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STV News
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
It's no surprise Texas are back at Belladrum, they've always oozed cool
I grew up loving Texas and, in particular, Sharleen Spiteri. To me, she oozed cool. She looked so different from anyone else I'd seen on TV – beautiful with an edge – and her voice was incredible. I liked how she looked like she wouldn't stand for any nonsense – I'm putting that politely there. And she was Scottish – instantly my hero. I told her I thought this the first time I interviewed her a few years ago (fangirled) to which she loudly laughed, saying: 'I was not cool! I was a geek!' Geek or not, she's been making music with Texas for almost 40 years and can't wait to hit the road again this summer with a host of festival performances across Europe on the cards. 'I'm laughing. I'm calling it my four-day week. My four-day week tour,' said Spiteri. 'That's the dream. It's the total dream. I say to the family: 'It's like I work Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Any other day don't annoy me because I'll be recuperating.'' Among those festival dates is a return to Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in the Highlands, where Texas will headline on Saturday August 2, celebrating 21 years of the northern soiree. 'It's such a good festival and the last time we played I think was 2011,' said Spiteri. 'And I have to say I'm really proud that we were in there quite early and that we've been invited back. 'I really enjoy playing in the open air – I love playing with the wind in your face. You get plenty of that at Balladrum!' It's no surprise Texas have been invited back though. With a plethora of hits including Black Eyed Boy, I Don't Want a Lover and Halo, to name but a few, the band provide the perfect singalong vibe for all ages. Never was this more prevalent than when they played two nights at the Hydro last year. Despite having performed on some of the most revered stages around the world, including an amazing Glastonbury performance, Sharleen admitted the Hydro moment was special. 'The first night we walked out on stage, we couldn't hear,' she said. 'The crowd were so loud. It was like a wave of love. I feel emotional even talking about it now.' Emotions were especially high for Sharleen due to two important faces being absent in the crowd. Having lost both her parents in the past few years, she said: 'My mum and dad would have been so proud.' The fact they're no longer here truly hits home for Sharleen whenever she returns to Glasgow, but her sister and family are always on hand with home comforts to help. 'That's what I like to do,' said Spiteri. 'I go to my sister's. Last night, after rehearsals, she got a pot of soup on and a slice of plain bread with loads of butter.' Sounds pretty perfect. And when she's not working? Sharleen likes to unwind in her garden proudly showing off her gardener's tan. She joked: 'I look like a blubbery zebra when I take my clothes off!' That I very much doubt, but I love her self-deprecating style. I also love that she chatted away for ages before the interview actually began, discussing our ailments, children and putting the world to rights! Down-to-earth, interested and interesting – you can say what you want but Sharleen is truly a class act. Bring on Belladrum in August. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Leader Live
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Texas open Llangollen concert series with Mike Peters tribute
The concert, on June 26, marked the opening of the Pavilion's summer season of live music. Before launching into one of the band's songs, Spiteri, lead singer and frontwoman of the Scottish rock band, paused to remember the Welsh rocker, who died from blood cancer aged 66 on April 29. "Before we start this song, the last time I was here with my husband Bryn was with a very special couple and very special man, Mr Mike Peters," she said, prompting a round of applause from the audience. She went on to say: "He was a true gentleman, a great musician, a great songwriter. He was one of the kindest, truest people that I have to say I've ever met. "He always wore his heart on his sleeve and will be very sadly missed." Spiteri, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate for her services to music, then dedicated a rendition of Suspicious Minds to his memory. She said to the crowd: "If you don't know if the first two chords, go home! Because you need to love this." Posting on Facebook after the concert, Jules, Mike's wife, said: "Today has been quite the day, topped off by the perfect Sharleen Spiteri tribute tonight to our darling Michael Peters "Thank you Texas! You Rock! RELATED STORIES "Hard to believe that it was only a year ago that Mike and I stood with Sharleen and husband Bryn at the side of stage to watch the Manics [Manic Street Preachers] together. "Live Today. Love Tomorrow." During the packed-out concert, Texas showcased five decades of music - from the worldwide classic I Don't Want a Lover to modern-day hits like Mr Haze and Keep on Talking. The music legends were supported by Rianne Downey, a Scottish singer-songwriter. The concert series coincides with the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, which begins on July 8. Texas were the first of 13 headline acts set to perform at the North Wales venue. Other confirmed headliners include Rag'n'Bone Man, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, James, The Script, Olly Murs, and The Human League. The concerts are part of a collaboration between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues on Friday (June 28) with headline Rag'n'Bone Man. The triple BRIT Award and Ivor Novello Award winner will be joined by blues star Elles Bailey.
