It’s been a wee while since we brought you a round-up of the best upcoming gigs but fear not, dear reader. We have a few choice shows which we know are sure to be cracking and we will certainly be in attendance – you should be too………..
Concerts: Skids/ Theatre of Hate Venues: Dumfries The Venue/ Galashiels MacArts/ Dunfermline Glen Pavilion/ Aberdeen Drummonds/ Ayr Pavilion Dates: 30 October/ 05 November/ 07 November/ 08 November/ 10 December 2026
Incredible to think that Skids formed back in 1977 and Theatre of Hate some three years hence and here we are, many years later and both bands are still going from strength to strength. The passage of time has not diminished their desire to get out and play live. It is great news for fans to see both bands on the same co-headlining tour across thirty-four U.K. towns and cities from October through to December, including five Scottish dates. What comes through from a cursory glance at those tour dates is a clear emphasis to get out to places that are often overlooked on the gig circuit – for once, no Glasgow or Edinburgh dates north of the border and for me, this is a really refreshing – fans still exist and don’t stop once you exit a certain post code.
Skids, who originally hail from Dunfermline will be headed up by their enigmatic vocalist Richard Jobson. The lead singer is still an absolute ball of energy, high-kicking and birling around the stage like there is no tomorrow. Add in a dose of self-deprecating wit and a ton of top songs like Masquerade, The Saints Are Coming and Into The Valley and that is the genesis of a winning formula. There’s also been a steady stream of new music in recent years, 2023’s Destination Dusseldorf being a prime example, the album showcasing the band at the peak of their powers.
Theatre of Hate emerged in the post-punk era, quickly making a name of themselves with early release Original Sin/ Legion, eventually leading to a debut album which was produced by Mick Jones of The Clash. Front man Kirk Brandon with his distinctive vocals and long term bassist Stan Stammers are perhaps the mainstays of the band but elsewhere Clive Osborne’s saxophone adds real depth to their live sound. Without doubt, a sensational band on stage who leave nothing at the door, you will be pulled along by the sheer force of the music.
Talking about the tour, Jobson said “We’re off on tour again with one of my favourite bands again Theatre of Hate… I just feel that the way things and in the overall scheme of things, this is going to be a great night out. Skids. Theatre of Hate. A cracking night out. I’m really looking forward to it”.
For tickets to the Scottish dates (or indeed elsewhere) visit Skids website here and/or the Kirk Brandon website here.
There is no doubt that the Glad Cafe is one of Glasgow’s coolest venues so it is absolutely apt that one of the city’s best bands are heading to the southside for a gig there. Deer Leader have been making innovative, original music for a few years now, mixing a variety of textured sounds and techniques that give a nod to space and air which they somehow envelope with nuanced noise-scapes.
This can range from widescreen cinematic pomp to heartfelt fragility in the drop of a note or beat. There is nothing orthodox here, no playing by numbers. Rather, this feels almost sculpted and truly immersive. The four-piece comprise Start McQuarrie, Robin Pringle, Ross Prentice and Jamie Edwardson who collectively hone their sound from a number of influences and thought-provoking lyrics. These are key features on their upcoming album, The Bluebirds of Happiness which is due for release on the day of the gig via the Last Night From Glasgow label. The nine tracks see the band look outward, asking questions on identity, collectiveness and the dark issues of our society today- from the far right to misinformation, fear and radicalisation.
What does pull through, is the importance of hope, community and resistance. This is an album of now by a band at the top of their game. The launch night is put on by Polyester Promotions and will be a cracker. Tickets are available via the link here.
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Artist: The Howlers Venue: Edinburgh Mash House Date: 03 March 2027
Is it too early to start planning for 2027 gigs? Of course not! It’s fair to say that The Howlers debut long-player, What You’ve Got To Lose To Win At All made quite an impression when it was released a couple of years ago so there has been quite a buzz about the follow up. That has just landed in the shape of Heavy, an album that rocks the fucking shit out of your ears, an aural delight laden with noir-ridden stone cold thrillers such as D.R.I.VE. and the atmospheric Cold Sweat.
Having honed their live sound, touring and playing with the likes of ZZ Top, Alice Cooper and Wolfmother, I suspect support slots will be a thing of the past as the London based band are more than ready to be headliners in their own right.
Lead singer Adam Young commented “This album is those late-night experiences, the after-dark conversations, late-night phone calls, the seductive nature of impulsiveness that seems so alluring and losing yourself in the addictive nature of recklessness — but it’s also the mirror in the morning, the wake-up call, and the harsh reality of knowing those feelings won’t always last. It’s the moment you find yourself again.”
So, plenty of time to get your ears around the new songs before a eight date U.K. tour in March including a visit to Edinburgh’s Mash House. For more on The Howlers including the new album and tour tickets, head to their website here.
