We’ll belt out the hits for these brave kids
 And
the original stars of the film from the Emerald Isle have played
to nearly three million people in more than 9000 shows around the
world since forming the band in 1993.
And tonight
(November 17) they’re set to throw their weight behind our appeal.
For one night only, the behemoths of soul and rock ’n’ roll storm the stage at Aberdeen Music Hall with a blistering performance to raise cash for the children of Rachel House and the planned hospice in Balloch.
Band leader and guitarist, Ken McCluskey, who played Derek ‘Meatman’ Scully in the film, explained how the nine-piece act are delighted to get a part in our block-busting act.
“We’ve played in Scotland several times — nothing compares to the audiences here,” he beamed.
Passion
“We don’t know whether it’s the Celtic connection, the passion for music or the whisky, but the energy at the gigs is just unbelievable — and I’ve no doubt that’ll be the case again tonight since it’s such a vital cause we’re playing for.”
The film, based on a book by Roddy Doyle, follows the story of Derek and his friends, who ask unknown entrepreneur Jimmy Rabbite to manage their band.
So The Commitments are born and as fame and fortune beckon things go from bad to worse as complications, pressures and internal friction make the road to stardom somewhat rocky.
Ken explained how, since the band started touring nine years ago, life has mirrored art.
It went mad
He said, “Before
The Commitments came along I was a butcher and we would play in a shed in my back garden at night. It was just a normal existence. Then, after the film, people kept asking when the band would be playing next and it all went mad.
“We achieved instant fame and formed the band, but, like in the film, it wasn’t long before personalities clashed. Being on the road cooped up with eight other people for two months can be very tough.
“The lead singer wanting to sing everything, the lead guitarist wanting to play every tune, someone staying up late when others are wanting to sleep — little things escalate into full-scale arguments.
“But we feel very lucky we’ve had that experience. It’s like a marriage — when a couple get married they will squabble a lot initially, but they overcome that and become stronger.
“You learn tolerance, you’re not so demanding and the experience of constantly touring has made us all a lot wiser and more mature.
“It’s just a privilege we are now in a position to help these kids whose bravery has not only touched and humbled us, but inspired us all.
“We’re all aware that some of these kids have only a few years, months or even weeks to live and that makes this more than just a normal show, which will make it even more electrifying.
“We are all incredibly proud to be part of The Sunday Post appeal and anyone coming tonight is in for an unforgettable experience.”
 Our appeal is to be boosted even further by Annan’s Effort for CHAS, a traditional folk evening on Thursday, November 21, 7.30-11.30 pm, in the Victoria Hall, Annan. Tickets, priced £10, are on sale at Barnstorm Records, Dumfries, Annan TV shop and Omega Music, Brampton. For further details, contact Joyce Wylie on 01461 202627. |
You can e-mail us at:
hospice@sundaypost.com
|
