Runrig @ Perth Concert Hall

Dec 12 2008 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

GAELIC rockers Runrig played a near-capacity Perth Concert Hall gig sandwiched between two milestone’s in the band’s long career.

The corks had been popping at Runrig HQ after their version of Loch Lomond took top spot in the poll to decide the best Scottish song of all time, organised by the charity Scotscare.

And before the champagne bubbles could go flat, Runrig were inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame during the trad music awards in Glasgow last weekend.

These two accolades and the rousing reception they received at Perth endorsed the enduring attraction of the six men and their music, who, despite their advancing years (and in lead singer Bruce Guthro’s case, advancing waistline), still produce thumping good entertainment and musicianship covering their back catalogue material and more recent songs.

They continue to make old favourites including Protect and Survive, Skye, Alba, and of course Loch Lomond, sound fresh and vibrant; they can produce the edgier rock sound, Malcolm Jones’ guitarwork simply electrifying; and the band can engage the massed choir of their Perth audience to croon along to the likes of Hearts of Olden Glory.

Their set is made slicker with the liberal use of lighting effects and evocative scenescapes projected on to a huge back screen.

There was little in the way of surprises for Runrig regulars, although it was good to see Perth College-trained keyboard player Brian Hurren moving to the front of the stage for a couple of well-delivered vocal numbers.

And Bruce seemed very enthusiastic that Runrig will be celebrating The Year of Homecoming next year by playing a major outdoor concert in the grounds of Scone Palace (August 29, tickets on sale now, priced £35).

The boys’ Perth 2008 offering proved excellent Runrig fare, and with well-received support from Gaelic singer Rachel Walker and Friends – Jenna Reid, Angus MacKenzie, Ross Martin and Alec Dalglish – it was a happy, satisfied audience who departed in the dark, dreich December night.