Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald

Subject: Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST,Ophelia
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 07:35 PM

The two albums of Shelagh McDonald have just been reissued again by Sanctuary as a double CD, and the notes are full of speculation as to what happened to her when she withdrew from the music scene in the 70s. Quite a mystery. I remember seeing her regularly at the Bristol Troubadour. Did anybody know her well enough to know where she was born or grew up, perhaps knew her on the club scene before she moved south from Scotland in the late 60s? It would be interesting to find out more of her story since so little seems to be known - maybe track her down. Obviously from the CD notes she can't know she's been re-issued and become a cult figure - she must be due some royalties!

Subject: RE: Shelagh McDonald
From: Peace
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 07:51 PM

Others are looking, too.

Subject: RE: Shelagh McDonald
From: Peace
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 08:04 PM

And yet others. Long guestbook but worth the read.

Subject: RE: Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 03:22 PM

Quite simply I don't think I shall hear a better album this year - or maybe in a month of years!. Was aware of her when the albums came out but hadn't listened too intently until now. Emailed Steve Tilston to alert him that a one-time love of his life has a 'new' release - he doesn't know where she is either! Maybe she doesn't want to re-emerge? I s'pose we've got to respect that, given that of course, she's still around to even consider the option.

Subject: RE: Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST,Treacle Bolly
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 03:40 PM

Her Wikipedia page has been updated saying that she is musically active again. Am awaiting arrival of the Nov/Dec issue of fRoots magazine which has interview with her by IAA (you can buy online). I gather she may be making some low-key appearances in near future. Intriguing to put it mildly !

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: Jack Campin
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 04:35 PM

I'd only vaguely heard of her and just had a listen on YouTube. Great voice and she understands the songs. But. All that tastelessly overproduced folk-rock backing from famous-to-forgotten 1970s fossils. Completely unlistenable today, and I don't think I ever owned a pair of velvet trousers back then either.

Maybe we'll get lucky and some unaccompanied recordings might turn up?

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 05:25 PM

The Nov/Dec issue of fRoots has been out since October ... but I guess Treacle Bolly may live overseas and not received their copy yet..... I think the rumour of future appearances may be correct ....
Derek

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 07:32 PM

I listened to Shelagh McDonald's Let No Man Steal Your Thyme album on Spotify this afternoon, and really enjoyed it. Beautiful voice.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 08:22 PM

I gather she may be making some low-key appearances in near future.

First one's a support spot at the Green Note in Camden on 16th January.

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 10:01 AM

She had an interview published in the Herald (Scotland) last weekend and guested on a local Dumfries radio show during last week. And there's now a dedicated Facebook group too.

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 11:24 AM

I listened to some YouTube video and I must agree with Jack Campin that her backup band was overpowering and ruined her songs.

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: Maryrrf
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 12:05 PM

I had a listen and was enchanted by her voice. Yes the arrangements were very 'seventies' but that voice shone through. A pity she dropped out of the scene.

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 12:13 PM

I feel as if I should know her from my London days. The name is certainly familiar.

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 28 Feb 13 - 05:22 PM

Had fogotten my previous post 8 years back! Strewth - time's a flyin'.
Made contact via Steve Tilston some months back - she arrived with him at his Bothy gig in January - my jaw dropped! She did 2 songs and you can be sure Southport hasn't seen the last of her!
Shelagh is writing again, and we lunched at the recent Glasgow Folk Awards. An engaging woman and fine company. This is a welcome return indeed but she's taking things at her own pace.
Now where IS Amelia Earhart!!!!????

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 28 Feb 13 - 05:27 PM

PS
Yes, of course I know where Amelia is - wasn't there a Doctor Who episode placing her in some sort of far quadrant? Also, members of/subscribers to TIGHAR know the true facts!!!!

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: GUEST,Treacle Bolly
Date: 14 Nov 24 - 02:24 PM

There is a new recording to be released on November 29th 2024 and an accompanying video ! For details click on the relevant Facebook page mentioned five messages above.

Subject: RE: Whatever Happened to Shelagh McDonald
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 18 Nov 24 - 12:10 PM

I ran into Shelagh a few years ago at an event run by the Border Terrier group of which my wife is a member. I was astonished to meet her ‘just like that’ at a non-musical event. She was a very nice and interesting lady, and she told me she no longer performed professionally. I’ll be very interested to hear her new stuff.