messaged Ellene saying they thought we'd like the clip Cammy had posted and would we think about remixing it. 'She messaged Cammy asking if he fancied doing something and he was up for it, we jumped into Outforce's studio a couple of days later and the remix was done and ready to go in no time. "It felt like it had something special and it just happened that I was playing Clubland at the Hydro on Sunday, so we asked Cammy to surprise the crowd by playing it live with us. 'It went crazy – at the time it felt like a really big moment and watching it back, it was. "It was well over a million views on the Clubland post alone within a couple of days. 'We shot a video there and the demand has been huge, so we released the remix on Friday and Cammy joined us again in Aberdeen that night to perform it live – this time punters knew it was coming so the reaction was even madder. 'And now we are No 1 in the country chart and No 13 in the main chart. "The annoying bit is it means my missus was right again." George, Cammy, Outforce (Image: Supplied) Cammy Barnes, who recorded Whiskey Roll as an idea, was taken aback by the success. He said: "It's really hard to take all this in, I didn't even plan to release the original it was just an idea. "The reaction was wild – really crazy with 10,000 people all going mad when the bagpipes kicked in especially." The GBX and Outforce remix of "Whiskey Roll" was released on Friday due to the overwhelming global response. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Sister raises thousands for brain tumour research in late brother's memory Bowie, said: "It's special, it really is – it was all so random and accidental and sometimes that brings a different feel, it's more real and natural." Cammy said: "The remix is definitely going on my album later this year, even if my manager says no. "I was dead against using bagpipes at all since leaving the Red Hot Chili Pipers, I just wanted to sing – but I am seriously rethinking all that now."
Glasgow Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
George Bowie's GBX bagpipe remix tops country music charts
Clyde 1 Presenter George Bowie achieved this feat on Sunday with his remix of Cammy Barnes' Whiskey Roll. The idea for the remix came from a few Facebook friends who messaged Bowie's wife, manager, and co-producer, Ellene, suggesting a GBX remix of the song. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Deaf football manager shares heartfelt message to younger self Bowie, Ellene, and their production partner, Outforce, created a rave version of the bagpipe anthem, which quickly gained popularity after being performed at Clubland Live. The song, dubbed 'Raveheart' by international fans, amassed millions of views online. Bowie said: "It was all a bit mad – a couple of people on socials messaged Ellene saying they thought we'd like the clip Cammy had posted and would we think about remixing it. 'She messaged Cammy asking if he fancied doing something and he was up for it, we jumped into Outforce's studio a couple of days later and the remix was done and ready to go in no time. "It felt like it had something special and it just happened that I was playing Clubland at the Hydro on Sunday, so we asked Cammy to surprise the crowd by playing it live with us. 'It went crazy – at the time it felt like a really big moment and watching it back, it was. "It was well over a million views on the Clubland post alone within a couple of days. 'We shot a video there and the demand has been huge, so we released the remix on Friday and Cammy joined us again in Aberdeen that night to perform it live – this time punters knew it was coming so the reaction was even madder. 'And now we are No 1 in the country chart and No 13 in the main chart. "The annoying bit is it means my missus was right again." George, Cammy, Outforce (Image: Supplied) Cammy Barnes, who recorded Whiskey Roll as an idea, was taken aback by the success. He said: "It's really hard to take all this in, I didn't even plan to release the original it was just an idea. "The reaction was wild – really crazy with 10,000 people all going mad when the bagpipes kicked in especially." The GBX and Outforce remix of "Whiskey Roll" was released on Friday due to the overwhelming global response. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Sister raises thousands for brain tumour research in late brother's memory Bowie, said: "It's special, it really is – it was all so random and accidental and sometimes that brings a different feel, it's more real and natural." Cammy said: "The remix is definitely going on my album later this year, even if my manager says no. "I was dead against using bagpipes at all since leaving the Red Hot Chili Pipers, I just wanted to sing – but I am seriously rethinking all that now."
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic Scots DJ lands unexpected number one single after 30 years
It racked up millions of views after they performed it at Clubland Live. GEORGE Bowie has given his dance music a honky-tonk makeover - after landing a number one hit in the country charts. The Clyde 1 presenter, best known for his GBX Anthems show, claimed top spot on Sunday with new bagpipe track Raveheart. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Outforce, Cammy and George unexpectedly made a hit together. 2 Cammy hopes to take the song on tour and work with George more. George, 56, switched up his style after friends his wife and co-producer Ellene to suggest a GBX remix of Cammy Barnes' new song Whiskey Roll. The couple and their production whizzkid Outforce created a catchy song that racked up millions of views after they performed it at Clubland Live - and they've just played it in Glasgow and Aberdeen too. George said: "It's special, it really is – it was all so random and accidental and sometimes that brings a different feel, it's more real and natural. 'People all over the world are commenting and asking where they can get it, they're calling it Raveheart which I love – I'm nicking that for sure. 'We've loads of stuff coming up with Outforce already, but I think we definitely need to look at teaming up with Cammy again – he's brilliant and such a sound lad too. 'I want to get him along to a few big shows and raves this summer – we had a techno piper years ago but I think we have found an upgrade." Cammy recorded Whiskey Roll as an idea - the first song he had done using bagpipes since he left the Red Hot Chili Pipers a few years back. He posted the clip on socials and it blew up – then the message from Ellene popped up. Cammy said: "It's really hard to take all this in, I didn't even plan to release the original it was just an idea. Fired it up as a teaser and then it went off, the numbers are pretty obscene really. 'Ellene messaged me and I was like aye, great – buzzing. I knew who they are of course but didn't know George and Ellene at all. Hundreds of Scotland fans sing Yes Sir, I Can Boogie for George Bowie remix in Scottish Sun's Guinness World Record bid 'I didn't even say yes or no, or debate or negotiate, I just sent back all the stems and said go for it. 'The remix came back and I love it, they asked if I fancied performing at the Hydro with them and away we went. 'The reaction was wild – really crazy with 10,000 people all going mad when the bagpipes kicked in especially. 'I was lucky enough to do the Hydro a few years ago but don't remember it from adrenaline – this time I really took it all in and loved every second of it." Cammy added: "It's all been so fast – a week from uploading the tune to TikTok I was in the Hydro playing it live to 10,000 people, then another week on we are No1 in the country chart and 13 in the main chart. 'None of us thought about anything but the music and the fun of it and I think that shines through. There wasn't even any conversation about the business stuff until late the night before release day, like 30 minutes before it came out. I love that. 'I'm totally new to this whole rave world but I love it – and I've had so many DJs and producers messaging me offering to do something together. 'George will always have first refusal on anything I ever do – and the remix is definitely going on my album later this year, even if my manager says no. 'I was dead against using bagpipes at all since leaving the Red Hot Chili Pipers, I just wanted to sing – but I am seriously rethinking all that now. 'And this summer it's tied in braw – we're playing a few of the same festivals so we might have to see if we can pull off a few surprise appearances for each other.'
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire firm Stewart Travel donates bumper £5,000 travel voucher prize for winner of charity radio contest
A £5,000 holiday voucher prize from Stewart Travel awaits the winner of a radio contest to mark Cash for Kids Day. The company, which has stores in Ayr, Kilmarnock, Irvine, Paisley, Glasgow Forge, Bishopbriggs, Helensburgh and Paisley has joined forces with Clyde 1 to offer listeners the chance to secure the fabulous prize. The competition will be promoted on-air across all Clyde 1 shows, as well as on Cash for Kids and Clyde 1's social media platforms. The promotion was launched at Stewart Travel's Kilmarnock store by store manager Kirsty Hood and assistant manager Lucy Duffy. The competition launched yesterday (Thursday, April 24) and will run to Thursday, May 1 - Cash for Kids Day. To win the bumper voucher Clyde 1 listeners can enter the contest by simply texting 'WIN' to 84901 for a chance to win the £5,000 Stewart Travel holiday voucher. Texts will cost the standard network rate plus a voluntary £5 donation with 100 per cent of all donations going directly to Cash for Kids to support local disadvantaged children. Lines will close at 10am on Thursday, May 1, after which the winner will be contacted. Funds raised through the campaign will go towards the Cash for Kids Day appeal, which supports the summer grant round which provides daily nutritious meals and engaging activities for children throughout the six-week summer break. Linda Boyd, Stewart Travel Director, said: "We're proud to be partnering again with Cash for Kids for such a wonderful cause. Their work supporting disadvantaged children and young people across Scotland makes a real difference. From tackling poverty and neglect to offering a helping hand to families in need, we are truly honoured to support their mission." Stewart Travel opened its first store in 1972, in Prestwick, and now have 11 stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland, specialising in cruise holidays, far and away adventures, tailor-made tours, and sunshine getaways. The company is part of Brooklyn Travel, one of the UK's fastest-growing travel companies and works with sister companies including Destinology, Canterbury Travel, My Canada Trips, GolfKings, Villa Select, and CruiseKings, to offer a true world of choice, and access to a host of exclusive holiday deals and savings. Cash for Kids is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK from the moment they're born up to and including the age of 18. Its mission is to be there when their help is needed most, helping combat poverty, illness and neglect, making living with additional needs that little bit easier, or simply offering a helping hand. They believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and be their true selves. Cash for Kids works together with businesses, charities and community groups that share our vision so we can make a difference to families with nowhere else to turn, by providing grant funding year-round and Christmas gifts during the festive season. Last year alone Cash for Kids raised £21.5 million, supporting 583,957 children.
