Local Bands Tune Up For Hill Fest

The Perth music scene may changed dramatically since home town favourites The Rude Boys took to the road and with the reformed ska band making their first appearance in 35 years at Saturday's third “Hillfest” at Craigie Hill Golf Club, lead singer Stuart “Sparky” Campbell-Clark admits he’s bowled over by the range of young local bands making an impression on the contemporary music scene.

The annual family orientated “Hillfest,” backed by local company Kilmac, will attract up to 1000 music fans, with a string of bands from our small city on the day-long bill.

While the eagerly anticipated Rude Boys re-union has captured the imagination of older fans, others including The Red Pine Timber Company, who are counting down to a Scottish tour in autumn, The Cascades, The Sandemans, Longstay – hot foot from a “Southern Fried” appearance celebrating their new album “Calling Me Home” - The Purple Felts, The Irresistible Owls, Rancho Rebop, True Gents, The Sibellas, Los Supremos, Morag Murray, McMasters Trouble, The Yonderleas and Floyd Tomlinson.

The Rude Boys, featuring many of the original line-up, have been rehearsing for months now.

In their heyday, spanning 1979-1982, the high energy, seven piece outfit toured the UK and the continent, and supported bands like Rose Royce, Bad Manners and the Bodysnatchers.

Vocalist Sparky is delighted to see such a vibrant Perth music scene, with Clearwater Studios and the Perth College UHI rock school playing a key role in fostering young talent.

“Young Perth bands now have access to great, professional practice facilities and I’m sure that has helped make the local scene so healthy,” he said.

“I remember we would be rehearsing at the long-gone Plough Inn, in a church hall or someone’s flat, hoping the neighbours wouldn’t complain too much.

“It’s great to see so many local bands joining us on the Hillfest bill.

“We will be playing the old favourites like ‘Explain’ and ‘Uruguay’ but they are getting a re-work to freshen them up for 2018.

“And full marks to the organisers for allowing kids under 14 free admission. It promises to be a great family day out.”

Sparky was invited to guest with Perth popsters Fiction Factory at Rewind seven years ago, with 30,000 gathering on the banks of the Thames at Henley.

“The crowd won’t be in that bracket at Hillfest but being a home town re-union gig after all these years it will definitely be nerve wracking. But it’s one we are up for.”

***

Eating and Drinking: The Kitchen Farmer Jim Fairlie and Ruby The Campervan will again be providing food and drink.

Make Sure You're There: Buy tickets for Craigie Hill Music Festival online: cost £28.50. Admission is free for U14s. You can also buy on the door while they last!