Into Music: Music Round-up June 2025
There is quite a lot going on at the moment from new record releases to live gigs to cultural events incorporating music, comedy and poetry. Here, Into Creative give you the low down on what’s out there for you to check out.
Artist: The Bluebells
Album: Sisters
Label: London Records
There is no doubt that The Bluebells debut album, Sisters, released in 1984 is one the finest Scottish albums of all time and London Records have decided the time is right to re-release it with a number of substantial add-ons that will appeal to both committed and new fans of the group. So what is in the package? Well, it has been fully remastered on double vinyl or alternatively as a deluxe triple CD with added DVD box set. Not bad for starters……..
The album came out at a time of political malevolence, upheaval and unrest against a backdrop of the Miner’s strike, the recently ended Falklands War and Thatcher’s brutal austerity. Fast forward forty odd years and those songs remain as fresh and relevant now as they did then in what continues to be a tumultuous world, ridden with cost of living issues, austerity and war. Tracks such as South Atlantic Way and the interpretation of The Patriot Game could almost be prescient and comparable to now.
Elsewhere, favourites such as I’m Falling and Young At Heart shine through as you would expect and the added H.O.L.L.A.N.D is more than a bonus on vinyl. The additions include radio sessions for Kid Jensen, demos, alternative mixes, extended versions, B-sides, live tracks from a Camden Palace gig and the DVD has a number of videos, live tracks from the Old Grey Whistle Test and appearances on Top of the Pops.
Exciting times then for The Bluebells who also have a number of live gigs in the pipeline including an appearance at Glastonbury and as part of the FRETS concert events at Strathaven. Head to their website here for more on the album and dates.
———————————————————————-
Show: Speakeasy Stirling
Venue: Creative Stirling
Date: 06 June 2025
A speakeasy – commonly known as a hidden or illicit place to go have a drink. Well, a few years ago, Stirling had something like this called Sonnet Youth which was great but then Covid happened and there hasn’t been much else since……………until now. This is a great concept that provides a platform for poets, musicians and comedians. Basically, anything with a cultural bent that is good, cool and crucially, affordable.
The opening night of Speakeasy Stirling was introduced by Stirling’s Makar, Kevin P.Gilday who confirmed he was technically employed by Stirling Council and his job is to bring poetry to the masses, though he might also be required to empty the local bins from time to time! Live music came courtesy of the Americana influenced Waverley from Edinburgh and from Pippa Blundell who was also celebrating the launch of her debut album Common Thread, released on the same day!
Poetry was provided by Gilday and also East Coast based Iona Lee, her words captivating, mystical and at times very funny. In between poems, she talked about the things that interest and motivate her to write, whether it be con artists or local islands such as Fidra and their stories of lore. Belly laughs were provided by comedian Chris Thorburn who described himself as a gender-neutral Ned Flanders!
If that wasn’t enough, arts writer and broadcaster Nicola Meighan was spinning the tunes before and after the live acts ensuring the musical vibe was bang on throughout. In short, this was a great night in a great space (Creative Stirling is also an arts and culture shop) and bodes well for what will now be a regular monthly show.
To keep up to date with future events, head to the Creative Stirling website here.
Artist: The Psychedelic Furs
Venue: Glasgow Barrowland
Date: 24th October 2025
This one promises to be a special gig. The Psychedelic Furs blazed a trail from the early 1980s onwards, releasing seven albums in eleven years, with eponymous tracks such as Sister Europe, President Gas and Heaven featuring, leading to a reputation that most bands can only dream about. Then nothing for almost thirty years before new music emerged in 2020 with the Made Of Rain album, a return to form that was as assured as it was unexpected.
The band are playing the Forever Now festival in Milton Keynes this month (as to the likes of Kraftwerk, The The, Johnny Marr and The Jesus & Mary Chain) before returning to the U.K. in October for a run of seven shows including the Glasgow Barrowland. The Butler brothers, Richard and Tim will be joined by Amanda Kramer on keyboards, Rich Good and Peter DiStefano on guitars plus Zach Alford on drums, who has also played with the likes of Bowie, Springsteen and The B-52’s.
Support will come from Anja Huwe, the post-punk icon and former vocalist with Xmal Deutschland and will perform tracks from her 20254 debut solo album, Codes.
For more on the tour, head to The Psychedelic Furs website here.
Artist: Betty Boo
Venues: Glasgow The Hug & Pint/ Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
Dates: 25th & 26th June 2025
There was a time in the late 1980s through to the early 1990s when Betty Boo took the pop industry by storm. The singles Doin’ The Do and Where Are You Baby? were instantly recognizable, generational songs that still get the groove on to this day. Great then to hear news that early albums Boomania and GRRR! It’s Betty Boo are getting re-released and will come in coloured vinyl, CD and cassette versions.
To celebrate Betty Boo will hit the road across the U.K. to play tracks from those albums plus a few from her two albums released this decade, Boomerang and Rip Up The Rule Book. Fifteen dates including Glasgow and Edinburgh in intimate venues, these are sure to sell out fast and it will be great to see the singer-songwriter at close quarters. So whether you are a committed Boo-ette or a casual fan, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the Brit and Ivor Novello winner live.
For more on the album re-releases and the tour, head to the Betty Boo website here.
———————————————————————-
Artist: Only When I Glow
Venue: Glasgow, Glad Cafe
Date: 12 July 2025
If you are hailed as the third best band to come out of East Kilbride (no prizes for knowing numbers one and two) then you better be able to produce the goods. Playing the long game, Only When I Glow have taken forty years to get to the point of breaking their live gig cherry. The three piece go back a long way, friends from school days with a mutual love of music and that passion has never wavered through the decades since. This, despite the band members being individually based in East Kilbride, Hampshire and Sydney!
Initial songs resulted in demos in 1984 but it wasn’t until the Covid years that new material arrived. From there, the momentum has quickly increased, the band’s Stevie Kane and Graeme McFall attending the Secret Coast Songwriters Masterclass sessions in 2022, mentored by James Grant (Love & Money) and Robert Hodgens (The Bluebells). Ten new tracks (produced by Grant) will result in their debut album, Underpass Kiss coming out in November 2025 on the Secret Coast Music label.
So, the stage is literally set for the gig and to showcase the songs when Only When I Glow hit the Glad Cafe on July twelfth. Support will come from Elena and Peter Hall. Funds raised through ticket sales will go towards the wonderful Kilbryde Hospice in East Kilbride.
Three bands/artists, a great cause will benefit and the opportunity to hear songs played live for the first time ever, this will be a special night. The band’s Stevie Rooney sums it up perfectly “We’ve never stopped writing or sharing ideas – this is the culmination of a lifetime of music, friendship and persistence”.
For tickets, head to the website here and for more on the band and album, visit their website here.
John Welsh
@welshjb
