The Student Advertiser

NOV 2014 ISSUE 3

STUDENT OFFERS AND NOVEMBER’S GIG GUIDE

INSIDE!

COMPETITION

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INTERVIEWS

THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS FULL DETAILS INSIDE!!

ASKING ALEXANDRIA CLEAN BANDIT CUT RIBBONS DANIEL SLOSS RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS: DOUGIE McCANCE

EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS

GLASGOW PAGES 14 – 17

Braw burgers and magic milkshakes in the West End 526 Great Western Road @brgrgla brgrglasgow Tel: 0141 339 1199 w www.brgr-glasgow.com

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

WANT TO WRITE FOR US? EMAIL INFO@THESTUDENTADVERTISER.CO.UK

ASKING ALEXANDRIA 4 CLEAN BANDIT 6 CUT RIBBONS 13 DANIEL SLOSS 19 CATHIE DEVITT: DON’T DRINK & FLY AUTHOR 24 SYLVAN ESSO 25 FUTURE FEATURE: RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS DOUGIE McCANCE 41

WHAT’S ON IN NOVEMBER THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS 9 MTV AWARDS SPECIAL WHO’S HERE? 14 MTV EMA FASHION 15

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS 16 PAST PRESENTERS 17 GLASGOW’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 18 GLASGOW IN MOVEMBER 28 MILLION MASK MARCH 31 GLASGOW COFFEE FESTIVAL 38 A CELEBRATION OF TONY BENN 39

GIG 20 GUIDE 27 STUDENT OFFERS

REVIEWS & PREVIEWS ENTERTAINMENT 32 GIGS OF THE MONTH IN OCTOBER – REVIEWS 35

WHINGEING WOMEN EAGULLS

GEORGE EZRA GIGS OF THE MONTH IN NOVEMBER – PREVIEWS 36

DUSKY + SUPPORT

51 SHADES OF MAGGIE

BOYS NOIZE – BNR PARTY

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS BANKS AUGUSTINES PHOX PANTO SEASON 37

PETER PAN

TREASURE ISLAND CINDERELLA Reviews and previews of all the top gigs Glasgow has to offer

COMPETITION WIN 2 TICKETS TO

THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS

AT KING’S THEATRE THE SHOW THAT STORMED INTO THE FINALS OF BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT & NOW A WEST END SMASH HIT IS BACK TO MARK ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN SPECTACULAR STYLE. Three years after impressing (and slightly horrifying) the nation on Britain’s got Talent, the cast of Circus of Horrors are heading to The Kings Theatre Glasgow on 25th November for one night only.

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‘YOU HAVE TO GO & SEE THIS, IF ONE DAY SOMETHING GOES WRONG YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SAY I WAS THERE’

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Tickets for Circus of Horror cost £28.90 (including booking fee) or £25.90 for concessions and are available via www.atgtickets.com/glasgow or through the box office on 0844 871 7648.

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Once you have done either one of these, your name will be entered into a draw and the winner will be selected at random. Remember to do both of these to be entered into the draw TWICE!!

Thank you all NOV 2014 ISSUE 3

INTERVIEWS

3

STUDENT OFFERS AND NOVEMBER’S GIG GUIDE

INSIDE!

COMPETITION

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR

INTERVIEWS

THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS

STUDENT LIFE FASHION 42 FRESHER FLAB 45 TOP 10 REASONS FOR LIVING AT HOME 46

The competition will close on Monday 17th November and the winner’s name will be announced on Tuesday 18th November.

GOOD LUCK...

FULL DETAILS INSIDE!!

ASKING ALEXANDRIA CLEAN BANDIT CUT RIBBONS DANIEL SLOSS RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS: DOUGIE McCANCE

EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS

GLASGOW PAGES 14 – 17

ASKING ALEXANDRIA

DANIEL SLOSS

CLEAN BANDIT

DISCLAIMER

PAGES 4 & 5

PAGES 6 & 7

PAGE 19

The views expressed in The Student Advertiser do not necessarily reflect the views of those who have contributed to the publication. The Student Advertiser takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. The Student Advertiser considers its sources reliable, and while every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate at the time of print, reporting inaccuracies can occur, therefore readers using this information do so at their own risk.

4

INTERVIEW

ASKING ALEXANDRIA

ON THEIR NEW SINGLE,

CRAZY FANS AND

LOSING TEETH Asking Alexandria are a band who aren’t afraid to court controversy. Their frontman Danny Worsnop is known for his partying lifestyle and his cocky attitude – but with their latest release, “Moving On”, they’re attracting a new kind of criticism.

Gone are the metalcore stylings that AA fans are accustomed to and instead listeners are treated to a mix of big, anthemic guitar riffs and vocals that wouldn’t sound out of place from the likes of Thunder or Aerosmith.

From listening to the rest of the album, it’s clear that this isn’t in itself a new direction for the band but rather a release for the eclectic tastes of individual members – something that has been highlighted even further by Danny’s inclusion in the side project ‘We Are Harlot’, who focus more on a classic rock vibe.

The band are also keen to stress that although they’ve

released a softer song, it doesn’t mean that they’re turning into a softer band – a claim backed up by a lot of their newer material, which is among some of the heaviest that they have written.

WE LOOK BACK ALL THE TIME AND I JUST THINK: SHIT! IT’S CRAZY. Whatever direction Asking Alexandria are set to take next, fans in Glasgow didn’t seem too concerned. Instead, they snaked their way around the outside of the Barrowland Ballroom, getting ready to see a band who have become one of the most prolific names in modern rock.

Ahead of a two-night stint at one of Glasgow’s most famous venues, I caught up with AA’s bassist Sam Bettley, to talk about devoted fans, how things have changed over the years and the night their drummer Sam came back with no teeth. Here’s what he had to say: You’re on tour at the moment. How’s the tour been going so far?

Yeah, the tour’s been awesome. We’re about two or three weeks in now so it’s quite a long one. It’s more dates in the UK than we’ve ever done but it’s cool. It’s awesome.

When bands do those longer tours they tend to come back with some pretty strange road stories. Have you had anything weird happen so far?

It’s always a bit difficult when someone asks that because

they all sort of blur into one really. It doesn’t matter what tour you’re on you always think of it as a couple of months ago or yesterday or whatever. One time, James went out with a few of our friends on the road and he came back with barely any teeth. That was a bit strange!

He came back and had his face stuck to his pillow. He just fell over drunk and looked like he’d had his head kicked in by like ten people. He was alright though!

You’ve been together and in the spotlight for quite a long time. How do you keep things going and keep it fresh?

We just don’t stop. We’re always on the road. This is our life so we don’t ever stop. We were one of the busiest bands of 2013 so we’re just constantly touring, constantly writing music. It literally hasn’t stopped since about six years ago when we first got started.

It’s easy for it all to be booked and everything to be done but it can be hard to keep yourself going physically. It’s part of our lives now though and we’re used to it. I don’t think any of us would have it any other way now.

Do you think things have changed much from when you first started?

Definitely. When I joined the band I was 17 and I’m 23 now. We’re all growing up and we’ve all learnt so much from when we first started. I think we’ve kind of come into our own as a band but also as individuals as well. There’ve been loads of changes. Writing, touring, the way we play, everything. I think you just grow up a bit as time goes on.

We look back all the time and I just think: “Shit!” It’s crazy.

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

ONE TIME, JAMES WENT OUT WITH A FEW OF OUR FRIENDS ON THE ROAD AND HE CAME BACK WITH BARELY ANY TEETH. THAT WAS A BIT STRANGE! You get so wrapped up in a whirlwind of just going and going and going and just trying to keep that momentum. I think sometimes you can forget to look back but when you do that’s when you see it.

I think we do look back quite often. We look back at Stand Up and Scream and realise just how much we’ve done and progressed and grown and changed since then. It’s crazy, it’s a crazy feeling.

Looking back at some of the stuff you did on that first album, do you think things have changed a lot in terms of your music?

Yeah, I do. I think things have changed a lot there as well.

That’s just us maturing and that first album was written so quickly. We put it all together so quickly that I don’t think even we knew what our sound was then. As the new albums have come out and as we write more and more stuff, I think it’s just more us. We’re getting more control as well so the things we’re writing we’re much happier with.

I wanted to ask you about the new single “Moving On”. It’s quite a different sound to a lot of the stuff you’ve done. How did that come about?

It’s a lot softer. It’s a ballad really. It’s a good song to give Danny a chance to show what he can do and I think he had a lot to say in that song. We loved it. When we got the vocals back from him it was just like, holy shit! It’s completely different but that’s what we wanted to do.

We’ve never released an album where it’s just the same stuff or where we’re trying to stick to some guidelines or anything. I think we really just do what we want. Obviously we take into consideration the fans and everything but I think the response to it has been great. Musically, it’s f***king awesome, I think.

Do you think that change was quite an intentional one then and do you think you’ll look at that style again in the future?

I’m not sure yet. I wouldn’t sit here and say “yeah, that’s what all our songs are going to sound like”. We definitely still love heavy music. We are a heavy rock and roll band, that’s what we are. So we can really do whatever we want.

If we want to do another song like that then we will. I don’t think it’s just going to be that style going forward though.

Some of the heaviest songs we’ve ever written have been done recently. It just depends what we’re in the mood for.

What did you make of the overall reaction? For the most part, it’s been very positive but if you go on to YouTube for example, there are definitely some more negative comments in there as well.

That’s always going to happen. We’re not the first band that’s happened to. What are you going to do? Considering how much of our lives we put into this, we want to be honest with ourselves. We’re really happy with what we’re doing and I think overall, you’re always going to have negative comments coming from somewhere. It doesn’t matter what you do.

I think the majority love it. We love it and that’s all that matters really. F***k the rest!

INTERVIEW Is it ever a worry for you to consider going in that direction if you know that some fans will be put off?

Nah, I’m not really worried. We just wanted to do a softer song; it doesn’t mean that we’re a softer band. It’s just another outlet and we need those outlets. Danny’s influences are sort of 80s style and rock and roll but we’ve still got that heavy side embedded in us.

I think we’re a hybrid band, a big mixture of it all. We’re not part of a scene. We just do our own thing. I don’t like it when we get compared to other bands because we’re nothing like other bands, I don’t think. That’s why we can release songs like that and heavy songs at the same time.

It seems like you have really devoted fans. What do you make of that kind of interaction?

I absolutely love them. I think it’s awesome. We meet them every day before the shows and sometimes we get letters and we get some stories saying that we’ve changed their lives or we’ve helped them. Some of them even come to the show on their own and we’re definitely grateful for that.

I’m sure they meet lots of people at the shows who’re into the same stuff and who’ve gone through the same things. It blows me away because for me, I’m just in a band and we’re touring and we’re so wrapped up in what we’re doing but then it’s affecting them so much.

Is there ever a converse to that? Do you get people who go a bit too far?

Yeah, you’ve always got some people who’re a little bit crazy or a bit creepy but I think there’s a line for everything.

I can’t think of anything that any of them have done that’s too crazy. A lot of them are very respectful and we’ve never really had a problem with that.

You definitely seem to be a band that spends a lot of time with your fans where others might not bother to be so involved. Is that something you do intentionally?

5

Well, we look at it as a big family. We’re out there for an hour talking to them and I think things like social media are a good tool for them to get in touch with us. There’s been loads of times where we’ve picked people out and we’ve been able to get them into a gig if they can’t get in and they’re always a bit surprised that we saw them after all the messages and stuff that we get but it’s little things like that people never forget. I know I wouldn’t, if I was into a band that I love and they showed that they actually do care and listen.

When you first started out, did you ever think you’d be in this position where you have millions of fans all over the world?

It was weird really because we kind of got thrown in at the deep end. When we first started, no one had any doubts that we were going to do it. We were actually quite cocky really and we knew we were going to do it. We knew we had something to say and we did it. There was no doubt in our minds that we were going to make some waves but the scale of it obviously took us by surprise. It certainly shocked me. I have to keep pinching myself when I look back and think: “Wow this is actually real!”

I feel like we’re still on the journey though. It’s not over yet.

We’re just going to keep going and keep looking forward.

I want to stop looking back and start looking forward because we’re only halfway through this journey, I think.

What have you got coming up over the next few months?

Well, we’ve got a little bit of time off and then we go into the studio and start planning the next album. We’ve been writing loads so we’re really excited about that. There’s some really heavy and some really cool stuff on there. We’ll be taking a bit of time off at the start of next year and then the second half of next year we’re going to be back out

by Derek Healey @Healey26 and touring again. d.healey@tsaglasgow.com

6

INTERVIEW Jess Glynne and it was going down really well at festivals.

We eventually decided to record it and having met Jess through our label (we’re both signed to Atlantic Records), we asked her to sing on the track. She fitted perfectly.

You’ve teamed up with Jess Glynne again for ‘Real Love’ and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. What is it like collaborating with Jess and why do you think it works so well?

I think her voice sounds really great on both tracks! There are different challenges with every vocalist. With Jess, I’m not sure she’d recorded much before Rather Be so that made the process challenging in that way but also exciting – and it turned out well! Usually we write the lyrics together with the singers we work with and their different styles affect the style of the music but in the case of Rather Be and Real Love the lyrics were finished before we met to record them.

You have a really unique style and it seems to be a fusion of a lot of different genres. How did you come to find your sound?

AN INTERVIEW WITH

CLEAN BANDIT They’re chart-topping summer hit ‘Rather Be’ spent four weeks at number one on the Official UK Singles Chart, spawned 32 million streams and became the UK’s most streamed song of 2014 so far. Now Clean Bandit are getting set to embark on a massive tour, having already bagged their first ever US Top 10 last month, and things couldn’t be looking much brighter for the Cambridge collective.

This innovative electronic-foursome are built around a string quartet and draw inspiration from a veritable smorgasbord of different musical genres. They’ve made 2014 their breakthrough year and have been credited for introducing classical works to a new generation of young listeners.

The band consists of cellist Grace Chatto, bass guitar and keyboard player Jack Patterson, drummer Luke Patterson, and violinist Milan “Neil” Amin-Smith. Their debut Album ‘New Eyes’ was released on 30th May and features a number of guest vocalists.

Grace spoke to TSA about their summer success, how they found their unique sound and trying to make it big in the States. Here’s what she had to say: You claimed your first ever top 10 US single with ‘Rather Be’. How does it feel to be making it big on both sides of the Atlantic?

It’s so amazing, and so exciting! We love America and just had the best time touring out there. This month it’s great to be back in Blighty; we can’t wait to get started with our UK tour.

How has the response been in the US so far?

It’s been pretty good! The fans we met were so lovely.

When we were driving around, we kept hearing our song on the radio which was so surreal. There seems to be a really supportive vibe and we felt very welcome.

It seems like you were picked up by the mainstream media there quite quickly. Is that something you were expecting?

In the US, we’ve been lucky enough to perform on Jimmy Kimmel and Good Morning America but in fact, we’ve been going as a band for about 6 years so in our minds it doesn’t feel that quick. Saying that though, 2014 has been a whirlwind for us!

‘Rather Be’ was obviously a massive hit here in the UK and a lot of people would say it was one of the biggest tracks of the Summer. Did you expect it to have that kind of success and did you know you had something special when you first recorded it?

We thought it was a good song but we had no idea it would go global! We performed it a lot before we met

IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK IN BLIGHTY; WE CAN’T WAIT TO GET STARTED WITH OUR UK TOUR

It’s been a very organic and social process. Neil and I started a string quartet first and Jack, our good friend, helped us with publicising the classical concerts (designing posters etc.) and later did recordings for us. Because of that closeness, we wanted to actually play some music together and so he began writing beats and basslines using the classical music we performed as a basis.

We have lots of songs that came about in that way. We performed a lot of them live for years but never actually recorded them. By the time we started recording, we were making original string parts (like in Rather Be) that are not classical but still played on the acoustic instruments. The initial songs were mainly hip hop and reggae beats, some dubstep. Then, since we’ve began working with many different vocalists, it’s all opened up even more and we are constantly integrating different styles of music, from UK garage to folk.

How do you think the classical world has reacted to your music?

I think they’ve reacted really well. We’ve had many kind words about our album from musicians that we respect hugely, most recently Iestyn Davies – who I could listen to forever. We’ve also been invited to collaborate with various orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic! I’m not sure if that will actually happen but I really hope it does.

We had an amazing time performing our album in a very new way with the BBC Philharmonic last month. We made arrangements of the songs with Joe Duddell, trying to recreate all the electronic sounds using the instruments of the orchestra.

You don’t currently have a lead vocalist. Why did you choose that approach and does it ever make things more difficult?

It gives us a lot of creative freedom. When we started 6 years ago, we did have a lead singer, Love Ssega, but then he became busy with his science PhD so at that point we opened up into more of a collective.

It’s enabled us to write vocal lines in many different styles across the album, which is really exciting. It can present problems for live performances because we can’t tour around with all of the singers but we work with two amazingly versatile vocalists for our live shows, Elisabeth Troy and Florence Rawlings, who cover all of the songs on the album.

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

INTERVIEW

7

You’ve worked with Jimmy Napes previously and he seems to be doing really big things right now as well. Do you think you’ll work with him again going forward and how was it working with him?

It was amazing. He and Jack are on fire every time they sit down at a piano and start writing! We’ve written Rather Be with him, as well as Extraordinary, and my favourite (musically and lyrically): Dust Clears. He’s such a clever musician and writer and he also has a beautiful voice. I definitely hope we get to make more together.

A lot of people have remixed the tracks from your album. How does it feel when you hear those different takes on your own tracks and do you have any favourites?

It’s really fun to listen to the remixes. My favourite is Toddla T’s remix of Come Over. It’s great; I think I prefer it to the original! Check it out!

You all went to Cambridge. Do you think uni life makes for good inspiration for music?

Being there allowed us to set up the band, because we all lived close together and had loads of space to rehearse and put on concerts. Because it’s a small town, it was relatively easy to promote our club night and our classical concerts.

They were always packed, which is something we could never have done in London starting out.

As well as having a unique style, you also have your own approach to things like music videos. How has your label reacted to that and have they ever put their foot down on something you wanted to do?

Not yet! They’ve been amazing and let us make the videos completely alone and get on with it. I think our videos were partly what caught the attention of record labels in the first place, as we’d made 4 or 5 before we met them.

What’s next for Clean Bandit?

We’re touring a LOT. World tour! And making music on the road, always.

Clean Bandit will be playing throughout the UK and Europe and their debut album ‘New Eyes’ is out now. Their new single ‘Real Love’ featuring Jess Glynne is set to be

by Derek Healey @Healey26 released on November 16th.

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NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

Three years after impressing (and slightly horrifying) the nation on Britain’s got Talent, the cast of Circus of Horrors are heading to The Kings Theatre Glasgow on 25th November for one night only.

Circus of Horrors was one of the most bizarre, breathtaking and stomach-churning acts ever to grace BGT and are a self-described “big family of freaks”. When they first burst onto our screens the act caused a fair amount of shock with their show which was directed by the ‘undead ring master’ Doctor Haze and starred a Guinness World Record holding ‘hairculian’ hair hanging beauty and Hannibal Helmurto, a former German tax inspector turned circus hypnotist/sword swallower, to name but a few of the talented cast members.

Since reaching the semi-finals of the show in 2011 they have been busy with other appearances on shows such as The X Factor, Daybreak, Fairground Attractions, Who wants to be a Millionaire, Body Shockers, Fake Reaction, This Morning, Ant & Dec and The One Show.

WHAT’S ON

9

AT KING’S THEATRE However, they have not just been biding time making television appearances. Last year they made history by becoming the first circus act to appear in a West End Theatre in 100 years and had an eight week stint in London’s West End with their ‘London after Midnight’ show.

This November they’ll be wowing crowds across the UK with their latest offering ‘The Night of the Zombie’.

The show is set in the year 2000, in a ‘decrepit and corpse ridden’ London, that has been overrun with zombies and features many twists and turns with ‘grisly murders and sensational shocks’.

If that doesn’t sound spooky enough, the almighty cast includes a ‘demon dwarf’ and ‘sinister sisters’ along with sword swallowers, fire limboing acrobats and many other crazy acts.

Circus of Horrors is almost 20 years old and first played to crowds at the 1995 Glastonbury Festival. It became hugely popular and has since toured all over the world. The hugely entertaining show has visited everywhere from Chile to Chatham, Argentina to Aberdeen, Japan and Jersey and they’ve had festival appearances with stars including Alice Cooper, Eminem, Oasis, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, The Manic St Preachers and many more.

This show isn’t for the faint of heart but for those with a strong stomach it sounds like a must see. If you’re trying to decide whether or not you fancy it, Graham Norton has possibly the most convincing reason for attending: “You have to go see this, if one day something goes wrong, you will be able to say, I was there”.

If you do build up the courage to attend though, just remember one thing, don’t try any of the crazy stunts at home afterwards!

Tickets for Circus of Horror cost £28.90 (including booking fee) or £25.90 for concessions and are available via www.atgtickets.com/glasgow or through the box office on 0844 871 7648.

COMPETITION TIME We are running a compeititon this month, giving you – our amazing readers – the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to The Circus of Horrors!!

If you want to be enetered into our draw, all you have to do is head over to our Facebook, Like our page, and like our competition status which will be pinned to the top of our profile.

If you want to be entered into our draw a SECOND time, then just head over to our Twitter page, give us a follow and RT the competition tweet which will be pinned to the top of our page.

We will pick somebody at random from the draw and announce the winner via our social media platforms on Tuesday 18th November. Get following guys!! www.facebook.com/ thestudentadvertiser @TSA_Glasgow

by Courtney Hendry @courtneysarahx c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com

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FEATURE

MY NIGHT OUT WITH GLASGOW’S STREET PASTORS

My first experience with the Glasgow Street Pastors was probably the same as most people my age; drunk, on a Saturday night out on Sauchiehall Street and propping up a friend wearing ridiculously high heels.

On that rainy Saturday evening – or Sunday morning to be more precise, they gave my friend some flip-flops so that she could take her shoes off without worrying about cutting her feet on any glass on the pavement. As we got set to walk away, my friend turned around and waved to the Street Pastors. “I bloody love them,” she said.

Then, when I saw them take part in The Street – a BBC documentary spanning a year in the lives those who “live, work and play” on Sauchiehall Street – I knew I had to find out first-hand what the Street Pastors are all about. And, as it turns out, they’re about a lot more than just handing out a few pairs of flip-flops.

When I first met up with them at their base in the Faith and Belief Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University, the first thing that struck me was how much preparation they put in to going out on the street. This clearly wasn’t just a case of popping on a blue anorak and heading out for the night.

They had a roll call and organised themselves into teams – some of whom would be going out onto the streets and others who would act as “prayer partners”, staying back at the centre, taking calls and praying for everyone to remain safe.

Then they held a meeting like any other organisation might do – although perhaps atypically, it ended with a prayer and an allegorical story about a flashlight to help remind the pastors of their connection with God. Then Margaret, who was acting as the Team Leader that night, reminded the Pastors not to touch anyone without checking first and perhaps more bizarrely, not to bend down to put anyone’s flip-flops on for them “regardless of how drunk they are”.

As Margaret put it, “It just keeps everything very respectful. Plus, if they’re drunk and you’re bending down to help them put them on, they might be a bit worse-forwear and decide to kick you on the head.”

At that point, I began to wonder what I might have let myself in for. We got our jackets on and headed out, divided into our own little teams. For obvious reasons, I joined one of the teams going out into the streets and we headed down to Queen Street to do our first shift.

I’ve got to be honest here and say that the first half of the night didn’t really have the wild Glasgow-on-a-Saturdaynight vibe I was expecting. It was all a bit tame at first really.

Apart from a woman being sick behind a bin and a guy who had “been drinking since 10am”, it was all pretty calm.

What was good, however, was that it gave me a chance to see some of the other work the Street Pastors do – a lot of which might otherwise have gone unnoticed. They picked up empty bottles left lying in the street because if they didn’t, people might “come out the clubs and look for something to hit each other with”.

And they checked that those who needed to clock out early – such as the vomity bin woman – were able to do so and had a safe route home. And perhaps most touching of all, they went around the homeless people of Glasgow, left begging on street corners, and offered them a roll or a hat and a pair of gloves. It’s probably not the most glamorous side of what the Street Pastors do – and glamorous is almost certainly the wrong word – but it was definitely interesting to see.

Just after we’d handed out our third roll and second pair of gloves for the evening, a man came running up to us from behind just to say thank-you and let us know that he thought the Street Pastors are “absolutely amazing”.

I asked Brodie, one of the Pastors in my group, if that was fairly typical and he told me it’s been happening more

and more since people have become more aware of what they do. That probably makes sense because for a lot of people, the Street Pastors might seem like a fairly odd group to come up to you in the middle of a night out.

Not long after that exchange, a woman looking for a taxi came up to us and asked if we were “those street walker people”. I’m not sure what she meant but when she found out that we weren’t, she said, “Oh, it’s just those Christian weirdos” and staggered off into the night.

As it turns out, that’s also a fairly common reaction to the Street Pastors. As the night went on, we heard such gems as “Christian freaks”, “Jesus nuts” and some comedy genius who demanded to know if we’d “heard the good news”. If this was what the Pastors had to put up with on a weekly basis, I wasn’t sure how they did it.

“You’re always going to get that,” Margaret explained

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

later. “It’s our faith that brings us out here. We’re not into preaching but it’s the love of Jesus that’s in our hearts.”

Earlier in the night, Margaret had asked God to give the Pastors stamina so that they could go about their work and I was shocked to learn that some of the older members of the team – who sometimes range up to their 70s and 80s – often take painkillers for their knees before going out to walk the streets.

It seemed unfair to me that people who give up so much to help others should be subjected to abuse just because of their beliefs. It didn’t seem to bother the Pastors in the slightest though. They just got on with it and did it with a perennial smile. As I was about to find out, that good nature persists in even the most trying of circumstances.

Margaret told me about how the Pastors work with the police and how sometimes they’ll call the Pastors to come to a scene when they think their presence might be a better fit.

As we walked up and down the streets from the Merchant City, through Queen Street, Bath Street and all the way up to the top end of Sauchiehall Street and around again in a circuit, I noticed that several police officers and doormen stopped to acknowledge the Street Pastors.

It was clear that they had become a part of the furniture on Glasgow’s streets. Many of the regular faces clearly knew exactly what the Street Pastors do and when to call on them for help. I wondered if this had ever led to the good will of the Pastors being exploited and whether they’ve ever been called to do more than they should have to.

One of the more sombre points of the night came when we met a homeless man and his wife who were spending the night in the doorway of an abandoned shop in the Merchant City. He was clearly on drugs and his wife was sleeping next to him with a half-empty bottle of cider.

We gave him a pair of gloves and a roll and he told us that he had been sleeping rough consistently for almost three solid weeks. He didn’t want to stay in one of the shelters because they would probably split him up from his wife and he was worried about what would happen to her.

At one point, a passer-by threw a few coins into a torn cup lying next to the rucksack that the homeless man was using as a pillow. He took out the pound coin and put it into his jacket pocket in case he fell asleep. He didn’t want anyone to steal it. He told us about the time someone had beaten him and stripped him naked for the sake of 60 pence in change and a few extra pieces of clothing.

We spent nearly an hour with him and he did the vast majority of the talking. It felt like this was one of the few times in his life where someone actually bothered to stop and listen to what he had to say – even though at times, he struggled to get his words together.

FEATURE

The Pastors asked if they could pray for him and he was happy to let them do it. Together the man and the two Pastors closed their eyes and prayed. It was a surreal moment, standing in that doorway with them all and not really knowing how to act.

As we shook his hand, getting ready to leave, a few police officers walked past and nodded their heads towards the Pastors. This was nothing new. We left him there, sitting up and keeping a watchful eye over his wife as strangers in designer clothes walked by. Somehow, I can’t seem to get that image out of my head.

Later in the evening, sometime around 2am, the clubs began kicking out punters. This is when the Pastor’s work took a change from seeking out people to help to what essentially became fire-fighting.

We saw a man staggering down Bath Street with stains all over his white shirt. It looked as though he had fallen down a few times. The Pastors debated over whether the man needed help to get home and ultimately decided they should go over.

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As we approached, Margaret said I might need to help them pick the man up and get him to a place where he can get a taxi or a lift home. He smelt of urine and was talking loudly down the phone to his girlfriend. He told us he was fine and he didn’t need our help.

Despite the Pastors protests, he said his girlfriend had arranged a taxi for him and he would be able to get home without any problems. As we walked away, he clattered back into the wall and slouched down a bit. As Margaret explained, they can only help those that want to be helped.

The rest of the night was spent handing out flip-flops to girls in high heels, among the chaos of the emptying Sauchiehall Street clubs. Here there were hugs all-round and one girl asked, doughy-eyed, “Are you actually angels?”

It was a nice way to end a frantic night. As we walked back to the Faith and Belief Centre, we saw two girls we’d met earlier dancing to a busker and one ran over to hug the Pastors. There was a genuine affection there that seemed to encapsulate the warmth that those in the know seem to feel about the Street Pastors.

Overall, I was amazed by the work that they do. I had genuinely believed that they spent most of their nights walking around handing out flip-flops and trying to share the odd conversation about Jesus. I had no idea that they really played such an integral part in the fabric of Glasgow’s streets.

As we reached the Belief Centre for a final time, Margaret had a call on her mobile. It was 4 am. The police wanted to know if the Street Pastors could come to a scene and help them calm down a situation that had spiralled out of control. Margaret, wearily, had to decline.

At some point, the Pastors have to call it a night and admit when their time is up. I wondered if perhaps they should admit defeat more often. I think the Street Pastors are amazing and clearly, the work they do is essential but I do worry about whether that work should be carried out by someone in a more official capacity.

I truly wish that the Street Pastors did only have to hand out a few flip-flops and say a few prayers but our streets have far greater problems than that. Whilst those problems probably shouldn’t fall at their door, I’m glad that there are people out there who genuinely care and want to make Glasgow a better place. *Additional reporting

by Derek Healey

by Blair Travers @Healey26

d.healey@tsaglasgow.com

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INTERVIEW be tied in with lower points to make it more relatable.

There are so many things that influence us. We’ve got a few bands that we all listen to and we all love but everyone has their own style and it goes off in tangents. It ranges from me listening to sort of Icelandic folk music to Kyle, our drummer, who listens to a lot of hip hop. It’s a totally mixed bag but I think it makes for a nice mix.

You chose “Walking on Wires” to be the lead track of your new EP. Why did you choose it?

CUT RIBBONS

CHAT ABOUT THEIR NEW EP, READING FESTIVAL AND THE BAND’S NEW DIRECTION

After first making waves back in 2012, Welsh rockers Cut Ribbons are back with a new EP that looks set to leave a lasting impression. They’ve matured a lot since they were first ‘introduced’ by the BBC two summers ago and their new single ‘Walking on Wires’ has already attracted fresh attention from Radio 1, Q Magazine and a number of others.

Working with producers Rocky O’Reilly and Jeremy Murphy, the band have created a sound that contrasts ‘fizzy pop’ synths with the sombre melodic heartbreak that Cut Ribbons fans will be more accustomed to hearing.

‘Sail’ leads the way for their debut album, due in early 2015.

Following a busy summer of festivals around the UK and Europe and in the midst of an extensive touring schedule, guitarist and vocalist Aled Rees spoke to TSA about the band’s new direction, getting bronchitis at the Reading Festival and carefully choosing their moment. Here’s what he had to say: Could you tell me a little bit about your beginnings as a band?

We’ve been together for about four years. We all come from Llanelli and we’ve known each other for a long time. At that time, everyone’s projects were coming to an end and it just seemed like the natural thing to start something up together.

You’ve got quite an individual sound. How would you describe to someone who hadn’t heard you before?

What kind of stuff influences you?

I think it’s quite difficult. I suppose it’s still kind of indy-rock but maybe edging more towards synth pop these days. We try to go for a sort of anthemic sound on stage but it’s got to

We actually wrote it a number of years ago and we’ve always been sort of holding it back. We recorded it previously and although we liked the recording we didn’t really produce it properly. Earlier this year we deconstructed the song and rebuilt it in the form it’s in now. We took that step back and now is the first time that it really feels finished.

I think because we’ve had it for such a long time, it’s never really dissipated in its energy when we play it live. We knew we had to do something with it and we just knew it had to be the single.

It was picked up and chosen to be Q Magazine’s track of the day and it’s had air time on Radio 1. How does that recognition feel after all the work you’ve put in?

It’s always really humbling when someone of influence picks up on your music and we’ve had some interest previously in other tracks but not quite on the level Walking on Wires has at the moment. It feels a bit unreal really. We listen to those shows anyway so to hear your music being played is quite amazing.

The EP sounds quite different to some of your earlier stuff. Was that intentional?

It was definitely intentional. We are on the verge of exploring different avenues musically. We’re working on lots of quite poppy stuff and I think it’s really exciting for us. It’s something we’ve not really done before. We’re concentrating on these really big, bright ‘synthy’ songs but they’re being countered by more sombre, emotional songs too because we’re actively trying to bring more variation into our set and make the live show more exciting. You need to have those peaks and troughs.

A lot of people will have heard Cut Ribbons back in 2012 when Damascus was released and you were first playing a lot of the big festivals. It seems like it’s been a fairly long time since then. Why did you choose to wait until now to push on with the album?

I think we had the initial burst round about that time and that came about so quickly that we had to re-evaluate what was going on. We played a lot of festivals that year and we have been touring since then but we’ve been working towards the album and getting lots of writing done.

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I don’t think the gap has necessarily been a bad thing for us because it’s given us time to really re-evaluate things and now we know exactly where we want to be going. I don’t think we did as much before. Hopefully this can be our resurgence and get us back into the public eye a little bit more.

You’ve been travelling about a lot over the last year, playing gigs all over the UK and further afield. What’s that experience been like?

It’s been great. We love touring. I think a lot of bands begrudge touring because you are travelling about everywhere in vans and you’re with the same people all the time but it’s not really like that for us. When we’re not doing things as a band, we’re always together anyway. It’s just another day for us really.

Everyone’s really nice on tour and it’s actually all very happy.

You get to meet people and visit places that you’ve never been before – and you hopefully get to put on really great performances. That’s what it’s really all about.

You played loads of festivals this year. What has the reaction been like and do you have any particular favourite moments?

We’ve always had really good reactions at festivals. I think one of the best might have been with the Reading festival when we got to play on that big stage. That was a really big moment for us – except I had the worst bronchitis I’ve ever had in my life so that was a bit difficult. I had to have a little swig of whisky before I went on to alleviate my throat! That was a pretty big moment for me personally though. It was probably our first taste of what it could be.

I read in some other interviews that you all live together. Do you still share a house?

No, not any more. Some of us still live together but we have the other guys round so often that we might as well all still stay in the same house! Llanelli is not a big place so we’re all in walking distance of each other anyway. We’re always holed up in one of the houses and we’re always in the studio together. It’s only really where we sleep. I had them all round for Sunday lunch last Sunday!

You’re working on the new album at the moment.

When do you think it will be released?

We’re hoping it’s going to come out around January. We’ve just finished the singles and we’re just recording everything now and then we’ll send it to our producer. I’m working on the final song and then that will be sent over. I want to put a Welsh track on there too so that might be an extra

by Derek Healey one. Maybe we’ll do it as a @Healey26 hidden track. d.healey@tsaglasgow.com

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WHAT’S ON

MTV AWARDS SPECIAL

MTV EMA’S COMES TO GLASGOW

WHO’S HERE...?

Europe’s biggest party is finally heading back to Scotland as the MTV Europe Music Awards hit Glasgow on November 9th and we couldn’t be more thrilled, especially since it’s the 20th anniversary of the show.

The Europe Music Awards were introduced in 1994 as an alternative to the immensely popular MTV Video Music Awards and since then it’s added many more categories and grown a huge fan base, with over 55 million viewers last year.

From the moment it was announced that Glasgow, one of only seven cities in the world to be given the UNESCO City of Music title, would be the host city, rumours have been swirling about who we should expect to see at the show (and who we’ll hopefully bump into in town).

So far we know that queen of the twerk, Nicki Minaj, is not only hosting the event but she’ll also be taking to the stage to perform some of her hit songs.

Along with Nicki we know that Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Enrique Iglesias, Charli XCX, Kiesza and Royal Blood will definitely be performing for the crowd at the SSE Hydro.

Scottish superstar and highest earning DJ in the world, Calvin Harris, will also be taking to the stage and we’ve got our hopes on him taking home an award on the night in front of his home crowd, as he’s been nominated in two categories, ‘Best Electronic’ and ‘Best UK and Ireland Act’.

Fans can also hope to catch a glimpse of Chvrches, La Roux and DJ Trevor Nelson around town in the week leading up to the event as these big names take part in MTV Music Week. They’ll be performing at some iconic Glasgow venues such as the Barrowlands and the O2 ABC. The huge awards show is set to continue Glasgow’s year in the spotlight and should bring in some serious revenue to the city as tourists from all over the world will descend with hopes of spotting a star. Experts predict the two and a half hour show will boost Glasgow’s economy by around £10m, that’s a huge £66,666 a minute!

The show’s organisers are hoping to beat last year’s viewing figures and the introduction of new category

‘Best Song with a Message’ could help them do so. The category has been introduced to “recognise songs that have an empowering impact on young people, tackling important issues they care about and inspiring them to have a social conscience”, according to MTV. Beyoncé’s ‘Pretty Hurts’, ‘We Exist’ by Arcade Fire, ‘Take Me To Church’ by Hozier, Meghan Trainor’s ‘All About That Bass’ and ‘We are Here’ by Alicia Keys, are all competing for the award as these songs carry important messages about self-acceptance, genderidentity, reclaiming humanity through love and ending violence around the world.

Leading the way with the most nominations at this year’s show is Katy Perry who’s competing for seven awards, Arianna Grande follows closely with six nominations and ‘Happy’ singer, Pharrell Williams is nominated for five awards including ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Video’.

Another superstar fans are guaranteed to see at the show is British rock legend, Ozzy Osbourne, who’ll be there on November 9 to collect the ‘Global Icon’ award, he’ll be joining a prestigious list of former winners that includes Eminem, Queen, Bon Jovi and Whitney Houston.

At the time of print, there have been rumours circulating that global superstar Beyoncé will be taking to the stage as MTV released a YouTube video saying: “Don’t miss Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, Iggy Azalea, Eminem and more performing Sunday, November 9th”.

However, those artists performed at the 2013 awards so it is feared it may have been an innocent mistake. It’s safe to say though that fans are praying Queen B will be gracing Glasgow with her presence, it would definitely take the show to the next level.

Don’t miss the Europe Music Awards this November 9th, Live from the SSE

by Courtney Hendry Hydro on Channel Five or @courtneysarahx on MTV (Virgin 134 / Sky c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com 126).

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

MTV AWARDS SPECIAL

WHAT’S ON

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FASHION HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 20 YEAR HISTORY OF THE EMA’S If you think of a prestigious awards show like the Oscars or the Grammys then you can easily associate the night with glitz, glamour and gorgeous, dramatic, bespoke gowns.

However, when it comes to the EMA’s it’s not to say that the celebrities don’t make as much of an effort, but it’s almost like comparing buying a dress for prom and buying a dress for the opening night of a new club. With prom you want people to comment on how sophisticated you look but with the new club night, you just want to impress.

The celebrities nearly always hit the fashion mark with their sleek style and quirky choices but some just make you think ‘what the hell’. Read on for our pick of the four most amazing and the four most horrifyingly awful (but secretly sort of brilliant) outfits in EMA style history:

Mel B has been making headlines lately for taking on Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (and winning) in the X Factor style stakes but there was a time, long ago, when her outfits were just plain scary. Mel debuted this insane, green skirt/ top/boots/maxi jacket combo back in 1997 at the EMA awards in Rotterdam.

He’s Scottish, he’s talented and he’s hot, so yeah Calvin Harris’ laid back look at last year’s EMA’s gets our vote. He could turn up at this year’s awards in a shell suit and we’d probably still fancy him, in fact we’d definitely still fancy him.

The message behind Miley Cyrus’ 2013 EMA outfit may have been ‘please stop violence’ but the skimpiness of it and her ridiculous poses meant that the important message got lost in the outrageousness of the outfit.

Selena Gomez made EMA history at the 2011 awards in Belfast as the youngest ever host and she used the night to wow viewers in an array of gorgeous outfits. She emphasised her youthfulness in her fun, flirty outfits and this Marchesa embroidered top (which she wore as a dress) was our favourite.

Whilst Outkast may have scooped three awards at the EMA’s in Rome back in 2004 for Best Group, Best Song and Best Video, it’s no surprise that Andre 3000 won zero style prizes with this crazy get up.

On anyone else this Manish Arora dress would look like a creative Halloween costume but Katy Perry makes it look incredible. Mind you, she could have ditched the twelve outfits she donned during her hosting stint at the 2008 EMA’s for a black, plastic bag and she’d still have looked amazing.

Missy Elliot was most definitely getting her freak on when she rocked up to the 1999 awards in Dublin in this furry, snakeprint, two piece.

LOSERS

WINNERS

The last time the Europe Music Awards came to Scotland was way back in 2003 and Queen B took to the stage in this pink, ruffled creation. Sure, she may have had some amazing looks that easily top this this crop top/skirt combo but to us this look represents the ‘Crazy in Love’ and ‘Baby Boy’ days, arguably her most loved songs (by us anyway).

by Courtney Hendry @courtneysarahx c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com

16

WHAT’S ON

MTV AWARDS SPECIAL

MTV EMA AWARDS MOST

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The EMA’s is famous for leaving fans feeling shocked at celebrity antics, and fingers crossed this year won’t disappoint.

Considering the awards are being held in Glasgow for the first time ever, a city where you’re guaranteed to encounter some absolute nutters every time you go out, we are sure that it’ll inspire some new level craziness at the awards.

For those of you looking for an idea of what to expect this November 9th, here’s our pick of the ten most memorable moments from the shows 20 year history:

1

At the 1995 EMA’s in Paris, U2 won the award for ‘Best Group’ and frontman Bono took the opportunity during his acceptance speech to label French President, Jacques Chirac, a wanker. However, before you get all out outraged at the political slating from a drunken Irishman (note we actually have no clue if he was drunk or not), here’s a little backstory; at the time of the awards there was a massive amount of upset over French nuclear testing in the South Pacific and many of the celebrities used the awards

to voice their outrage and anger towards the issue and towards the President. Bono, who was once voted the most politically effective celebrity of all time, told the audience: “What a city, what a night, what a crowd, what a bomb, what a mistake, what a wanker you have for a President.”

4

Britney totally dominated the 1999 awards in Dublin by taking home a massive four awards for Best Female, Best Pop, Best New Act and Best Song. Back when the pop princess was in her prime she wowed the crowds with her performances of ‘Baby One More Time’ and ‘(You Drive Me) Crazy’.

Who knows if it was down to the new millennium or all the ‘Y2K’ hype, but the 2000 EMA’s was a night full of drama.

First up, Jennifer “Jenny from the Block” Lopez landed on the Stockholm stage in an aeroplane, albeit a tiny one suspended by wires. Then the Spice Girls put on their last ever performance (before all the reunion tours), minus Ginger Spice who abandoned the band a year earlier. However, it was Robbie Williams who stole the show by declaring his own song ‘terrible’. After Rock DJ won best song, he told the crowd: “I am not going to say anything bad about people’s choices on this one, but I think it’s a terrible song and a silly song.”

It wasn’t just Ms Spears who performed for the crowd at the 1999 awards as Brian Hugh Warner, aka Marilyn Manson, also took to the stage. He sang ‘Rock is Dead’ in nothing but a teeny thong, cowboy hat and boots. Oh, and if you decide to YouTube this historic performance, remember that you’ll never be able to ‘unsee’ it.

The long running feud between Kelly Osbourne and Christina Aguilera seems to have cooled down in recent years, and thank god considering the fact they’re 29 and 33 respectively. But in their younger years they had one of the most venomous celebrity relationships known to man and at the pre-show for the 2003 EMA’s,

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5

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

MTV AWARDS SPECIAL

Christina point-blank refused to walk the red carpet if Kelly Osbourne was present. Kelly then decided to be the bigger person and not say anything. Jokes, she hit back at ‘Xtina’ by calling her a cow and saying her music was “crap”. The show continued to monopolize on the feud by showing a skit of Christina throwing darts at a board covered in pics of Kelly. Ozzy’s famous daughter then responded by calling her a ‘really sad, sorry person’, ouch.

6

Sacha Baron Cohen, best known for Ali-G and Borat, is perhaps the ballsiest guy in the history of ridiculous movies and his performance as host at the 2005 awards in Lisbon was so outrageous that it totally overshadowed the whole show. After Madonna opened the awards ceremony with her hit ‘Hung Up’, his now infamous character Borat applauded MTV for its courageous decision to start the show with a “genuine transvestite.”

He then discussed Madonna’s adoption saying: “My only concern is that this singing transvestite will not be such a good father.” Oh and he described the Pussycat dolls as ‘international signing prostitutes’ and said that in his home country of Kahzakhstan ‘Shakira’ translates to ‘vagina’, what a guy.

7

Kanye West seems to have taken time off from storming MTV award shows when things don’t go his way, to play the role of doting husband and father but we pray every night before bed that he’ll go back to his crazy old antics and repeat his famous 2006/2009 behaviour.

Although his 2009 rant over Taylor Swift beating Beyoncé is arguably more famous, it wasn’t his first time causing controversy at an MTV award show. At the 2006 EMA’s in Copenhagen, Kanye decided he wasn’t satisfied with simply winning the Best Hip-Hop award. He was infuriated when he lost the Best Video award to Justice vs Simian for ‘We Are Your Friends’ and instead of demonstrating his gracious loser face he crashed the stage, telling the audience: “My video (Touch The Sky) deserved to win because it cost a million dollars and Pamela Anderson was in it.”

8

At the 2008 EMA’s in Liverpool, Katy Perry was undoubtedly the hostess with the mostess and after opening the show whilst straddling a giant cherry chapstick she managed an amazing twelve outfit changes, including a dress that came complete with a carousel and a Barack Obama t-shirt.

However, she wasn’t the only star paying homage to the then presidential hopeful, as Kanye West and Estelle performed

THE HOSTESS the first country in Europe to detect bird flu. He then went on to cause even more outrage at the actual event in Portugal, which you can read about in our ‘memorable moment’s article.

Wisteria Lane’s hottest resident, Eva Longoria took over the hosting duties at the EMA’s in 2010, which were held in Madrid. The stunning brunette managed an incredible thirteen outfit changes and impressively she showcased a different hair style with each outfit. Her best moments included paying homage to Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress by parading around stage in a giant Spanish ham costume and introducing a group of handsome young guys as her family saying: “I recently did some research into my ancestry and it turns out I’m 70 percent Spanish! I tracked down some of my relatives in Madrid and I promised that I’d bring them out on stage. A big welcome to the Longorias!” She may not have caused any outrageous headlines after her performance but perhaps the key to being a good host isn’t always about causing shock the whole way through the show, it could just be about keeping your crowd entertained, which Eva certainly did.

Nicki Minaj isn’t a performer known for her shyness and vulnerability, so no matter what tricks she’s got up her sleeve, we’re certain she’ll put on a

by Courtney Hendry great show for the Glasgow @courtneysarahx crowd. c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com

17

their huge hit ‘American Boy’ with Obama’s face projected on a massive screen behind them and Thirty Seconds to Mars showed their support with Obama t-shirts and said to the crowd: “Liverpool, lets hear it for Barack Obama”.

9

All the other nominees may as well have not turned up to the 2010/2011 EMA’s as Lady Gaga took home pretty much all the awards, bagging an incredible seven trophies in just two years. Her little monsters clearly played a huge part in the achievement as she took home the prize for ‘Biggest Fans’.

10

Miley Cyrus is no longer known for being sweet little Hannah Montana thanks to her raunchy antics over the last few years and at the 2013 EMA’s in Amsterdam, she was headline news after taking to the stage in a teeny-tiny, high-cut bodysuit to accept the award for Best Video for ‘Wrecking Ball’.

However, it wasn’t her wardrobe that everyone was going crazy for on Twitter, it was the suspected joint she was lighting up during her acceptance speech. The crowd in Amsterdam went crazy for the stunt and she

by Courtney Hendry officially lost all traces of her @courtneysarahx Hannah Montana-ness. c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com

HALL OF FAME

WITH THE MOSTESS!

Nicki Minaj thrilled her ‘barbz’ when she announced she was taking over hosting duties at this year’s Europe Music Awards but she has some pretty big boots to fill. Her predecessors include music royalty and stars who shocked us with their outrageous antics.

However, we’re pretty sure the Anaconda singer has a wild night planned for the audience if the latest EMA trailer is anything to go by. It depicts how crazy our world has become after Nicki’s stint as the host with the star being granted ‘key to the world’. ‘Nicki-mania’ is in full swing in the trailer with a Nicki Minaj talk show, Nicki Minaj slot machines, Nicki Minaj washing powder, Nicki Minaj manicures and there’s even a new flag planted in the moon in tribute to the hip-hop star.

We’ve had a look back through the top past EMA hosts, to see what kind of performances Nicki will have to compete with.

Back in 2002, P.Diddy took a turn as host in the beautiful city of Barcelona. His performance wasn’t particularly outrageous or memorable, until he decided to spice up the night by offering a diamond-encrusted ring to the first woman to join him on stage, completely naked. Cue one crazy blonde jumping on stage, to the delight of the crowd, before he could even finish his sentence.

Sacha Baron Cohen has been asked by MTV to host the awards show twice now, but judging by his antics it’s likely that he won’t be asked back ever again. In 2001 he hosted the show as his character Ali-G and whilst he didn’t hold back with cheeky, off-the-cuff remarks, it wasn’t until 2005 when he hosted the show as Borat that things got a bit crazy. Before the show had even started, Borat presented a bag of birds to the journalists at the pre-show press conference, he explained that most of them had died and they were from Romania,

WHAT’S ON

1 2 3 4 5

Eminem has scooped more awards in EMA history than any other artist with two ‘Best Male’ awards, nine ‘Best Hip-Hop’ awards, two ‘Best Album’ awards and a ‘Global Icon’.

20-year-old Justin Beiber is in second place in the MTV EMA award winners hall of fame with eleven awards.

He’s won ‘Best Male’ four times, ‘Best Pop’ twice, ‘Best Canadian Act’ twice, ‘Best World Stage Performance’, ‘MTV Voices Award’ and ‘Best North American Act’.

Linkin Park take the third spot with two ‘Best World Stage Performance’ awards, three ‘Best Rock’ awards, two ‘Best Group’ awards, ‘Best Live Act’ and ‘Best Hard Rock’.

The number four spot is shared three ways between Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Dima Bilan as all three acts have scooped eight awards in the 20 year history of the EMA’s.

Our fifth space in the hall of fame is also split as Thirty Seconds to Mars and One Direction both share the honour of winning seven MTV Europe Music Awards.

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WHAT’S ON

GLASGOW

LOVES CHRISTMAS The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching and with that, Glasgow is getting ready for the festive period.

The ice rink on George Square is popular within the city and is a huge attraction; some may say it’s the centre piece of Glasgow’s winter festivities. Glasgow on Ice will open on Thursday 27 November. Tickets to skate on the city’s only open-air ice rink, which is also one of the largest in Europe, are now on sale. For many, gliding under the twinkling lights in George Square signifies the start of Christmas and it marks the beginning of festive fun, which will see free entertainment, themed nights on the ice and funfair rides all in the heart of Glasgow.

Glasgow on Ice will open to the public at 12noon on Thursday 27 November. People can skate every day right up until the 31 December 2014, with the exception of Christmas Day. There will also be accessible sessions exclusively for wheelchair users and the visually impaired. For more information on when these are please go to www. glasgowloveschristmas.com Glasgow on Ice doesn’t just simply appear. A whole lot of work is put in to building the ice rink and creating a festive venue. The rink itself is almost 736 square meters. Up to 210,000 litres of water are needed to form the six inches of ice which takes up to 90 hours to freeze completely.

Last year around 50,000 people enjoyed the experience and this year Student Magic Mondays are being introduces, which allows those studying a welcome break and half price skating, this will complement the ever popular Under 8 Skate sessions for toddlers to 7 year olds where they can use specially designed skate aids to build their confidence on the ice.

Now we all love a selfie, but how does a selfie with one of Santa’s reindeers sound?

At this year’s Glasgow on Ice there will be a Santa’s Christmas Workshop on the grassy area of George Square and on selected days there will be the chance to visit some of Santa’s reindeer, pet them and pose for pictures in his sleigh.

Councilor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “Christmas offers the opportunity to see the

city of Glasgow at its best.

It is bustling with excitement thanks to attractions and events from meeting Santa’s reindeer to skating to shopping, food and drink and family entertainment. If you are looking for a way to get into the festive spirit I can think of nothing better than skating under the twinkling lights in George Square or taking in the sights from the big wheel overlooking the city.

Make a date to come and join us and see why Christmas in Glasgow is not to be missed.”

George Square really is the heart of the city and the perfect host for Glasgow’s festive entertainment. This year it will hold a number of events and themed nights. There will be an Alpine Bar, where visitors can enjoy a drink in the warmth as they look on over the ice rink, and there will also be an alfresco Christmas bar where guests can enjoy some traditional festive refreshments with a Scottish twist.

For all you romantics out there, have no fear the Big Wheel is back this year alongside the traditional carousel and chair-o-plane rides.

There really is something for all the family during the

festive period and this year, during the day at weekends there will be a focus on family with free entertainment and activities aimed at the younger generation with activities taking place in the Christmas Workshop including Santa Storytelling and arts and crafts which are sure to keep any little ones busy.

Throughout the Christmas period George Square will be crammed full of other attractions, including Glasgow Loves St Andrew’s Day. So why not get the family together or get a group of friends, wrap up warm and ho,ho,ho head to George Square for some festive fun. It really is worth the visit and remember, falling is part of the fun. Happy skating folks!

Tickets for Glasgow on Ice range from £4.50 for Young Scot card holders and Kidz Card holders, to £12 for Adults during peak times.

Booking in advance is recommended during peak hours.

Tickets can be booked in advance at www.

by Emylie Howie @EmylieHowie glasgowloveschristmas. e.howie@tsaglasgow.com com

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

INTERVIEW

19

AN INTERVIEW WITH

DANIEL

SLOSS

When faced with the choice between studying history at university and embarking on a career in comedy, Daniel Sloss made the decision I think any of us would have and followed his gut down the comedy route.

Now he’s 24, living his dream as a stand-up comedian and kindly took time out of his busy schedule to talk refreshingly honestly about breaking records, female fans, home crowds, his sex life and so much more:

Umm …. I have no idea. I would say yes, but that’s because it worked for me. I’ve been very lucky, that might not be the case for everyone else. But I do know that I’m infinitely happier for chasing my dreams.

How did it feel to be the youngest comedian to perform a solo season in London’s West End? Did you feel like there was a lot of pressure to prove yourself as you were so young?

Girls always say they love a guy with a good sense of humour and yours is certainly impressive, how do you deal with all the attention from the female fans?

It’s very flattering and bewildering. I’m also terrible with picking up signals apparently. According to my support act, Kai Humphries, I’m completely unaware when people are flirting with me and therefore don’t act on it because I just assume they’re being nice.

How did you get into comedy?

I’ve been a huge fan of stand-up comedy since I was five years old, I was always watching my Dad’s VHS’s and stuff like that. I didn’t really get the jokes, but I enjoyed the swearing and rude words. So, when I was 15/16, I started writing jokes and trying them out on my parents and then when I was 17 I did my first ever gig and it just kind of snowballed from there.

How difficult was it choosing between your offer to study history or having a go at making a living in comedy?

I wanted to do history because I find it fascinating. While my friends were at uni I felt kind of left out because they were meeting new people and having sex with randoms and partying every night while I sat at home with my parents doing nothing. But now it was all worth it, because now I’m the one out drinking, partying and attempting to have sex.

Would you recommend other people to follow their dreams instead of opting for a ‘safe route’?

Nah, I didn’t really register it. It’s a nice title to have, but it doesn’t mean that much. For me it was never about how old I was. It was about trying to be the best I can be.

I know you’ve had stints over in places such as America and Australia, to name a few, but how do those types of gigs compare to performing back in Scotland to your ‘home crowd’, is there more pressure here or does it make you relax a bit?

Definitely more relaxing. Scottish people are very proud of their own, it’s that national pride thing. So where ever I gig in Scotland it always feels like a home coming gig. These are the crowds that gave me the start to my career.

This might be biased since I’m Scottish but we do seem to produce some brilliantly funny comedians. Aside from yourself, which other young Scottish comedians should we be keeping an eye on?

There’s loads; Gareth Waugh, Robin Grainger, Wayne Mazadza, Eleanor Morton, Ashley Storrie, Matthew Ellis (Jellybean Martinez) and Liam Withnail.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

That’s impossible to answer, there have been so many things in my career that have blown my mind. I never expected to actually make a career out of stand-up comedy, so the fact that I’ve gotten this far is amazing. My whole career is my highlight.

What advice would you give to other young comedians trying to make it in the industry?

Have fun. For the love of God have fun. You are entering into one of the most welcoming, loving families in the goddamn world. The nicest people I’ve ever met have been involved in comedy some way, I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime and experienced things I had no right to experience. Just enjoy it, make sure you enjoy it and the second you stop enjoying it, get the f**k out because you’ll ruin it for the rest of us.

Daniel Sloss is currently touring throughout the UK. He will be performing at The Garage in Glasgow on 28th November. General ticket prices start at £14.50.

by Courtney Hendry @courtneysarahx c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com

20

GIG GUIDE

CITY CENTRE 13TH NOTE 1st NOV LIFELINES / NUMBER THEM / HANA 8pm

4th NOV CHERYL BROWN / CRAIG JOHN DAVIDSON / BIG CLOUD / RENEGADES / INTERCHANGE 7pm 6th NOV SYNERGY CONCERTS & SLEEPSOUND AGENCY PRESENTS: SHIELD PATTERNS / + SUPPORT 8pm 7th NOV SWALLOWS / HAYWORTH / LOST ATLANTA / ATREIDES 8pm 8th NOV DANIEL MUTCH / CHARLEY HOUSTON / HANNAH JACKSON / CALUM O’CONNOR 8pm 9th NOV THE BIG NOWHERE / GLAMBANGERS / SEX AND DRUGS 8pm 12th NOV JOYCE MANOR / CHEAP GIRLS / GREAT CYNICS 8pm 13th NOV STUBBLEMELT / + GUESTS 8pm 14th NOV EUGENE RIPPER / ROY MOLLER / RUTH MARTIN 8pm 15th NOV MONO WAVE / MINOR ORGANS / ACE ELEMENTARY 8pm 16th NOV SCUMPULSE / NOLTI NAN GANA NAN NOLTA / ENNERACT 7pm 19th NOV A&E RECORDS PRESENTS: ACCIDENT / GREGOR KEACHIE 8pm 20th NOV DOG MOON HOWL / JIM DEAD AND THE DOUBTERS / + GUESTS 8pm 21st NOV YEAH DETROIT / VETO / NORTHERN NIGHTLIGHTS / CENTURY THIRTEEN 8pm 22nd NOV CERTAIN DEATH / PERDURAMO / FILTH SPECTOR

The events listed below were correct and up to date at time of going to print but please check the venue’s own website prior to booking

9pm

23rd NOV CIVIL ELEGIES / BOAK / + GUESTS 8pm 25th NOV VIOLET / PAVILIONS / DIRTY SALLY / SURRENDER’S NOT AN OPTION 8pm 26th NOV ALLUSONDRUGS / LYGER / ALBURN / ACADEMY STRANGERS 7pm 27th NOV MAKE-THAT-ATAKE RECORDS PRESENTS… PRE-BOOK YER ANE FEST: THE KIMBERLY STEAKS / AUSTEROS (ENG) / SINK ALASKA / MUG (ENG) / FREDDY FUDD PUCKER (NZ) 7:30PM 28TH NOV AGELESS OBLIVION / BAST / + GUESTS 8pm 29th NOV EARTHS (EP LAUNCH) 8pm 30th NOV OMI PALONE / BLACK FUNGUS / + GUESTS 8pm

CLASSIC GRAND 1st NOV THE NINE 6:30pm 1st NOV KSTAR PROMOTIONS PRESENTS SCREAM BABY SCREAM, DEAD XIII AND GHOULS STONE VALLEY 7pm 1st NOV JOSE CUERVO PRESENTS DÍA DE MUERTOS 11pm 2nd NOV CLASSIC GRAND PRESENTS GINGER WILDHEART 7pm 3rd NOV CLASSIC GRAND PRESENTS AURELIO VOLTAIRE + BLACK VOLITION 7pm 6th NOV DF CONCERTS & EVENTS & HAMMER & ROCK & LIVE NATION PRESENT LORDS OF THE RIFF VOL. 2 TOUR 7pm 7th NOV KJ-FLARES PROMOTIONS PRESENTS AC/ DC UK 6:30pm 8th NOV LIVE PLANET MUSIC PROMOTIONS PRESENTS THE DOORS ALIVE 7pm 12th NOV BAKA MEDIA

PRESENTS AREA 11 7pm 13th NOV AUDIO GLASGOW PRESENTS ELUVEITIE 6:30pm 14th NOV PCL PRESENTS CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN 7pm 15th NOV AUDIO GLASGOW PRESENTS HORISONT + SPIDERS 7pm 15th NOV ASGARD EVENTS PRESENTS OMNIA 7pm 21st NOV AD PROMOTIONS & CLASSIC GRAND PRESENT DRESSED TO KILL & SCOPYONS 7pm 22nd NOV AUDIO GLASGOW PRESENTS THE ANIMALS & FRIENDS + STEVE CROPPER 7pm 24th NOV CLASSIC GRAND & FLAG PROMOTIONS PRESENT ORGY + DEVIANT UK + SERAPH SIN 7pm 28th NOV A & D PRODUCTIONS & CLASSIC GRAND & SHOCK CITY PRODUCTIONS PRESENT EDEN’S CURSE + COLDSPELL 7pm 29th NOV BROMOTIONS PRESENTS THE AMITY AFFLICTION 6:30pm

KING TUTS WAH WAH HUT 1st NOV SUPERFOOD + HONEYBLOOD AS PART OF NME NEW BREED TOUR 8:30pm 2nd NOV KILL IT KID + GALLERY CIRCUS + THE KLEPTOCRATS 8:30PM 3RD NOV JOSH PYKE + PYLO 8:30pm 4th NOV THE 2 BEARS 8:30pm 5th NOV THE BLACKOUT + WHEN WE WERE WOLVES + YASHIN 8pm 6th NOV DEXTERS + IC1S + JIM VALENTINE 8:30pm 7th NOV SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA “ALIUM” TOUR

8:30pm

8th NOV SOLEMN SUN 8:30pm 9th NOV GUN PLAYING “ TAKING ON THE WORLD” IN FULL PART OF SUNDAY MAIL 7 NIGHTS SESSIONS 8:30pm 12th NOV TRUCKFIGHTERS + WITCHRIDER + WHITE MILES 8:30pm 14th NOV AMBER RUN + TRIBAL HIGH + THE PHANTOMS 8:30 14th NOV CARL BARAT AND THE JACKALS 8pm 16th NOV AMERICAN AUTHORS 8:30pm 22nd NOV HACKTIVIST + DEAD HEARTS + THE ONE HUNDRED 8:30pm 23rd NOV THE SHIRES + WARD THOMAS 8:30pm 24th NOV WALKING ON CARS + ZIBRA 8:30pm 26th NOV THE TING TINGS 8:30pm 27th NOV XYLOURIS WHITE 8:30pm 29th NOV THE AMPHETAMEANIES + VICTORIAN TROUT CONSPIRACY 8:30pm 30th NOV SIMONE FELICE + DAN WHITEHOUSE 8:30pm

MONO 6th NOV SYNERGY CONCERTS PRESENTS: THE JOHN LANGAN BAND 7:30pm 11th NOV G. A. G III – THE GLASGOW ARTIST GUILD: STEVEN GRAINGER & MICHAEL WHITE 7pm 14th NOV MONO’S 12TH BIRTHDAY PARTY! W/ CASUAL SEX, GENERAL LUDD, HOLY MOTORS, GOOD PRESS DJS 8PM 18TH NOV SYNERGY CONCERTS PRESENTS: CHATHAM COUNTY LINE + MANDOLINE ORANGE 8pm

NICE ‘N’ SLEAZY 4th NOV THE INCREDIBLY STRANGE FILM NIGHT 8pm 5th NOV TAKE IT SLEAZY! 11:30pm 6th NOV CRIMINAL CODE + CLOCKED OUT + NEW AGE 8pm 7th NOV SHABAZZ PALACES 7pm 7th NOV HARSH TUG 11:30pm 8th NOV SON OF DAVE 7pm 8th NOV WRONG ISLAND PRESENTS: GOLDEN DONNA (LIVE) 11:30pm 10th NOV ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH GERRY LYONS 8pm 11th NOV THE INCREDIBLY STRANGE FILM NIGHT 8pm 12th NOV JOYCE MANOR + CHEAP GIRLS + GREAT CYNICS 7:30pm 13th NOV SMACKVAN + OWEN MCAULAY + OWEN MCAULAY 8pm 14th NOV B.DOLAN + SCROOBIUS PIP (MC/DJ) + WARRENPEACE 7:30pm 14th NOV THE HOT CLUB 11:30pm 15th NOV THULA BORAH + BIANCA + TEAPOT JACUZZI 7:30pm 15th NOV STRANGE PARADISE 11:30pm 17th NOV ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH GERRY LYONS 8pm 18th NOV THE INCREDIBLY STRANGE FILM NIGHT 8pm 19th NOV WIFE (ALTAR OF PLAGUES) 7:30pm 20th NOV NIGEL THOMAS (THE FOXES) + CARA MITCHELL 7:30pm 21st NOV BEANS ON TOAST : WILL VARLEY 7:30pm 21st NOV KILL YR IDOLS 11:30pm 22nd NOV STEVE

Gig Guide...

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

GIG GUIDE

HAUSCHILDT (EX-EMERALDS) 7:30pm 22nd NOV HAUSDIMENSION 11:30pm 23rd NOV TRANSCENSION + WASTED YEARS + RIVER RUNS RED 7:30pm 24th NOV ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH GERRY LYONS 8pm 25th NOV THE INCREDIBLY STRANGE FILM NIGHT 8pm 26th NOV CRY PARROT PRESENTS ASHLEY PAUL 8pm 27th NOV IMPERIAL LEISURE + SKARSOLES + SUPA AND DA KRYTONITES 8pm 28th NOV PETE MACLEOD 7:30pm 28th NOV SWSG: WITH GUESTS BRIAN NOT BRIAN & HOUSE OF TRAPS 11:30pm 30th NOV CURTIS HARDING 8pm

21st NOV UNITED GLASGOW FUNDRAISER 7pm 21st NOV ASTRAL BLACK: SKEPTA + DJ MILKTRAY + JON PHONICS + JAISU + DRESSIN RED + BUSHIDO BROWN + DEBURGH (BIG N BASHY) + DJ KEOMA 11pm 22nd CHET FAKER 7pm 22nd NOV HEADSTRONG: TESSELA + EOMAC + CLOUDS 11pm 25th NOV SHARON VAN ETTEN 7:30pm 26th NOV NIGHT OF THE JAGUAR: MISTER SATURDAY NIGHT 11pm 28th NOV THE VASELINES 7pm

02 ACADEMY 4th NOV RISE AGAINST 7pm 7th NOV MTV EMA WORLD STAGE

“THE GHOSTS OF PRIPYAT” TOUR 7pm 6th NOV CIRCA WAVES 7pm 7th NOV THE XCERTS 7pm 9th NOV JAMES ACASTER RECOGNISE 7pm 11th NOV SANDI THOM 7pm 12th NOV NEW SCIENTIST LIVE: HOW TO MAKE SCOTLAND WELL AGAIN, WITH SIR HARRY BURNS 6pm 13th NOV FRAZEY FORD (THE BE GOOD TANYAS) 7:30pm 16th NOV KATIE ARMIGER WITH HOLLY MAY 7pm 17th NOV MARTHA WAINWRIGHT 7pm 17th NOV SIMPLY DYLAN 7pm 18th NOV GARETH GATES 7pm 19th NOV KINA GRANNIS 7pm 22nd NOV THEM BEATLES 7pm 23rd NOV THE STEVIE NIMMO TRIO 7pm 27th NOV JAMES KING & THE LONEWOLVES 7pm 28th NOV DREADZONE 7pm 29th NOV KATHERINE RYAN 7pm

– DOUBLE-HEADER ROCK SHOW WITH GUITAR LEGEND SLASH AND BIFFY CLYRO 6:30pm 14th NOV JOHN WATERS: THIS FILTHY WORLD VOL. 2 7pm 15th NOV ROBERT PLANT AND THE SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS 7pm 20th NOV THE PRETTY RECKLESS 7pm 21st NOV ERASURE 7pm 22nd NOV LILY ALLEN 7pm 25th NOV PASSENGER 7pm 26th NOV MASTODON 7pm 29th NOV KEEPING THE RAVE ALIVE 8pm 30th NOV PAUL HEATON & JACQUI ABBOTT 7pm

THE ARCHES 28th NOV 22ND BIRTHDAY PARTY THE ART SCHOOL

6th NOV SPITEHOUSE QUEER PARTY: THE POOCHES + TUFF LOVE 8pm 7th NOV MÖBIUS 11pm 7th NOV ITALOBLACK: DJ BENETTI + CASSAVETES 11pm 8th NOV OZRIC TENTACLES 7pm 8th NOV FOAM: HIEROGLYPHIC BEING + POSTHUMAN + PLAID + MOONER + VOLTNOI + CIO 11pm 11th NOV THURSTON MOORE + MARK GARDENER (RIDE) 7pm 12th NOV NIGHT OF THE JAGUAR: MISTER SATURDAY NIGHT 11pm 14th NOV AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD: YOUR FAVORITE ENEMIES + MIDNIGHT MASSES 7pm 14th NOV EVERYDAY COURAGE: RESERVOIR DUCKS + MOUSE + HUSH + CASEY O’CONNELL 11pm 14th NOV OUT OF ORBIT: SPACE DIMENSION CONTROLLER + LENA WILLIKENS 11pm 16th NOV JAMES BAY 7pm 18th NOV TRAMPLED BY TURTLES 7pm 20th NOV THE DRUMS 7pm

A tiny reason to give blood this week.

WEST END ORAN MOR 4th NOV BOY & BEAR 7pm 5th NOV STEVE ROTHERY BAND -

THE BARROWLAND BALLROOM 6th NOV THE SPECIALS THE TONES + SLEAFORD MODS 7th NOV THE SPECIALS THE TONES + SLEAFORD MODS 10th NOV JAMIE T 11th NOV JAMIE T 15th NOV VOLBEAT 21st NOV THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN PERFORM PSYCHOCANDY LIVE 22ND NOV BRIAN WARFIELD, TOMMY BYRNE AND NOEL NAGLE PRESENT THE WOLFE TONES 23rd NOV THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN PERFORM PSYCHOCANDY LIVE 25th NOV EXAMPLE 28th NOV CLUTHA TRUST LAUNCH NIGHT 29th NOV THE TIME FREQUENCY FULL LIVE SHOW 30th NOV BASEMENT JAX 5TH - 7TH DEC BIFFY CLYRO

GLASGOW DONOR CENTRE 8 Nelson Mandela Place Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

11.00am – 4.30pm 11.00am – 4.30pm 11.00am – 7.00pm 11.00am – 7.00pm 9.30am – 4.30pm 9.30am – 2.30pm

Appointments available at www.scotblood.co.uk www.scotblood.co.uk

TSA SNBTS Aug 14 KM 2.indd 1

05/08/2014 17:05

21

GIG GUIDE

22

dsfsdfsdf Rise Against

The events listed below were correct and up to date at time of going to print but please check the venue’s own website prior to booking

NOV 6

Venue: 02 Academy

NOV 8

Against Me! Venue: The Garage

Time: 7pm

Time: 8:30pm

Face Value: £8

Face Value: £16.50

NOV 18

Christina Perri

Venue: 02 ABC

Venue: 02 ABC

Time: 7pm

Time: 7pm

Face Value: £16.50

Face Value: £15

Tim Hecker

Face Value: £7

Face Value: £19

Venue: Broadcast

Seether

Time: 7pm

Time: 7:30pm

Face Value: £21.50

NOV 21

Them Beatles

The Primevals

NOV 7

Venue: Broadcast

The Pavillion

Time: 7pm

Phox

A Night of Dirty Dancing (Touring)

NOV 6

NOV 15

American Authors

NOV 16

Venue: King Tut’s Time: 8:30pm Face Value: £12

NOV 20

The Ordinary Boys

NOV 21

Venue: King Tut’s Face Value: £11

NOV 22

Lily Allen

Venue: Stereo

Venue: Oran Mor

Venue: 02 Academy

Time: 7pm

Time: 19.45pm

Face Value: £14.50

Face Value:

Time: 7pm Face Value: £35.75

NOV 22

£15.00

The Orwells

NOV 23

Venue: Stereo

Time: 8pm Face Value: £9

NOV 24

Example

K*nt And The Gang

NOV 23

Venue: 13th Note

Face Value: £11

Face Value: £11.50

Venue: Broadcast

NOV 23

Venue: The Garage

Time: 7pm

Lily & Madeleine

Crossfaith

Face Value: £6.60

NOV 25

Lucy Spraggan

Venue: Barrowland

Venue: 02 ABC

Time: 7pm

Time: 7pm

Face Value: £27.50

Face Value: £10.00

NOV 25

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3 E 0f E

GIG GUIDE NOV 25

Venue: Broadcast

Empress AD

NOV 25

Venue: Audio

Time: 7:30pm Face Value: £22.40 - £37.40

Face Value: £7.70

The Ting Tings

NOV 28

Venue: King’s Theatre

Venue: King Tut’s

Basement Jaxx

Venue: QMU Union

Venue: Barrowand

Time: 7pm Face Value: £15.50

Face Value: £28

NOV 28

Time: 7pm

Face Value: £22.40 - £39.40

NOV 30

Professor Green Venue: 02 ABC

Time: 7:30pm

Face Value: £15.00

Augustines

Think Floyd

NOV 26

Venue: King’s Theatre

Time: 6:30pm

NOV 26

Jackson Live in Concert

23

Face Value: £18.50

NOV 30

Big Sixes Venue: King Tut’s Time: 8:30pm Face Value: £6

DEC 3

24

WHAT’S ON

CATHIE DEVITT’S DON’T DRINK AND FLY

had conflicting opinions on how a plot should be written.

“The way they were wanting me to write was too twee for me. Life isn’t all good, and it’s not all bad either. So I was wanting to show some of the really crappy things, but also how you can turn them into positives things. I didn’t want to write like anybody else, I wanted to write like me.

There are so many genres in creative writing, they’re all kind of boxed in. It’s about crime, it’s about a detective solving a crime, it’s about love and she finds a handsome man when she’s out walking the dog…and like, right okay, maybe that happens but not in my world!

“I’m not doing this for any other reason than I just want to do it. I’m not putting it out there if I’m not happy with it.”

When I ask her about giving general advice to aspiring young writers, Cathie laughs and says, “Just do it!”

“There are a lot of writers groups out there,” she answers, “I’m involved with a lot of different associations, and see especially if you live in a city, there’s loads of things to go to. I would say just do it, and don’t beat yourself up. Nobody’s going to do it perfectly right away.

There’s an MLitt Creative Writing course at Glasgow, but not everybody wants to get to that point where you’re studying the great masters, you just want to get a story out of yourself! For years, I would never say to people that I write because people just laugh them off, you know, as if to say, ‘who do you think you are?’ Like, it’s not any different from saying that you play football! People are kind of strange about it. I would also say to younger people, don’t be put off if you go to a group and you don’t like the people, or you think that they’re not for you. Most people in the writing community are very positive and very helpful, and they will help you. There are some that just think that they’re better than they really are.”

Don’t Drink And Fly launches on the 7th of November at Argyle Street’s Waterstone’s book shop. The event is free, and will be held between 7pm and 8:30pm. If you’re a fanatic of all things spiritual and supernatural, or even if you just enjoy a compelling story with sympathetic and convincing characters, make sure you pick up a copy and follow the fascinating story of Bernice O’Hanlon.

by Eilidh Harrison e.harrison@tsaglasgow.com

On the 7th of November, Scottish writer Cathie Devitt will be releasing her debut novel, Don’t Drink and Fly, as part one in a series following the life of Bernice O’Hanlon.

Earlier in October, I had the pleasure of meeting Cathie face-to-face to discuss her story. Now, when I first began reading Don’t Drink and Fly, what struck me at first, along with Cathie’s beautiful descriptions and smooth, flowing prose, was the bizarre juxtaposition of the character and the setting. Bernice O’Hanlon is a witch living in modernday Glasgow, and with such an old tradition contrasting with the modern, urban setting, I couldn’t but be curious as to how Cathie was inspired to write her protagonist this way.

“My friend’s a witch,” she explains, “and when you’re working in a big place, or even at university or college, there’s all these people and you don’t always know what goes on when they go home. There’s obviously different cultures and different religions and things, but when I met Pauline, she does holistic therapy, she does reiki and all this kind of spiritual stuff, and I was just really, really drawn to her, she’s just such a lovely person.

“Basically, they just want to be kind to the earth, and to keep the earth good. They’re not witches with warts, and they won’t turn your boyfriend into a toad,” Cathie assures me with a laugh. “There are these spells they do if people are annoying you, I bet you’ve come across one or two of those in the book! That’s what inspired me to make her the protagonist.”

However, if you’re an avid fantasy-avoider, don’t be put off by this supernatural twist. While Bernice’s spirituality

is an undeniably significant aspect of her character, this is not the sheer focus of the novel. Bernice’s story is one that is universal, of family and loss and struggling through the motions of life. It just so happens that she’s also a witch.

Along with her conception of plot, Cathie’s writing style is also a unique one. Throughout the book, the omniscient narrator flits between an entire cast of interesting characters, shifting the focus and bringing the reader deeper and deeper into the novel’s world through small subtleties of conversation and action.

“I’ve been around writers all my life,” says Cathie. “I think sometimes that there’s a lot of very successful writers, but it’s all kind of a word template to me. Like in the end this is going to happen, and that’s going to happen, and so forth. I wanted to keep people alerted.

“I like to read a book that keeps me interested and keeps me wondering, I didn’t want it to be too predictable.

Then I was worried that I made it too confusing as well, so there’s the two sides but from the feedback I’ve had so far, people have been saying that it’s good because it’s different, and you do have to think about it. It’s all ‘show and don’t tell’ with creative writing, but how much do you show and how much do you tell? Don’t treat your audience like idiots, they want to work a wee bit.”

Cathie’s strong sense of individuality in her writing and in her creativity is essentially important to the way Don’t Drink And Fly was produced. She explains to me that through the Scottish Book Trust she was working with at the time, she was paired up with a mentor that shared a completely different life experience to hers, and therefore,

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

FEATURE

25

A CHAT WITH

SYLVAN

ESSO

From the get-go Sylvan Esso could not be any nicer: we’ve already had a mutual footwear appreciation, with frontwoman Amelia wearing ginormous platform trainers and complimenting my tartan boots and debating on our favourite crisp flavours. We’re already off to the best possible start. Sylvan Esso is a two piece band from Durham, North Carolina made up of singer Amelia Meath and keyboardist/producer Nick Sanborn. They formed in 2013 having met at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee when Nick opened for Amelia’s band Mountain Man. They shared a mutual appreciation for each other’s dance moves and their friendship blossomed on the internet; “we were big fans of each other’s music, which led to Nick doing a remix of a Mountain Man song, and that turned into a Sylvan Esso song.” This song is Play It Right, the highlight of their eponymous début, which became the impetus for the band’s inception.

The duo sounds like a glorious mash up of artists ranging from Zero 7 to Dirty Projectors, with Amelia’s light and melodic voice hovering above hip hop-inspired rhythms and electronica. The band claims to have a diverse array of influences: according to Nick, experimental hip-hop group cLOUDDEAD were significant, while Amelia cites classic pop writers like They Might Be Giants and the iconic No Doubt as hugely important in forming their song-writing and sound.

Their record Sylvan Esso, which charted within the US Hot 100 Top 40, fuses the duo’s diverse musical influences to produce infectious and anthemic pop music: some tracks are mellow and thoughtful with Amelia’s previous folk tendencies still present in her melodies, while others are upbeat, pulsing dance tracks. Amelia gets “the lion’s share” of creating the melody and music while Nick oversees the arrangement and production. No track is ever a solo effort.

Wolf, a dark track of foreboding and mistrust of “the modern wolf,” has a pulsing rhythm and a chorus that will remain firmly in your head for quite some time, while tracks

like Uncantena and Coffee are off-beat and remind you of how inventive and exciting pop can be.

Tonight they are headlining a sold out show at Nice N Sleazy, marking the duo’s first performance in Glasgow. In regards to their favourite Scottish band, the pair mutually agrees that Edinburgh’s Board of Canada immediately come to mind, and it seems their arrival in Glasgow may be a tour highlight. “We expect these shows to have 25 people at them, and we’ve never played Glasgow before and it’s sold out. It’s not supposed to happen like this!” And after such an intense year of forming and gaining a colossal fan base so quickly, the duo are aware their success comes from a mix of hard work and the general buzz around the band; “we’re working very hard but we’re also blessed with a lot of luck and serendipity. One of the main reasons we’re doing so well is through word of mouth, and friends telling each other about us.”

It turns out Sleazy’s is their ideal venue; according to Amelia, the best place to gig is “a small, 250 capacity black box where you can accidentally spit on people, and when the relationship between you and the crowd is a palpable thing,” which is just as well, seeing as they have managed to draw in a crowd to fit the club’s maximum capacity. Their personal favourite venue is The Pinhook, in North Carolina, a place they describe as “run, down, dirty and wonderful.”

The band manages to create an electric atmosphere, with the crowd immediately dancing like nobody’s watching (the

best kind of dancing) to the album opener Hey Mami, a track that takes new listeners by surprise and is executed perfectly onstage. The band’s best track live is arguably the anthemic Play It Right, which perfectly captures the duo’s ability to fuse quiet, thoughtful verses with crashing choruses and the kind of sad dance music heard from Robyn or Lykke Li. The record translates excellently live, with the duo conjuring energy from seemingly mellow and thoughtful tracks from the album. Their encore, Come Down, is profound and hypnotic thanks to Amelia’s truly compelling stage presence. Her energy is infectious and she looks as if she’s having just the best time onstage. In regards to what makes a great gig as a performer and a punter, she insists it’s “a show where people are giving back the energy you’re giving them, or going to a show where you feel like you and the artist are going on a walk together and there’s an arc, a momentum to the evening.” Between giving her best Vogue during Wolf to abandoning all inhibitions to H.S.K.Tsurely the catchiest song on the album – Amelia embodies everything every great front man/woman requires.

2015 sees Sylvan Esso sleeping, making food – well – earned luxuries given their year of relentless touring and vogueing – and getting round to going back on the road.

The band make fun, compelling music that manages somehow to seamlessly fuse indie pop, electronica and hip hop. The crowd at Sleazy’s tonight were treated to a taste of what Sylvan Esso is capable of, and they seem to only have scratched the surface.

We sat down and asked Sylvan Esso some hard-hitting either/or answers.

Pubs or clubs: Pubs UK Office or US Office: We’re American, so US it is DC or Marvel: Hmm…Marvel Who would you rather be stuck in an elevator with Fred Durst or Kid Rock? In this scenario they both have guitars: Kid Rock! I admire his career Puppies or kittens: Oh God…kittens?

Beards – good or bad: Good. We like beards (*Nick has a glorious beard) Band’s collective favourite pop star: Nicki Minaj Your teen celebrity crushes: Blink 182 and Winnie Cooper from Wonder Years respectively People should just get over Breaking Bad – yes or no: Yes Favourite Scottish person: Trey McDougall from Sex and the City and James Bond

by Jonny Stone @jonny_stone_ j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

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The After Eight

The Mario

The Trucker individual cause, if like, me it would be an absolute feat to complete the course without the need for a lung transplant. It all kicks off at Glasgow Green at half 9 and there is still plenty of time to prune an absolute belter of a bro-merang and get involved. Just follow the hashtag #MoRunning and check it out. Go on, there’s a medal and a stylish headband in it for you, meaning that mid-race you will look more like the 118 guys than you thought ever originally possible with just the tache.

Movember keeps growing, and it’s an example of the new and creative ways people are coming up with to engage with charities and raise awareness and money to help with important health issues that affect us all. They offer the opportunity to make a real difference and have unrivalled amounts of fun doing it. So my hairy faced brothers, let us unite. Take a razor to your face on the first then abstain for the rest of the month, even if the threat of another kind of abstinence comes your way. You never know, you could end up more Johnny Depp

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Everyone knows when it’s November in Scotland. The flame that carries the defiant “wur stull in Summer” attitude burns out in a haze of frosty and reluctant acceptance, taking any hope of getting “taps aff” with it for at least eight months.

The population polarises over the impending festive season, half nonchalantly claiming its an age away, the other half tearing their hair out about how there’s just not enough time to get everyone pyjamas and those tragic Christmas jumpers everyone “loves”. But just as guaranteed as the rest, men

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of all ages start sporting moustaches of all shapes and sizes, from pre-pubescent cat whiskers to exceptional efforts of fully blown circus master proportions. Movember hits Scotland like the winter that welcomes its arrival.

The Movember movement, started in 2003 by a few moustachioed Australian mavericks, has grown into a worldwide celebration of the versatility of this historic facial hair, and all for a good cause. Over 4 million moustache driven liberators have helped raise money for Movember, which has amassed over £346 million and funded over 800 programmes in 21 countries. It’s all about raising awareness to the medical problems affecting men, and not just here in Scotland and the UK, but all over the world too. “Mo Bros” shave their faces on the first of the month, then spend the rest of it perfecting their new furry upper lips and resisting both the urge and pressure from their significant others to shave it off.

During this period of moustache-miration, men are expected to tell all who ask that it’s to help tackle prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issues, and to try raise some money to add to the cause. Perhaps most importantly though, official Movember rules demand all participants uphold the virtue and honour of the moustache by “conducting himself like a true gentleman”. Surely no issue when you’ve got irresistible upper lipholstrey. But it’s not just men who can get involved. “Mo Sistas” are encouraged to run, jump and sing to help raise awareness and funds.

Glasgow is no different when it comes to taking advantage of this fun, positive and engaging opportunity to raise money for some of the best causes. On the 8th of November, a citywide run will be taking place to celebrate and showcase the most blistering bristle batons the city has to offer. And you could get involved too.

The event, called MoRunning and set up by The Fix UK, follows on from the growing success it’s had year after year, not just in Glasgow but across the UK. Registration for the race costs £18 or £24 for the 5k and 10k respectively. It’s all for charity, and you can also organise donations for your

By

28

8am ‘til late 8.30am ‘til late

OUR PICK NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

FEATURE

29

OF THE MONTH

It’s no great secret that Scotland’s music scene is a thing to be proud of. So here at TSA, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to present you with our monthly pick of who we think are doing epically well in Scotland right now. Keep your eyes out for these up and coming bands. This is TSA’s ‘Pick of the Month’.

NEON WALTZ

Hailing from Caithness in the very north of Scotland, Neon Waltz have come to earn themselves a reputation as one of the most exciting bands of the moment.

They’ve had airplay on Radio 1, recently signed with Noel Gallagher’s manager and had slots at some of the biggest festivals of the summer. Not bad for a band from a small Scottish town with “no music scene at all”.

That lack of a scene has also worked in their favour though. According to the band, it’s allowed them to spend time hidden away, honing their sound and perfecting their craft.

“It’s all been very natural for us so far,” they explain. “We’ve spent so much time locked away playing together that the sound we have just seems to have fallen into place with the songs.

“There is no music scene at all in Caithness. In Cities, you tend to get bands that are all involved in the same scene and sometimes sound a little bit like each other. Having never had that, we’ve always just done our own thing – which has worked out pretty good for us.”

It definitely does seem to have worked in their favour. They may have only been together for a year or so but already they’ve managed to create a strong

identifiable sound. It’s a sombre, melodic indie rock but for the highland six-piece, things are a bit simpler than that.

“It’s just rock and roll,” they explain. “We’ve been called psychedelic when we’ve been written about, which is cool, but we don’t set out to sound like anything in particular. We are influenced by so many artists – there’s a lot of good music around right now.”

And now they’re out trying to bring that sound to crowds throughout the UK. Being from about as far north as you can go means that travelling is nothing new for Neon Waltz. For a lot of bands, travelling can be a burden, but they look at it as an opportunity to bring their music to new audiences and build their brand.

“We have to travel at least 100 miles for the nearest designated music venue,” they say. “So travelling to play gigs is something we’re used to. Gigs in Glasgow, Liverpool and London have been the highlights so far.

“We’ve been touring pretty much non-stop this year, as far south as Brighton and as far north as Wick.

The aim is always to get as many people as you can into your music, so inevitably we want to go and play in different places and spread the word.”

Well the word is out. Despite only being together for such a short period of time, they’re already creating a lot of buzz and people are inevitably wondering what’s next from Neon Waltz and when we can expect a debut release.

“We’ll be under the radar most of November writing songs and all that,” they explain. “But there may be a few surprises. We’ll be kicking off our last UK tour of the year in Carlisle on December 5.

“We’ve been in the studio recording this month and we plan to release a record next year. We already have a pretty good idea how we want it to sound, it should just sound like us.”

Neon Waltz will be performing throughout the UK for the remainder of the year. For more information, check out neonwaltz.com.

Essential listening: Sombre Fayre, Sundial, Bare Wood Aisles

by Derek Healey @Healey26 d.healey@tsaglasgow.com

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NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

WHAT’S ON

GLASWEGIANS SET TO JOIN PROTESTERS

AROUND THE WORLD FOR

MILLION MASK MARCH

Protesters from the ‘hacktivist group’ Anonymous and other pro-democracy movements will take to the streets of Glasgow this November 5 to join demonstrators around the world in taking on big corporations and corrupt public bodies.

The Bonfire Night demonstration, which is organised under the name ‘Million Mask March’ – a reference to Guy Fawkes masks, which have been adopted as a symbol of dissension against tyranny by the Anonymous movement – will be part of a global protest that will see replica events take place around the globe.

Last year’s protests saw gatherings in more than 400 cities and organisers are predicting even greater support this year.

At the time of writing, more than 1,200 people have already signed up for the Glasgow event on the group’s Facebook page.

The organiser of the march, under the pseudonym ‘John Snow’, said that this year’s protest will capitalise on the increased interest.

“Those who want to speak can and will have their say,” he said. “Whether it’s about their chosen charity, their reason for attending or just their dislike about what is going wrong in this country and the world; they will get their chance.

“The government and the news channels don’t want to throw any support to Anonymous in the slightest and I can understand why. It’s because we are a growing group that will eventually win out over the corruption. This year it will be impossible to hide as the numbers far exceed that of last year. We will not go unheard.”

This year’s march in Glasgow will also see an expansion on last year’s set up, with live bands and charity collections being introduced. Glasgow’s Needy are expected to make collections for the city’s most vulnerable, whilst other groups are hoping to acquire old clothes and blankets for the homeless in time for Christmas.

Craig Adams from the band Mythical Creatures – who are set to play at the event – explained why they agreed to take part.

“We fought wars with flowers in the ‘70s and we can fight them again with people power now,” he said. “The movement in Glasgow is showing that people do want change and are unhappy with the status quo.

“Anything that we can do through our music and our presence at these kinds of events can only assist in showing the powers that be that things aren’t rosy down at the bottom of the garden and that they must start to respect and serve the electorate rather than their own selfish needs.”

The Million Mask March website, which represents the protests globally, describes the event as the “Largest World

Protest” by the “Most Influential Group in the World”, in reference to a poll from Time magazine in 2012. The page also says the group has no rulers, no rules and no specific membership criteria.

“Matthew”, again using a pseudonym to protect his anonymity, attended last year’s march and intends to do the same this year. He said that he believes in Anonymous because he feels that no-one in mainstream politics is representing what he believes needs to be done.

“The reality is that things have to change and actually we don’t have a choice,” he said. “We live on this planet and we have a set number of people and a set number of resources. We have enough for everyone but we don’t have enough for a tiny group to take up the vast majority of the food, the energy and the wealth.

“If we don’t do something now, in 50 years we’re going to be in a situation where greed and public apathy have destroyed our planet and where life will be unimaginably tough. I know it might not be glamorous to go out and talk about these kinds of issues but I really hope that people will think about it and realise what needs to be done. When they do, we’ll be ready and they can march with us to make this world a better place for everyone.”

The event will begin at 6.30pm in Glasgow’s George Square on November 5 and is expected to culminate in a migration to Glasgow Green at around 8pm.

For more information, visit the Glasgow Million Mask March 2014 Facebook page.

by Derek Healey @Healey26 d.healey@tsaglasgow.com

31

32

ENTERTAINMENT HORNS – Quite Disappointing

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY

A pretty well-made film, with good-looking locations, decent camera work, and OK special FX. Daniel Radcliffe does some fairly great acting... although the rest of the film is barely passable.

NIGHTCRAWLER – Undeniably Disturbing

A wonderful performance by Gyllenhaal who, like his co-star Paul Dano in last year’s “Prisoners,” plays detached and empty with such conviction.

MR TURNER – Billiantly Engaging

This November sees the hotly anticipated return of everyone’s favourite bow and arrow wielding tribute, Katniss Everdeen.

Except this time around, she’s no tribute, she’s a fighter.

Mockingjay, the third installment in the Hunger Games franchise, hits cinemas on November 21. The excitement from fans, who are known affectionately as ‘tributes’, is now reaching fever pitch thanks to the various previews released so far.

The last two films have centred on the fight for survival, endured by the tributes from each district and the complex relationships the characters share. However, in this instalment the games are gone and Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is given the role of reluctant hero, armed with the challenge of bringing down the Capitol.

However, while the film is based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, there are set to be a few surprises. Francis Lawrence, director of Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part One

and Mockingjay Part Two, revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that there will be added scenes in the film that will ‘surprise even fans of the book’.

He offered an insight into what the film will entail: “Instead of changing the plot and changing characters what we did was have the opportunity to show scenes that could have been happening at different times in the book.

For us it’s world expansion instead of changing things.

I think it’s exciting for the fan to see certain things. So we’ve been able to open the world up in this and see some new places. We get to see some new districts this time and the scope gets quite large.”

Lawrence had a staggering $250m budget, split between the last two films, which were filmed back to back in locations all over the world including Atlanta, Berlin and Paris.

However, it’s not just the locations that are set to impress. One of the major draws of the film is the outstanding cast. Oscar winning, Jennifer Lawrence, has received rave reviews for her performances in the first two films of the franchise and is sure to be a huge hit again.

Joining her in the third instalment are returning characters Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), Effie (Elizabeth Banks), President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and Julianne Moore will be playing President Coin, a new character.

One actor who has been discussed repeatedly as the opening date draws closer, is the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who portrays Plutarch Heavensbee; the rebel gamesmaker and one of the original leaders of the revolution. He had finished filming all of Mockingjay Part One before his death this Febuary and many fans have commented that it is his performance they are most keen to see.

This instalment of the franchise is set to be worlds away from the previous two but it will still involve many of the elements that originally captivated audiences and hopefully it will be as well received.

With such a new twist, a brilliant recurring cast and from the brief glimpses via the previews, I’m quite sure it will be.

Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part One opens in cinemas across the UK November 21st.

by Courtney Hendry

At two and a half hours, this is a long film and it has a slow pace, but it is never less than 100% engaging.

NOVEMBER MAN – Surprisingly Dull

Featuring Pierce Brosnan echoing back to Live Wire and Goldeneye but the film suffers narratively and tries to cover up its lacking story with graphic violence and loud music.

@courtneysarahx c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com

SUPERFOOD – DON’T SAY THAT

This is an ecstatic debut album that reveals their appetite for adventure and taste for the bizarre.

CALVIN HARRIS - MOTION

THE WORLD OF ICE AND FIRE

Shows little effort on the DJ’s part to innovate and challenge himself. But still hits a lot of the right notes and delivers exactly what we expected.

A story of the never-before-seen history of Westeros. A beautiful story of a fantasy universe that is well defined.

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

33

CHILDREN IN NEED

TV AND FILM IN NOVEMBER THE FALL – SEASON 2

Due to the financial and critical success of the first Horrible Bosses in July 2011, the sequel, Horrible Bosses 2 will be hitting our cinema screens on 26th November!

Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day reprise their roles as everyone’s favorite working stiffs: Nick, Kurt, and Dale.

Fed up with answering to higher-ups, the threesome become their own bosses by launching their own business.

But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them.

Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company.

Jennifer Aniston and Oscar® winners Jamie Foxx also reprise their Horrible Bosses starring roles, while Chris Pine and Oscar® winner Christoph Waltz star as new adversaries standing between the guys and their dreams of success.

S

Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson return to BBC Two on 13 November at 9.00pm for a suspensefull and addictive second season of The Fall!

The psychological thriller that stars Fifty Shades Of Grey’s Jamie Dornan was a hit in the UK last year. Created by Allan Cubitt, The Fall focuses on a game of cat and mouse between Anderson’s highly driven detective and the sexually motivated serial killer she’s tracking in Belfast.

The show’s second season picks up 10 days after the season one finale which saw serial killer Paul Spector (Dornan) evading the police investigation headed by Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson). A personal link from Spector’s past opens up some clues for Gibson but provokes Spector in ways that threatens to jeopardise the whole investigation. Gibson is forced to take ever greater risks but the closer she comes to capturing him, the more Spector trespasses into her private world, delighting in taunting and provoking her. As the net gradually tightens around him he becomes ever more dangerous and destructive.

In the trailer, we see Specor tell Gibson that there’s suffering all around her – and invites her to take some pleasure in it.

Along with Dornan and Anderson, Bronagh Waugh, Archie Panjabi, Karen Hassan, Emmett Scanlan, Simon Delaney and John Lynch are also returning for season two. New faces include Colin Morgan, Claire Rafferty, Patrick Fitzsymons, Jonjo O’Neill, Tim Loane and Bronagh Taggart.

Tune in on Thursday 13th November at 9pm, for the season two premiere.

HORRIBLE BOSSES 2

D TU

Children in Need returns to the BBC on Friday 14th November! An exciting array of the biggest names in music and entertainment are coming together for the annual BBC Children in Need Appeal Show extravaganza. The glittering night will be live from the home of EastEnders, Albert Square, which will host big name guests, and show-stopping performances.

Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton, and Nick Grimshaw will be joined by new host, The Saturdays singer and presenter Rochelle Humes. The fantastic five welcome an array of stars as they join together to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. A stand out moment on the night will come from legendary cartoon characters Tom and Jerry who will star in an exclusive cartoon made especially for BBC Children in Need, alongside the BBC’s biggest faces and best loved shows as you’ve never seen them before.

Headlining on the night is Gareth Malone and his All-Star Choir, starring amongst others Jo Brand, Mel Giedroyc and Craig Revel-Horwood performing the official BBC Children in Need single for the first time on television. There will also be performances from One Direction, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, The Script – who will be performing in The Queen Vic – Susan Boyle and Boyzone.

Since 1980, Children in Need has supported children’s projects in the UK by raising over £650 million. So don’t forget to tune in on the 18th for this fantastic cause!!

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NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

s w e i v e R REVIEWS

GIGS OF THE MONTH

A REVIEW OF THE TOP GIG’S GLASGOW HAD TO OFFER IN OCTOBER

WHINGEING WOMEN

Described as a ‘no-holds-barred exposé of the modern British woman’ in the synopsis, Whingeing Women, at the Kings Theatre, definitely took full advantage of that tag. With a strong four-women cast of Gail Porter, Angela D’Arcy, Joyce Falconer and Janette Foggo, the show was the perfect mix of comedy and drama.

The sketch show would give each actress the chance to range their skills, with Angela D’Arcy most notably portraying a hilarious, sexually frustrated wife to open the show and then crossed over to show her serious side later in the show.

The play covered the vast majority of serious social problems that dominate our society, from stereotyping to sexual assault. The inclusion of real-life elements, particularly from Gail Porter, really allowed the audience to connect with the woman on stage, as they discussed everything from alopecia to illness at home.

Jannette Foggo brilliantly delivered an ‘older woman’s’ perspective on her perceived sex life and also tackled the more serious issue of a mother failing to deal with alcoholism with a moving performance.

The star of the show was Joyce Falconer. The former River City actress stole the show with her hilarious portrayals of a sexually prudent woman looking for love, a brief appearance as a cleaning lady and many

by Mark Ogilvie more that always left the audience in stiches.

35

EAGULLS

On the 21st of October, Glasgow saw melodic punk band Eagulls perform at the legendary King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut as part of an extensive European tour, and fortuitously, I had the pleasure of partaking in what was to be an incredibly loud, sweaty and ferocious experience.

Throughout the gig, the strength of the passion in their performance was undeniable.

Yet despite the band’s savage, visceral energy, the audience were never quite locked into the performance. Frontman George Mitchell spat out his lyrics song after song, swaying back and forth (somewhat hypnotically), completely inebriated in his own music, but this presented a barrier between him and the audience. While the small venue was filled to the brim with eager onlookers, tapping their feet and nodding their heads, it felt as though we were continually on the brink of participation, never quite tipping over the edge to truly engage with the band.

Without being affected by this separation, however, a group of musicians with such primal power in their sound was a joy to see live. I have no doubt that as they gather experience, the distance elevating them from their listeners will dissolve into nothing, and they will be a formidable presence in the touring

by Eilidh Harrison circuit. e.harrison@tsaglasgow.com

m.ogilvie@tsaglasgow.com

GEORGE EZRA

Having been included in pretty much every publication’s Artists to Watch, Tipped for 2014 success lists, George Ezra has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. His gig at Queen Margaret Union has sold out completely, with fans in the queue claiming they spent between £70-£100 for tickets that were £17.50 face value. With a giant poster emblazoned with his surname behind him, Ezra comes onstage unassumingly to a huge audience. His most distinguishable feature is that voice, much deeper and emotive than one would typically imagine a skinny 21 year old having and boasting an impressive vocal range.

His songs have infectious, crowd-friendly choruses, especially in songs like Blame it on Me, even if some of his slower tracks don’t translate amazingly onstage. As enjoyable and emotional as his ballads may be on record, the buzzing gig environment does not give them the same emotional resonance. Ezra saves Budapest – arguably his biggest hit – for last, with the entire venue howling in unison. He then finishes his set with an Ezra-esque cover of Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Because obviously.

Songs like Drawing Board are reminiscent of tracks by legendary country singers such as Johnny Cash’s Get Rhythm, while other tracks call to mind acts like Travis, even Burt Bacharach on Barcelona, and Jake Bugg. The latter may be a slightly lazy comparison, given their similar vocal and musical styles. While he may not have the immediately recognisable hooks or emotional impact Jake Bugg possesses, Ezra creates a better rapport with the audience; he actually looks at the audience, for one, and doesn’t look hideously bored, as if he might actually want to be there. He comes across as pretty likeable, filling the gap between every song with anecdotes of the songs or how he spent the day in the West End’s Botanic Gardens.

The QM is the ideal venue for him, and is an adequate size for an artist propelling to wider recognition with every single and advert appearance. His performance may not have been worth £100, but George Ezra is certainly a confident

by Jonny Stone performer who can only get better with each performance. @jonny_stone_

j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

36

PREVIEWS

GIGS OF THE MONTH

A PREVIEW OF THE TOP GIG’S GLASGOW HAS TO OFFER IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

DUSKY + SUPPORT 51 SHADES OF MAGGIE Rising stars of the UK dance music scene, London duo Dusky bring their showcase to Glasgow in December for a full-on night taking in deep house, techno, and myriad hybrid sounds.

London based producers Alfie Granger-Howell and Nick Harriman make house music that’s inseparable from the genre’s tradition but comes with a widescreen ambition and a distinct UK underground edge. Both classic and contemporary, Dusky’s sound is influenced by everything from deep Detroit techno and bumping UK garage to classical and avant-garde electronica.

They will be joined by some top quality guests on the night – Dutch house and techno sensation and Voyage Direct founder Tom Trago (performing an exclusive live set), Funkinevil (aka Detroit’s Kyle Hall and London’s Funkineven), Leeds-based producer Youandewan and Berlin’s Palms Trax.

This promises to be one of the nights of the year – take the Next Step with Dusky and friends at The Arches on Friday 5 December.

After sell-out runs across the UK, Ireland and Australia, ’Fifty One Shades of Maggie’ is back in Glasgow at The Pavilion Theatre on November 11th and 12th.

The one-woman parody play, which is based on the bestselling EL James Novel ’50 Shades of Grey’, was written

by Leesa Harker and stars Leah Macrae, best known for her role as the dipsy Julie in the Bafta-award-winning Gary: Tank Commander.

It tells the story of Maggie Muff, played by Macrae, and her search for love. She’s a working class girl from Easterhouse who’s been let down by the men in her life but falls for the ‘handsome and hunky’ clerk at the Social Security Office, known as ‘Mr Big’.

Bored with life in her council flat and getting drunk with her pal ‘Big Sally Ann’, she decides to take the plunge into the world of sexual submission.

The play has been described as the “perfect girly night out” and after selling out 9,000 seats during its Belfast Run in January, it’s clear to see it’ll provide a good few laughs.

Although judging by its description of “maybe the dirtiest play of 2014”, it might be one to see with your friends, not your mum!

Tickets cost £20 (excluding booking/postage fee) and are available via the box office on 0141 332 1846 or

by Courtney Hendry @courtneysarahx via www.eticketing.co.uk/ c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com paviliontheatre.

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

New Adventures, Martin McCallum and Marc Platt are delighted to announce full casting for the forthcoming production of Edward Scissorhands, devised, directed

and choreographed by Matthew Bourne playing at the Theatre Royal Glasgow from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 November 2014.

The title role will be played by popular New Adventures star, Dominic North, who will be returning to the role than won him a National Dance Award nomination as Best Male Dancer in 2009.

Playing Edward’s sweetheart, Kim Boggs, will be Ashley Shaw and Katy Lowenhoff.

The show is devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, with music and arrangements by Terry Davies, including themes from the motion picture

by Danny Elfman. Based on the original motion picture by arrangement with 20th Century Fox, original story and motion picture directed by Tim Burton, original screenplay, story and co-adaptation by Caroline Thompson.

s w e i v e r P BOYS NOIZE – BNR PARTY

Alex Ridha aka BOYS NOIZE has created his own sound and pioneered his own brand, amassing a formidable body of work. He has remixed and produced for everyone from Depeche Mode, Daft Punk, Feist and David Lynch to Jarvis Cocker, Santigold, Scissor Sisters and Nine Inch Nails. He has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Chilly Gonzales, genius film maker Mr. Oizo (as Handbraekes), and Erol Alkan, and mixed up the scene as Dog Blood, his project with Skrillex. Ridha is also the heart of Boysnoize Records (BNR), the label he started back in 2005. Ridha has released 3 albums: Oi Oi Oi (2007), POWER (2009) and Out of the Black (2012).

Support comes from young BNR signing SCNTST, who started producing electronic music in his teens. In 2012 he got in contact with Boys Noize, who released his debut album Self Therapy on BNR in 2013, along with further releases like ‘Premelodic Structures’ (2012) and ‘Percee Scan’ (2013), or his remix of ‘Dood’ for Claude Van Stroke (2014).

Two new SCNTST releases are currently in the pipeline and will hit stores this summer. He makes his Arches debut this November. His releases have proved popular with DJs including Jackmaster, Annie Nightingale, and Eclair Fifi. Head over to The Arches on Saturday 15th November.

BANKS

Equal parts pout and angsty swagger, Banks is set to bring her own brand of sultry, piano-based trip-pop to Glasgow’s O2 ABC this November 19th.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Californiaborn singer songwriter, you could just be in

Photo Credit: David Rasche for a treat. Born Jillian Banks but preferring to go only by her surname – often stylised all in upper case, she tends to duck the trends set by her contemporaries.

She avoids social media – preferring instead to let “management run that stuff”, sets out most of her videos in a grainy dreamlike monochrome and recently posted her own personal phone number on Facebook in case her fans “ever want to talk”.

Away from her public image, Banks is genuinely a very talented musician, with Vogue magazine writing that her songs “perfectly capture a feeling of being lost and powerless in the world”.

Her sound has been described as “dark R&B”, encompassing a space somewhere between Aaliyah and Fiona Apple and after being tipped by more than a dozen media outlets as an artist to watch in 2014, her debut album Goddess is already making big waves.

She’s come a long way from tinkering on a toy piano.

This could be

by Derek Healey @Healey26 one not to d.healey@tsaglasgow.com miss.

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

AUGUSTINES On the 30th of November, American indie rock group Augustines will be welcomed to Glasgow University’s Queen Margaret Union to perform as a part of their 2014 Walkabout Tour. Having released their self-titled sophomore album early this year, the buzz surrounding Augustines is monumental.

PREVIEWS Previously known as We Are Augustines, the band have shed both half of their name and the poignant sorrow that purged through their critically-acclaimed debut, Rise Ye Sunken Ships, and created Augustines, which evolves and swells into large harmonious soundscapes made iconic by pioneers of the genre such as Arcade Fire and Fanfarlo. Augustines have made a name for themselves with their incredibly passionate live performances and unrivalled audience engagement. Additionally, this reputation has gained them valuable support slots with bands such as Frightened Rabbit, Counting Crows, and Band of Skulls.

Augustines present an overwhelming, heartfelt honesty in their music, and their live performances are where this sense of artful sincerity comes across at its clearest.

Augustines will perform at Glasgow University’s Queen Margaret Union on the 30th of November. Tickets on sale for £14 at face value.

It’s a rare thrill nowadays, when listening to the opening few bars of a track, to hear a voice that slices its way through such a riot

of colour and effortlessly holds your attention.

The breathy-yet-powerful intensity of Phox singer Monica Martin’s voice sits somewhere between the evocative agelessness of Christine McVie or Nina Simone; beneath this sits an elegant Lee Hazelwood-meets-Regina Spector arrangement and compressed drums that St Vincent would be envious of. Wisconsin’s Phox straddle the normally shaky boundary between sounding modern and classic; perhaps what Haim would sound like if they were brought up in the South instead of the West Coast.

Phox touch many genres, swimming amidst a heady fill of rock, psychedelia and soul; the recent single Slow Motion has the ability to hazily transport you to a summer setting whilst maintaining an ever-pulling nostalgia, it all becoming infectiously heartening. The smoky jazz vocals from Monica Martin provide a heavy, sultry coating to the glittering pop backgrounds that slide into clarinet interludes.

On the 8th of November, we will play witness to this epic band at Broadcast, Glasgow.

Season IS UPON US

by Eilidh Harrison

e.harrison@tsaglasgow.com

PANTO

PHOX

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PETER PAN

From 6th December this year to 11th January 2015 Peter Pan returns to the theatre in Glasgow as the King’s Plays host to the boy who never grew up. Scott Fletcher, of River City fame, takes to the stage as Peter Pan amongst a host of other Scottish favourites. Boaby the Still Game barman, or Gavin Mitchell as he probably prefers, plays the malaevolent Hook with Gary Tank Commander star Greg McHugh tasked with the role of his loyal first mate Smee.

Comedian and presenter Des Clarke returns as Starkey. The sweet and innocent Wendy is played by Joanne McGuinness in a Christmas pantomime that promises “fun and games, dazzling costumes and more than a sprinkle of fairy dust”.

The King’s Theatre is celebrating it’s 50th year and this festive, cheery and fun performance is set to round off a fantastic celebratory year that’ll include Lee Mack, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Circus Of Horrors at the Glasgow venue. Ticket prices range from £9 plus booking fee to £44.50 plus booking fee. This is a chance to rediscover your inner lost boy, gleefully smirk at Hook’s inevitable demise and laugh, cheer and cry at this new adaptation of the world first created by

by Cameron Willis J.M. Barrie. @CameronWillis92 c.willis@tsaglasgow.com

TREASURE ISLAND

Ahoy there me matey! Get ready for an adventure on the high seas with this classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Join young Jim Hawkins played River City’s Stephen Purdon, who inherits a long lost treasure map, as he embarks on the biggest adventure of his life on board the Hisponiola. With the good Captain Smollet at the helm, and Peter the Parrot by his side, will Jim find his fortune or will the dastardly Long John Silver stand in his way!

The all star cast includes Johnny Mac, Michelle McManus, Cat Harvey, Gary Lamont, Leah MacRae, James McAnerney, Holly Jack and Douglas Sannachan.

Together with magical costumes, sets and special effects, and with all the magic that has come to be expected from the Pavillion, this is sure to be the funniest family show in Glasgow.

This hilarious, swashbuckling panto comes to the Pavilion Theatre from Wednesday 26th November right through to Sunday 18th January.

Ticket prices range from £17.50 – £22.50 with concessions & Family Tickets available.

CINDERELLA

Cinderella is back at the SECC Clyde Auditorium for the fifth consecutive year, starring TV star John Barrowman and comedy double act The Krankies, who are joined by Glasgow’s own X-factor star Melanie Masson.

Cinderella is the most magical of all pantomimes and with John Barrowman as Buttons you can be sure of a breath-taking trip to the Ball. With unique special effects and a strong twist of local humour, the traditional ragsto-riches fairy-tale will be brought to life on the Clyde Auditorium stage.

Executive producer Jonathan Kiley, said: “Cinderella is the most magical and popular of all panto titles and gives us the chance to bring more glitter and sparkle to the Clyde Auditorium than ever before! We have already started creating a brand-new script and working on some unique special effects for Cinderella in Glasgow this year, which will have lots of local humour, intertwined with the charming fairytale.”

Cinderella replaces the previously advertised Robin Hood and runs from Saturday, December 13 to Sunday, January 4, 2015. So get your glass slippers and ballgown ready for a truly magical night! Ticket prices range from £16.60 £26.70 plus boking fee.

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WHAT’S ON

SCOTLAND’S FIRST COFFEE FESTIVAL

COMES TO GLASGOW For every latte swigging, coffee drinking, caffeine lover in this country, amazingly November welcomes Scotland’s first ever coffee festival. The Drygate is the host of Glasgow’s inaugural festival of espressos and cappuccinos, and it promises to satisfy the needs of those at each end of the coffee enthusiast spectrum.

Chris Brown is at the helm of Scotland’s first celebration of those bitter yet delicious little beans and says he cannot believe that Scotland has never hosted an event quite like this, “I’ve always wondered why there was never anything like this in Scotland; we have chocolate, wine and beer festivals so why not coffee?”.

The festival will offer the opportunity for those both fascinated and enamoured by coffee to read about its history as well as showcase the way coffee is made, how it affects us and the much desired secrets of how to make that perfect cup of coffee.

Beyond that however, the festival is an opportunity for local roasters and cafés to engage with customers and explain to the public how their beans are made, sourced and

transformed in to the macchiatos or Americanos that they just can’t seem to resist. Scotland, and particularly Glasgow, has always had a giant interest in coffee and Chris Brown was one of the first to acknowledge this new coffee driven energy, “Scotland has loads of roasters and a big café scene at the moment – there’s a big appetite and enthusiasm for these kind of events so it’s a great platform for these brands to showcase their products”.

Different roasters and cafés offer the opportunity to taste and sample the delicious brews, snacks and wonderful coffee inspired creations as part of the package, and the day promises an insight into the world of coffee that Scotland’s never previously been offered. Coffee is sourced the world over, and more than 70 countries produce a variety of different tasting and different strength coffee beans. It first took prominence in the Middle-East and since its first recorded cultivation in the 15th century, the bean’s popularity has extended to every corner of the globe. It is one of the world’s most popular drinks, and one of the world’s most traded and purchased products. This positive and informative

celebration coming to Scotland has been a long time coming, and all the fixtures seem in place for the coffee festival to be a roaring success.

This coffee festival isn’t for the over-priced coffee purveying mega giants of the city. This is for the independent and proud coffee shops and aficionados that want to learn about and sample coffee’s history, taste and future. Coffee cocktails are available at The Vintage, which acts as centre house of the celebration, accompanying these with street food and a welcoming atmosphere. Good coffee people want more good people to care about good coffee. There’s a chance to see latte art in action, and also to get involved and learn about yourself. To top it all off? The relaxed coffee loving atmosphere is going to be accompanied by some of the best local DJs, just to make Scotland’s transition into a nation of open and honest coffee lovers easier and more homely.

The festival will be at Drygate brewery on the 29th of November and kicks off at 11am before finishing at 6pm.

Just enough time you get yourself suitably charged on coffee, good tunes and good vibes. Tickets are at a very reasonable £8 and that allows you entry to the first, of surely many, Scottish coffee lover events. Better men than me have tried and failed to resist the insatiable allure of that rich, tasteful and bitterly sweet drink, if you get along to this, you’ll no doubt be saying the

by Cameron Willis same. @CameronWillis92

c.willis@tsaglasgow.com

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NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

WHAT’S ON

A CELEBRATION OF

TONY BENN A spoken word event to celebrate the life of Tony Benn is set to take place in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on the 20th November.

The concert will feature friends, colleagues, musicians and performers joining in tribute to the man once dubbed the “most dangerous in Britain”, who later went on to become regarded by many as a national treasure and who continued to fight for peace, justice and socialism into his eighty-ninth year.

Singer-songwriter Rab Noakes has agreed to be the musical director of the concert, which will also feature Chris Difford of Squeeze, folk legend Roy Bailey, Karen Matheson, Donald Shaw, James Grant, Arthur Johnstone, and Alastair McDonald.

Benn, who passed away in March this year, often said that Scotland held a special place for him and it was the birthplace of his mother, Margaret. The controversial Labour politician was a pivotal figure in left-wing British politics and was often described as “the voice of the radical left”.

He first joined the Labour party in 1943 and in 1950, he was elected to parliament for the first time in the Bristol South-East by-election. From there, he spanned an incredible political career that saw him become a favourite for the party leadership in the minds of many staunch socialists – although ultimately, it was not to be.

As party chairman in 1971, Benn declared war on the Establishment. He shortened his name and deleted his public school record from Who’s Who – an annual publication of biographies of influential Britons; contested the deputy

“IF YOU CAN FIND MONEY TO KILL PEOPLE YOU CAN FIND MONEY TO HELP PEOPLE” – TONY BENN leadership; marched with striking miners; and savaged the media for misrepresenting “the workers”.

This was merely the start of a career spent representing working people and in 1990, Benn filled out town halls across the country on a massive speaking tour before later becoming a visiting professor at the London School of Economics.

Tony Benn’s legacy is of a family man who turned his back on privilege and hereditary titles in favour of striving tirelessly for working people. For his insatiable drive and widely-renowned avuncular manner, he was respected by many on both sides of the political divide.

Speaking at the time of his death, Labour leader Ed Miliband described Benn as an “iconic figure of our age”.

“He will be remembered as a champion of the powerless, a great parliamentarian and a conviction

39

politician,” Miliband said. “Tony Benn spoke his mind and spoke up for his values. Whether you agreed with him or disagreed with him, everyone knew where he stood and what he stood for.

“For someone of such strong views, often at odds with his party, he won respect from across the political spectrum.

This was because of his unshakeable beliefs and his abiding determination that power and the powerful should be held to account.

“He believed in movements and mobilised people behind him for the causes he cared about, often unfashionable ones. In a world of politics that is often too small, he thought big about our country and our world.”

The celebration is set to host a series of events throughout the day culminating in a concert in the evening with a number of popular entertainment acts who feel an affinity with Benn’s work.

Lothian Labour MSP Neil Findlay, from the group promoting the event, said: “A number of our major trade unions felt it was important that a campaigner like Tony, who had strong links with Scotland, from UCS up to the present day, should be recognised and remembered here.

We’re delighted to have the support of the Benn family for the event.”

The day is also being supported by unions Aslef, GMB, UNISON and Unite Scotland, who have commissioned FairPley – the people who organised Tony Benn’s sellout appearance at Celtic Connections in 2013 – to produce the show.

Stephen Wright, one of the directors of FairPley, said: “It was a real privilege to organise Tony’s appearances in Scotland over the last few years, at the Fringe, Celtic Connections and the UCS 40th anniversary celebrations.

We’re delighted to be involved in this major event to mark Tony’s life and legacy.”

Tickets are available at glasgowconcerthall.com

by Derek Healey @Healey26 d.healey@tsaglasgow.com

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

FUTURE FEATURE

FUTURE

the time and we tried it at a sound check and then we were playing on BBC Radio One just before the ‘Big Weekend’ and we thought we’d try it, we didn’t expect it to be a hit, but it managed to hit eighteen on the iTunes charts.

We have to discuss your social media following, you seem to get so much attention from your female fans with one declaring: “Got such an obsession with @ dougiemccance Instagram”, how do you cope with it?

FEATURE RED HOT

It’s quite bizarre, I was at a drumming competition recently in my causal clothes and a girl came up to me and said ‘oh my god it’s Dougie’, and got her mum to take a photo of us.

I was also in a bar in Glasgow with my brother and a group of girls were looking at their phones laughing away and came back and said ‘are you Dougie’ and she was following me on twitter, so she must like the band. But no, I’ve never had this much attention until recently, but I do enjoy it.

The band also featured on the How to Train Your Dragon Two soundtrack, what was it like working on that?

CHILLI PIPERS

That was a really cool experience, we went down to London and everything was paid for and we got the sheet music when we arrived and it wasn’t a bag piper who wrote it, it was an orchestral guy but it was a great time, it only took us four hours to record five tracks and then we managed to get our name on the credits so at the end of the film you’ll see ‘Dougie McCance’.

DOUGIE McCANCE

He’s toured the world, opened the main stage at T in the Park, played on the soundtrack for a major motion picture, featured in a viral hit and he’s just became a home-owner, all at the ripe old age of 22.

Sound impressive? It is, and when we met up with The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Dougie McCance, we were left feeling pretty jealous of his jet-setting lifestyle but it’s clear that the group’s success (and his very vocal female fans) haven’t gone to his head, he’s just a down-to-earth guy with a big passion for music. Here’s what he had to say: How did you first get into piping?

I’ve been piping for fifteen years now and my dad works at Glasgow Airport and the security guard at the time was starting a pipe band, getting young people together. So I just thought I would try it, no-one in my family pipes or plays anything. I started with the recorder, then I picked up the penny whistler and then I went onto the chanter. That’s how you learn the bagpipes, you start with the chanter first for about a year and a half, and then you move onto the bagpipes.

So how did piping go from being your hobby to your career?

When I took up the bagpipes, I didn’t expect it to become a career. It was just a hobby and it was a hobby all the way until sixth year at school. Then I got a phone call asking if I wanted to join the Red Hot Chilli Pipers to play the first German tour, which was going away for six weeks and getting paid for it.

Did that mean you had to drop out of high school?

I did drop out, I had three months to go of my last year at school, I was doing my Highers and advanced Highers and I just had to make the choice ‘should I do my Highers and finish off school or will I leave early and go for this’? I’ve still got the minimum entry for university though, so I could go if I wanted too.

What do you think you’d be doing if you hadn’t responded to that call and stayed at school?

Well I was going towards studying physics, as I had a really good teacher at school and I got an A at higher and was doing my advanced higher before I left school. I also did a summer placement with Rolls Royce and I started looking into engineering courses.

Where do see yourself in ten years?

It’s hard to tell, if you’d asked me five years ago what would I be doing, I’d never have thought I’d have travelled the world like I’ve done. But I’d love to be doing pretty much what I’m doing now.

It seems like bagpipes have become more popular recently, why would you say that is?

I definitely think that’s true but I’m not sure why because in most Scottish schools students can’t learn the bagpipes, but I’d like that to change. However, I think the band does influence young people to learn the pipes because it did

41

What’s the best moment you’ve had with the Red Hot Chili Pipers? influence me. I got a DVD of the band before I was even asked to play with them and I sat with my chanter and played along to some of the songs.

What is it like for you being on tour??

Being on tour can get quite hard being with the same guys all the time, but I do love it and I wouldn’t change my job for the world. A lot of the time after a gig if you have time off the guys will be up for going out for a few drinks and tasting the local beers and it’s amazing seeing all the new places.

Do you find it harder playing in Glasgow to your home crowd or does it make you more relaxed?

No, I prefer it, I love playing to a local audience and having friends and family there. It’s good going to other countries and playing as well, in Germany and America especially they go mad for the bagpipes, I don’t know what it is, but they just love it.

When the band covered Avicii’s song ‘Wake me Up’, it was a viral hit gaining over two million hits on YouTube, what did that feel like?

That was quite crazy, we didn’t expect that at all. The whole ‘Wake me Up’ cover we just made up in five minutes and we just thought we’d try it out because it was number one at

All of it in itself, getting to travel the world doing my hobby is amazing but probably the best experience I’ve had is the T in The Park gig, where we played the main stage at T in The Park. We got to open up the Sunday and it was really cool, especially seeing your friends in the crowd that made it even better. One of my friends put on this big gingerbread man outfit so I could see him in the crowd, and it made it feel like home and it wasn’t just a gig so that was quite special.

If you could offer any advice to someone considering taking up bagpiping, what would it be?

Well when I was learning, about four or five years into it I wanted to stop, because I got bored and felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. I even said to my dad ‘I’m not enjoying this’ and he never forced me to practise but I had the willpower and because there was a tune I got stuck on for ages, I became determined to learn it and through all the practising I started to enjoy it again. So if anyone’s thinking of taking up the pipes I would say just keep practising, it’s like anything it takes time.

You can watch the Red Hot Chili Pipers in action with their new DVD ‘Live at The Lake’ which was filmed earlier this year in Milwaukee, it’ll be released on 16th November but you can pre-order via http://

by Courtney Hendry shop.redhotchillipipers. @courtneysarahx co.uk/ c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com

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Designer Style LIFESTYLE

Now that we’re into November, advert calendars have started springing up in supermarkets meaning only one thing – Christmas is looming and it’s time to tighten the purse strings.

If, like me, you hate splurging on yourself at this time of year then fear not, the high street has some amazing designer copy-cats at the moment, for a fraction of the cost.

So whether you’re in desperate need of a new coat or boots, or you’re getting prepared and starting the Christmas shopping early, we’ve got plenty of choices for your inner bargain-hunter.

Michael kors

River Island

Keep your tootsies dry on the horrible November mornings with these River Island knee high boots - at £100 they’re a lot cheaper than these £310 Michael Kors riding boots

Mulberry

New Look Gerard Darel

Misguided

Inject a pop of colour into your winter wardrobe with this flattering, cocoon coat from Missguided (£39.99). It’s a stylish and cheap alternative to this £475 Gerard Darel hot pink coat.

Whilst I desperately wish my student loan could stretch enough for me to afford this gorgeous Mulberry backpack at £1550, I think I’d be happier (and a lot less hungry) with this New Look lookalike at just £22.99, it comes in five colours and looks much more expensive than it is.

NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

LIFESTYLE

S E C I R P T S H G I H R O F If you’re lucky enough to be jetting away for a nice November break, check out Topman for this brown leather-look holdall at just £40.00.

Whilst it might not be as stylish as this £500 Polo Ralph Lauren version, it’ll save you some pennies which can be put to better use on your holiday.

These John Lobb dark brown, leather, Chelse a boots will definitely win you some serious style points this winter bu t at £735, they’re just a tad out of reach for your typical student. How ever, H&M are here to save the day with their ow n version at just £59.99 , much more affordab le and still very stylish, Chelsea boots are de finitely here to stay.

H&M

John Lobb

Topman

Givenchy

Polo Ralph Lauren

Asos It’s getting pretty chilly and a bit of shearling is just what your winter wardrobe needs. You can dream about this Givenchy £2855 leather, shearling-trimmed biker jacket but in reality this ASOS number is much friendlier on the old bank balance at just £65.

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NOVEMBER 2014, ISSUE 3

FRESHER FLAB

So we’re a few months in to the academic year and it seems that fresher flab is affecting our waist lines.

A study carried out by vouchercodespro earlier this month reveals that the average first year student in the UK will gain 11lbs in the first semester of university.

Not the news we wanted to hear. The study involved 2,581 students aged 18 and above from all around the UK, all of whom, were first year students at University.

Some would argue that it’s not difficult to understand why first year waist lines are expanding. With a hectic fresher’s lifestyle involving numerous nights out, a cheap supply of alcohol and probably plenty of kebabs for the journey home, would of course make you add on the pounds.

But the study went a little bit deeper than just the fresher’s party lifestyle. The study found that the average food and drink spend in the first semester was £97.58 per week.

All participants were initially asked ‘On average, how much did you spend on food and drink in your first semester as a fresher, per week?’

Once all of the results were collated, the results showed that the average first year university student spends £97.58 per week on food and drink. When asked the same question about the second and third semester of their first year, the averages dropped to £59.22 per week in the second semester and £47.50 in their third semester.

The study asked all students to state which area they spent the most amount of money on when it came to food and

drink. The top five responses the students gave where: • • • • •

Alcohol to drink in halls Food shopping Drinks in pubs/clubs/bars Takeaway at the end of the night Buying drinks or food for friends

The most common reason for students spending so much money in the first trimester was that, “I had to jump straight in to the university experience of being sociable.” Other reasons also included, “my student loan allowed me to” and “I didn’t want to be the only one worrying about money and not going out.”

And of course, the reason why the students’ spending was reduced in the second and third trimester was because, “they struggled to afford and maintain that level of spending.”

Sarah Howie is an 18 year old, first year student at Aberdeen University. She claims that she has a weekly budget for food and drink but usually underspends. Her average spend each week is around £55 but she believes she could spend more and be healthier.

She said that, “I struggle to justify money for food, so I only buy what I need, fruit isn’t a priority, its’ more of a luxury.”

Sarah added, “Because I’m living in halls, I have the

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opportunity to choose my own diet, and be really healthy, but truth is, I don’t.

“Cooking is so time consuming and it’s the last thing I want to be doing after being in uni from 9-6 at night. It’s easier to just grab something on the way home or cook a microwave meal.

On the other end of the scale is 20 year old, first year Strathclyde student, Calum Burns. He admits that he won’t be surprised if he puts on a stone or two over the year.

Calum spends on average £90 per week on food and drink and claims that most of that is on alcohol.

He adds, “Being in halls means I can really do whatever I want with my money. I think most people expect me to be more sensible because I’m 20 but I can’t budget, stick to an eating plan or turn down a night out.”

Calum seems to be the perfect match for the study, whereas, Aimee Kelly who is a first year student at the University of Dundee manages to spend on average, only £30 per week on food and drink.

Aimee explains that she has a busy lifestyle and this keeps her food and drink bills down.

“Any free time I’ve got, I go to the gym or spend time with my flatmates.

At weekends, I go to the Union, only because I can see it from my bedroom window, and I don’t see the point in just watching everyone have fun, so I join them.

My eating habits are actually quite good, I’ve only had about four [habits] since I moved here in August and I actually eat more fruit and veg here than what I did at home.”

So the study does highlight a fresher’s trend. Let’s try save our pounds, after all, Christmas is coming.

by Emylie Howie @EmylieHowie e.howie@tsaglasgow.com

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TOP 10 REASONS FOR LIVING AT HOME

WHILE AT UNI

With the average cost of student accommodation amounting to a staggering £123.96 a week, it’s no wonder so many students are now opting to stay at home whilst studying.

However, don’t start feeling sorry for your friends who are stuck living at home whilst you’re living the ‘student dream’.

I’ve got 10 reasons for why they’ve made a smart choice and are generally winning at life: The food Probably the main reason that living at home is the best is down to good old fashioned home cooking. Seriously though, when it comes to endless cheap packets of noodles or a homemade steak pie, there’s no comparison.

Cost As I mentioned above, the cost of accommodation can be frightening. Add that to all the other expenses you need to pay and you’re not left with much else. So whilst you may be able to afford a few cheap nights out at the union, your pals are free to blow their SAAS on whatever they may please, including that gig you can’t afford.

Home Comforts When you’re ill there is nothing better than climbing into your big comfy bed in your childhood bedroom and of course having your parents wait on you hand and foot, I’ll bet your roommate doesn’t bring you toast and lemsip.

Washing If you’ve never accidentally turned an entire load of washing pink, then I raise my hat to you. However, I maintain that all washing machines hate me and would stay at home for years to come, purely to ensure I have clean clothes.

No moving Take it from a gal who’s moved four times in five years, moving sucks.

Neighbours Yes, your brother may be an absolute pest and your sister may steal anything and everything in sight but they are nothing compared to that weird guy down the hall who never showers.

Friends Obviously when you move out you’ll make tons of new and probably long-lasting friendships and that’s a key reason why many students do leave the nest. However, sometimes you just want nothing more than a chat and a takeaway with

your friends and staying at home, with them only living five minutes away, makes that a whole lot easier.

Studying When the girls in the flat beside you are blaring music 24/7, no-one wants to be the wet cloth that asks them to turn it down, meaning no studying gets done, ever. When you live at home though, people tend to tip-toe around you and bring you ‘study food’.

Cleanliness Some student flats can literally only be described as disgusting, there’s no other word for it. Which is why living at home appeals to my inner clean-freak, it’s generally always spotless.

Preserving friendships Nothing spoils a friendship like moving in with your pal from uni and realising you actually can’t stand them. At least when you live at home you’ve had

by Courtney Hendry years to get used to your @courtneysarahx parents annoying habits. c.hendry@tsaglasgow.com

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