Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake is to return to play a unique, intimate show in his hometown of Bellshill – thanks to a former bandmate.
The gig, on January 31, is being promoted by his former bandmate Paul Quinn – the drummer in the legendary Lanarkshire act who is now an artist manager in his own right.
And the show is the first in a series of special gigs being promoted in his hometown by his new firm Bellbeat, intended to showcase the town’s rich musical heritage.
Speaking of the show, Blake said: “It’s been over 20 years since I’ve played a show in my hometown of Bellshill and it goes without saying that I am really looking forward to making my return.
“I’m hopeful that the establishment of this club night will herald a return to regular live music in the town.
“My former Teenage Fanclub bandmate Paul Quinn has worked tirelessly to pull this all together.
“He’s been heavily involved in all things music related in the town for going on 40 years.”
The pair worked together for years after Paul joined the band in 1993.
And the Grammy-nominated drummer looks back at those days with great fondness as he now seeks to help rising stars navigate the treacherous waters of the music industry.
Quinn said: “I had some great times in music but some tough times too – not with Teenage Fanclub which was a dream being a huge fan before joining them. I’ve had some not so enjoyable experiences also with others who shall remain nameless.
“I’m trying to build something new and exciting but founded on the base I built touring the world.
Bellshill has a really rich heritage musically and I want to bring that back – so starting the Bellbeat Presents Sessions with Norman just feels perfect.”
The vocalist revealed that he will play some of the Fannies’ hits at the show but with a solo spin.
He said: “I’m looking forward to playing some of the songs that I have written for the band solo on acoustic guitar in a club context.
“I’ll be playing songs old and new with a couple of covers thrown in there for good measure. Please come and join me.”
Quinn’s company, Bellbeat, is already managing Dillon Squire and Will but always being on the lookout for new and exciting talent, invites anyone who believes they have something to get in touch with him, at paul
He added: “It’s a really exciting time and it feels like this is what I have been working towards all those years.”
Tickets for Bellbeat Sessions presents Norman Blake on January 31 at The Alex James in Bellshill go on sale Wednesday 20 November.
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