Runrig performing The Story Tour at the Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Tuesday 17th February 2016


Review and Images by  Kevin Cooper

Having announced that new album The Story, will be their last after a recording career of nearly 43 years, Runrig may have decided to call it a day. And that would be a great shame.

But last night their legions of adoring fans didn’t dwell on that, as the chords to opener Onar were played, they were immediately up on their feet, clapping away to this new song as though they had been busy rehearsing the words to this latest album beforehand.

Showcasing seven songs from it, this six piece band had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the start. With a giant screen behind them displaying images of the wonderful highlands, it was put to good use as the martial beat to Rise And Fall was played to imagery of smiling soldiers and poppies, as this well-meaning ballad was delivered in compelling Runrig style.

For the new track The Place Where The Rivers Run, this very talented band came to the front of the stage for a rousing rendition, whilst The Story led seamlessly to an upbeat chorus and up tempo instrumental dance beat sections that had everyone tapping their feet.

But it was the old numbers that received the best reception, with lead vocalist Bruce Guthro being happy to let the crowd take the lead in Every River, whilst his acoustic version of In Search Of Angels was simply breathtakingly beautiful.

Established favourites like Harvest Moon and the Celtic wistfulness of Dance Called America, won an uplifting reaction from the crowd, whilst Alba proved to be the big number that shook the Concert Hall.

With a rocking version of Clash Of The Ash and the obligatory Loch Lomond bringing it all to a close, this giant tribute band of an audience were left hoping that Runrig have a change of heart.

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