Aberdeen’s own True North music festival opened last night with a storming headline performance from critically acclaimed London post-punk band Shame. The energetic performance, played to a lively crowd at the city’s Lemon Tree, included charismatic lead singer Charlie Steen jumping into the crowd and being held aloft. So much so, that a couple of ceiling tiles were knocked loose.
The first night of the four day festival also saw Glasgow indie-rock outfit Rascalton and DJ Retrospectre take to the Lemon Tree stage for an amazing night of live music, as well as family show Whirlygig entertaining younger audiences at the Music Hall earlier in the evening.
Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Cultural programming manager, Steven Milne, said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better start to this year’s True North, and last night set the tone for what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend. We want to create a buzz around the city and celebrate the joy of live music. As well as the headline concerts we have free performances taking place under the Leopard sculpture at Marischal Square, at Spin Bar and in Coda, the Music Hall café- across the weekend there are many opportunities to get involved.”
The festival continues on Friday with performances taking place in the Music Hall throughout the day at Coda Café and Big Sky Studio, while the historic surroundings of the Tivoli Theatre will host Friday night’s headline event with former guitarist and co-founder of The Coral, Bill Ryder-Jones. Now a singer-songwriter, producer and composer in his own right, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in UK music including Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets, Blur’s Graham Coxon and Paloma Faith. Also on the bill at the Tivoli on Friday night are Neon Waltz and Martha Ffion.
The festivities roll on late into the night back at the Lemon Tree where, unfortunately, due to illness, BC Camplight has been forced to postpone his appearance until a later date. However, Aberdeen’s own award-winning singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph has agreed to step in and open up with a special solo performance before stunning band Ninth Wave and legendary DJ Vic Galloway ensure a lively conclusion to the evening.
Scottish indie rockers The Twilight Sad will be taking to the Music Hall stage as Saturday headliners, joined by special guests Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert. The band are still riding high off the back of support slots with The Cure, who namecheck The Twilight Sad as one of their favourite bands.
Rip it Up Live – A Celebration of Scottish Pop, will be staged as a one-off performance at the Music Hall on Sunday, September 22. It has been commissioned by Aberdeen Performing Arts for True North and will be curated and hosted by BBC broadcaster Vic Galloway. Guest singers will include Claire Grogan of Altered Images, King Creosote, Emma Pollock from The Delgados, Richard Jobson of The Skids, Fay Fyfe and Eugene Reynolds of The Rezillos, Aberdeen’s own Kathryn Joseph, Honeyblood’s Stina Tweeddale, C Duncan, and Ross Leighton (Fatherson) performing some of their favourite songs from seven decades of Scottish pop.
Late night Lemon Tree shows add to the party atmosphere of the festival, with a chance to catch acts such as Self Esteem and Ibibio Sound Machine.
The festival’s family programme has been incredibly popular with a sold out dance party for children on Saturday and My First Gig on Sunday. There is also an opportunity for inquisitive teenagers to explore the fascinating world of electronics and sound in a workshop by the Tinderbox Collective on Saturday in the Tutti Studio at the Music Hall.
Full listings and more information is available online at https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/made-in-aberdeen/true-north/.
Tickets for all shows are on sale now. For tickets or further information visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com, phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at the Music Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre or the Lemon Tree.
Shame