Gig review: THE QUIREBOYS – Tolbooth, Stirling, 7 December 2017

December 13th, 2017 by david.wilson

Almost exactly a year ago local man Ross Wilson managed to lure The Quireboys to Stirling for a show under the ‘Rock For Strathcarron’ banner. The premise is that all profits raised from the gigs are donated to nearby Strathcarron Hospice who provide care for cancer patients, a very worthy cause. Spike and the band had enjoyed last year’s event so much that they accepted a return invite and opened their Christmas acoustic tour in the shadow of Stirling Castle.

As with last year the support band for tonight had made the long journey to Stirling from Sweden. The Gloria Story were again performing as a trio with Filip Rapp on guitar and vocals, Freddie Axelsson on guitar and Bella Varinni on vocals and I-pad. They opened with ‘Roadtrip’ which was apt as following the track Filip recounted the story of the band’s two day trek from Sweden, the glamorous life of the rock star!

The set was a blend of original numbers and a few choice cover versions including the Kiss classic ‘Come On And Love Me’ and ‘ Blitzkrieg Bop’ by the Ramones. New single ‘Does Your Heart Feel At Home’ went down well as did ‘Crusty Pie’ which followed an amusing intro from Filip. Once again The Gloria Story entertained and won a few more friends from the appreciative crowd.

With the hall now full MC Ross Wilson introduced The Quireboys to the stage. Spike opened by saying that Fish, who had played the same venue the night before, was still in the dressing room, talking about Marillion which raised a laugh.

‘There She Goes Again’ opened proceedings quickly followed by ‘Misled’. Spike was in good voice although his memory seemed a bit hazy throughout the show but that may have been more to do with a drinking session with Guy Griffin the night before!

The set was a good mix of new and old tracks and featured classics such as ‘Roses and Rings’ and ‘Mona Lisa Smiled’ all excellently played by Guy Griffin and Paul Guerin on guitar and Keith Weir on the piano. The guys also included tracks from their latest album ‘White Trash Blues’ which Spike proudly pointed out had topped the Blues charts in many countries. ‘I’m A King Bee’ and ‘Walking The Dog’ went down well even with the odd false start thrown in.

Other set highlights were ‘Hey You’ which was included in the acoustic show for the first time, ‘Devil Of A Man’ and the Quireboys signature tune ‘7 O’clock’ with the usual crowd participation. This was another top show from a band who never fail to deliver either in full electric mode or stripped back and acoustic.

Hopefully Stirling will become a regular pre Christmas stop for The Quireboys as their gigs are the gift that keeps on giving and the fact that it benefits such a good cause is really the icing on the Christmas cake.

Review and photos by Dave Wilson

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

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THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

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