New two-day rock music event in memory of ‘Gus’ revs up for action
GusFest is being held this weekend in memory of the late Angus ‘Gus’ Williamson
A NEW rock festival will arrive on the local music scene this weekend in honour of a well-known face in the scene.
GusFest will take over the Douglas Arms and Scalloway Boating Club across Saturday and Sunday, with two free gigs and a £20 ticketed concert in Scalloway.
Organiser Regan Williamson is helming GusFest – along with Peter and Scott Tomlinson – in memory of his late father, Angus ‘Gus’ Williamson, who was a die-hard Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne fan.
Regan said the simple idea to celebrate his dad had “grown into something bigger than I imagined”.
“To have nine acts across two days, with musicians from all corners of Shetland’s music scene coming together has been humbling,” he said.
“If we can honour my dad’s memory and give people a brilliant weekend of live music at the same time, then we will have accomplished something special.”
Saturday starts with a free gig at the Marlex, before moving to the Scalloway Boating Club in the evening for the main event – with tickets costing £20, and available here.
Sunday is then a free artist jam and performances in the Marlex from 3pm.
Regan said everything from acoustic sets to punk, grunge to party classics were lined up for this weekend.
“More than anything, I am excited to see folk fill the venues and enjoy the music and the company,” he said.
Regan walks us through the performing acts here:
Marlex on Saturday
“Saturday afternoon opens with Scott Tomlinson, who is Blackout Fear’s frontman and fellow organiser. We have the debuting JP and The Meerkats playing an acoustic set with three out of four of their band members.
“The Saturday afternoon session is closed by The Ronasvones. This is also a newer band, however they are made up of some veterans from the Shetland music scene. It’s great to have them involved as their singer, Robin Black, and my dad went back many years.”
Scalloway Boating Club
“Vagabond open the show, and I have known Stuart Alderson for many years so it’s exciting to have them involved. We are expecting some new, original material but also the usual covers of everything from AC/DC to Black Sabbath and Judas Priest.
“Grunge heavyweights Throat Locust celebrate their 10th anniversary with what will potentially be their only public gig of 2026, and are sure to draw on bands like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden.
“Fully Licensed return to the Scalloway Boating Club after playing for our first gig last October, Sleepless Circus, bringing rock and pop covers, before Marackled headline the night.
“They have always impressed when I have seen them live and bring a different sound, and a lot of noise. Expect everything from Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan to Rage Against the Machine and Ozzy Osbourne.”
Marlex on Sunday
“Local singer Isaac Duncan will be playing an acoustic set with Rhea Isbister, of The Skeks. Isaac is very talented and it’s great to have him kicking us off on the Sunday.
“Returning to Shetland on Sunday are Shetland Phony, who push musical boundaries and blend influences from hip hop, dance music and rock into a sound that’s entirely its own.
“Sunday’s GusFest session will see a different side of Shetland Phony and singer Joe Watt, with a laid-back, jazzier lo-fi hip hop set featuring cocktail drums and double bass.”
Regan said he wished to thank Anna at the Marlex, David and the team at the Scalloway Boating Club, and the GusFest musicians for agreeing to be part of the weekend.
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