Saturday night saw a Pre Hogmanay Scottish Spectacular as Scotland’s favourite Octet Skerryvore close their 2023 Tempus Tour dates in the Granite city.
Skerryvore released their album Tempus back in April and have spent the year touring across the globe showcasing their Scottish #1 release. For each Scottish date Skerryvore have showcased some of Scotland’s best up and coming artists to support them on this tour with Nati Dreddd warming up the crowd at Aberdeen’s Music Hall.
Nati Dreddd is a Fife based singer-songwriter who has been very busy this year; touring with Newton Faulkner, TRNSMT Festival, Hoolie at the Hydro and much more. Now finishing the year off in Aberdeen with her band she was definitely a breath of fresh air. Mixing folk with pop Nati writes tunes about her life experiences in a witty way that the listener/audience can connect with.
5 more minutes – a song about taking a breath when you’re angry at someone and not making any regrettable comments. This time – her story of moving to a new town and not liking it but no town was disclosed during this tune so not to offend anyone! A crowd choir tune of Stay got us all reliving our own situation-ships and reflecting our life choices. Ending her set with Golden, a song about ‘lovin yer pals!’ was a cheery end to her set and a reminder about all the good ones in our lives. Nati and her band were on top form and really got the crowd going. Nati shines on stage and her stage patter is class and kept everyone engaged.
The festive feeling was strong and everyone was in high spirits and excited about seeing Scotland’s favourite trad rock band Skerryvore. The weather warning didn’t seem to have put anyone off coming along for a good time.
Opening the show with instrumental Vancouver Island the place erupted as the band walked on stage. The strong setlist showcased many tracks from their latest album Tempus; Together Again, You and I, The Beasts of Bone Lake, Eye Of The Storm and playing Good Times Never Die in memory Runrig Member and dear friend of the band Bruce Guthro, a very fitting and emotional tribute. It wouldn’t be a Skerryvore show without the back catalogue hits that is always a crowd pleaser Live Forever and Take My Hand.
The band did apologise for a late Christmas tune, I’m unsure anyone was against this as it was still the festive period but hearing Angel of Christmas live was magical. This track was written as a charity single to raise funds for Mission Christmas, a charity who wish to ensure every child in the UK has a present to open at Christmas. Vocalist Alec spoke about the meaning of the track:
With ‘Angel of Christmas’ I wanted to write a song for the season which was reminiscent of the Christmas songs I remember as a kid. In a world of consumerism and self-absorption, I hope that the message of the song and our tie with our chosen charity encourages us all to be more altruistic
The band never fail to showcase why they have scored the hat trick title for Scotland’s Best Live Act, delivering a heartfelt and enthusiastic performance from start to end.
With so many talented musicians on that stage their music is written and designed in such a way specifically to allow each musician to take their time to shine, which for me is quite significant and takes a lot of creativity which is absolutely reflected in the way their setlist is structured for live shows.
A powerful and unforgettable moment of the night; the band had finished the song yet the audience kept singing and the band flawlessly picked up where they left off and kept the audience on side. It was a spine tingling magical moment showing why concerts and music is the happy place for many and Skerryvore beautifully illustrated the significance of the audience and band connection. It showcased the professionalism of the band and the love the audience have for the band’s craft!
Everyone in the crowd seemed to be having a grand old time, stomping and hollaring and singing their hearts out along with the band. What a first concert for the little first time gig-goer on the balcony dancing on their parents knees – parenting done right in my opinion, memories for a lifetime and even getting a shoutout from the band.
What a way for the band to finish their run of shows for 2023 and a great night for Aberdeen gig-goers.
Skerryvore really are an exceptional act and continue to showcase the best in trad rock across the globe and putting Scotland on the map!
