Homecoming Live - The Final Fling

HOMECOMING HIGHLIGHT GOES LIVE

On 28th November, Scotland will proudly celebrate St Andrew’s Weekend and the vibrancy and passion of Scotland’s music scene with Homecoming Live – The Final Fling. With a bill that will bring together Scots from across the globe for a one-off reunion, this unique event will see Scotland’s largest indoor venue the SECC, transformed as it plays host, not only to an array of exceptional Scottish talent, but also to the best in Scottish food and drink, creating the perfect party atmosphere and indoor festival vibe. Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean the festival season has to be!

For the first time ever, acclaimed artists including Deacon Blue, Lloyd Cole, Hue and Cry, Midge Ure, The Bluebells, James Grant, Kevin McDermott and Tommy Reilly will come together on one stage to celebrate the golden era of Scottish music in the SECC’s Hall 4. Hall 3 will include performances from The Vaselines, Idlewild, The Law and King Creosote, some of whom have inspired the biggest acts in the world, demonstrating the enormous influence Scotland has had on shaping the international music scene over the past three decades.

As part of the Homecoming St Andrew’s celebratory weekend which runs from 26th – 30th November, Homecoming Live gigs will also take place at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and the Clyde Auditorium. Like Scotland’s celebrated tartans, the gigs will weave a colourful blend of some of the finest musicians who have been influenced by Scotland and its rich musical heritage - the likes and scale of which has never been seen before.

The multi-platinum selling, Deacon Blue lead the line up in SECC Hall 4 and are joined on the bill by cult legend Lloyd Cole. As lead singer of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, his album Rattlesnakes was included in the list of best albums of all time by readers of NME and this year is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Also playing are the Kane brothers from Coatbridge, otherwise known as Hue and Cry, whose career has been a Labour of Love and brought them continued success over the past three decades. Next up is guitarist, singer, keyboard player and songwriter Midge Ure – having enjoyed success in several legendary and cult bands such as Slik, Thin Lizzy and Ultravox and famously turning down an offer to become the lead singer of The Sex Pistols, he is well known for his work with Bob Geldof in co-organising Band Aid, Live Aid and Live 8. Both he and Geldof have twice received an Ivor Novello for co-writing Do They Know it’s Christmas and he is one of Scotland’s most respected musicians.

The Bluebells have remained Young at Heart and will be pleasing the crowds with a rare and original line up performance. Also playing is former Love and Money frontman James Grant who is widely acknowledged as one of the best songwriters Scotland has produced; Kevin McDermott who has been established on the national and international stage and Tommy Reilly who will be flying the flag for a new generation of gritty singer/songwriters.

Taking to the Hall 3 Stage are The Vaselines - musical icons who were hailed by Kurt Cobain as his "most favourite songwriters in the whole world”. Joining them will be critically acclaimed Fife cult singer-songwriter Kenny Anderson a.k.a King Creosote and Edinburgh’s indie-rock heroes Idlewild whose anthemic hits such as You Held the World in Your Arms have ensured a loyal international fanbase. Dundee indie-rockers The Law, whose much-anticipated debut album is released later this month will also perform.

Together, these inspirational acts will combine to produce a truly memorable event which will be talked about for years to come.

A RICH MUSICAL HERITAGE

Homecoming Live – The Final Fling, brought together by promoters DF Concerts, Homecoming Scotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, is a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch established heroes to cutting edge, contemporary performers who are currently making their mark internationally. The event will enhance Caledonia’s status as one of the musical meccas of the world – and you are all invited to the party! Many more acts and details to be unveiled in due course.

Glasgow – a UNESCO City of Music, where approximately 100 music events take place every week – is the natural home for the event. From contemporary and classical to Celtic and Country, this extraordinary city offers music to suit every taste.

Says Promoter, Geoff Ellis: “Homecoming Live – The Final Fling is about bringing people back home to celebrate Scotland and its music scene as well as giving them the opportunity to be part of once in a lifetime experience. Music lovers will be able to join with family and friends to relive past memories and create new ones - all to a unique soundtrack, accompanied by some of the best culinary delights the country has to offer! Scotland is renowned for producing and nourishing talent and many great bands have formed on its shores - I’m really looking forward to unveiling more acts in the coming months for what promises to be a very special and unique weekend of music”.

Marie Christie, Project Director, Homecoming Scotland 2009 adds, “Homecoming Live - The Final Fling will be one of the highlights of our Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations from 26 - 30 Nov. Taking place all over Scotland the full events programme will be launched later this month. Today’s announcement gives a sample of what’s in store.”

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said, “We are delighted to be supporting the Final Fling to bring Homecoming to a rousing finale in Glasgow and further reinforce the city’s credentials as a UNESCO City of Music. There’s nothing quite like hearing Scottish bands play on their own home turf and with such a strong line-up I am sure it will be a fantastic weekend.”

Tickets for Homecoming Live will go on sale on Friday 11th September at 9am and are priced £35.00, £30.00 and £27.50 for Hall 4, with tickets for Hall 3 at £20.00

Tickets will be available from www.gigsinscotland.com/homecominglive, or from the ticket agent that we at Jocknroll don't like and will not promote.

www.homecomingscotland2009.com