Shetland invasion as veteran island rockers team up for tour

TWO of the longest running rock bands in Shetland will be hitting the high seas next week to play gigs in Orkney, Inverness and Aberdeen.

Ten Tonne Dozer and Bitumen River will join forces to play alongside local talent over three nights between 17 and 19 September.

It is the latest trip on the road for acclaimed groove metallers Ten Tonne Dozer, who have not long come back from a jaunt around Ireland and are regular visitors to venues across Scotland and beyond.

For Bitumen River, who add in tones of grunge and punk, it will be their first time on the Scottish mainland in around 20 years – although they stopped off in Orkney last year for the isles’ rock festival.

Known for their chaotic live shows, Ten Tonne Dozer recently celebrated their 20th anniversary – but Bitumen River’s history spans back even further to around three decades.

Bitumen River vocalist Kevin Tulloch said: “We’re looking forward to playing in Orkney and the Scottish mainland again, especially Krakatoa in Aberdeen which we played a few times around 20 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed.

“Shetland has always had a lively rock and metal scene so it’s good to take a flavour of it south for a few gigs.”

The tour will begin at the Auld Motorhoose in Kirkwall, Orkney on Thursday 17 September where the two bands will be joined by local act Brytannia.

On Friday 18 September they will then perform alongside Devil’s Queen at the Tooth and Claw in Inverness.

Things will round off at Krakatoa in Aberdeen on Saturday 19 September, where there will be another “Shetland Vs The Deen’ event with Atomic Mother also on the bill.

The Orkney and Aberdeen gigs will be entry on the door, with advance tickets also available for Inverness.