Friday 29 March 2024
 8°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / From LA to Lerwick

Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire, who play live at Mareel tonigh

FRESH from playing before a televised audience of 12 million Americans last month, Roddy Hart and his band the Lonesome Fire play live at Mareel tonight – the group’s first show since their California trip.

The band, who featured in last year’s Proclaimers film Sunshine on Leith, were invited to Los Angeles by Scottish TV presenter Craig Ferguson in February.

After delivering a rollicking version of the song Bright Light Fever on the Late Late Show, the band were given the unusual accolade of a five-night residency on the show. Not a bad precursor to a Friday night in Lerwick.

Glasgwegian singer songwriter Hart’s name will ring familiar among islanders who saw him open for Kris Kristofferson at the Clickimin last month.

It was the legendary country singer who gave Hart his first big break almost a decade ago.

“I’m a very lucky man,” Hart admits. “Back in 2004 or 2005, Kris was in Glasgow making a movie called The Jacket and he decided he wanted to play a gig.

“He requested a support act, and between five to ten solo acts got put forward. Luckily he chose me, for whatever reason, and we did two shows at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.”

Kristofferson liked what he heard and the pair have since played over 40 shows together across the UK, including the Royal Albert Hall.

“It was sheer coincidence, sheer luck, so I’m forever grateful,” Hart says.

The man famous for hits including Me and Bobby McGee also persuaded Hart to choose the music industry over the legal trade (he has a first class honours degree in law).

He explains: “Kris Kristofferson looked me squarely in the eye and said ‘the world doesn’t need any more lawyers, but the world needs some more songwriters’. So that was it, it was decided.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Thirty three year old Hart, who also works as a national radio broadcaster, released three solo records before going on to work more regularly with five musicians who collectively became The Lonesome Fire.

The group have performed as the house band at star-studded Celtic Connections tribute shows to Bob Dylan and Gerry Rafferty.

Last year they released an eponymous 12-track album praised by Uncut magazine as “poetic and [with] verve… evoking the epic rock of Springsteen”.

So what can the audience for tonight’s show, presented by Ragged Wood Promotions in association with Shetland Arts, expect?

“It’s going to be very different actually,” Hart says, “because the Kris show was acoustic. It’s going to be a full band treatment, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

* Roddy Hart & the Lonesome Fire, supported by No Sweat, play live at Mareel tonight. Doors open at 7pm, and some tickets are still available from the Shetland Box Office priced £15.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.