Runrig

Subject: Runrig
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 08:12 AM

Pure idle curiousity. Anyone else like Runrig? Do you class them as folk? folk/rock? rock? or what? Are they more popular Stateside now they have a Canadian front man? Anyone notice any major changes after Donny Munroe left? What's your fave song? etc. etc.

Point of interest. before they were on at Manchester Appollo last year the radio announcer said they were the "Biggest band that no-one had heard of!" He went on to explain that while ll their concerts were sold out he conducted a straw poll and no-one had heard of them!

Anyone who doesn't know them I would recommend having a listen - try Clicking here for a start

Helps while away the hours while I should be working;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 08:38 AM

I LOVE Runrig, and yes, I'd probably say they could be considered folk rock---which is fine with me. Their music gives me goosebumps...

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Plume
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 09:10 AM

Another fan here, though I have to admit I haven't kept up with the band post-Donnie Munro. Love their early albums though - Recovery, Heartland, The Cutter and the Clan — and their live recordings suggest they're pretty fun in concert, too, though I've never had the pleasure. Actually my favorite Run Rig song is the single version of "Skye" which, as far as I know has never been released on any album. I think it far superior to either the album version (Heartland) or the live speed-throughs. Anyone know if they've ever toured the US?

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From:
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 11:05 AM

I like Runrig strictly for the Gaelic content.

That being said I haven't bought a lot of their recent recordings because there is so little Gaelic in them.

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 11:16 AM

Interesting point about the Gaelic, George. I am not a speaker myself - is Bruce Guthro (new singer I think) and if not is this why they do not do as much? I assumed he would be (Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia from where he hales sounds like it should have native Gaelic speakers anyway!)

I am still skiving BTW but have managed to finish the report I should have done before Christmas, so there is a certain smug air about one this afternoon:-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: JulieF
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 11:23 AM

I have been a Runrig fan scince I saw them at Leeds Folk festival in 1981. As I was a student in Edinburgh - I got to see them live on numerous occasions. The most memorable was at the Student Union when they were banned from playing in the University above ground level as we managed to bring down a fair bit of the roof into the bar below.

I have now transfered the fan mantel to my daughter. The last time we went to see them - I had to buy the t-shirt for her.

Musically - i find some of the recent slower stuff tending to sentimentalise and I have found that none of the live albums or videos ever seemed to have captured the essence of a live concert.

If you get the chance to see them live - do

All the best

Julie

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: GUEST,Willie-O
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 02:01 PM

I love what they do. It seemed bizarre to me that Bruce Guthro got the job but he has suitable pipes. I'm not a big fan of his solo career and the Runrig gig seems to have interrupted that, so that's fine with me.

They played in Montreal a few years ago and the hype mahcine called them "unquestionably the most important Scottish band of the century." Some might question that.

W-O

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Susan-Marie
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 02:43 PM

I'm with George, I like their gaelic stuff. Kathrine Anne McPhee recorded their CHI MI'N GEAMHRADHL (I See Winter) which I've been trying to learn and which would easily pass for a traditional song.

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 15 Jan 01 - 03:34 AM

Any truth in the rumour that Runrig are going to release an album of Rolling Stones covers called "Hey,Mcleod, get offa my ewe"?
No, I thought not!
RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Tony in Sweden
Date: 16 Jan 01 - 02:42 AM

Not BAAAHd Roger, but I do believe that the Aberdeen Supporters club have already covered that one!

Anyway, love Runrig, saw them at The Barrowlands many many years ago. Must admit though, haven't listened to the "new" line up much.
T.C.

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: mbridgham
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 02:24 PM

Another Runrig fan here. In fact I thought I'd posted a lyric request for Runrig but can't now find it.

I'm looking for lyrics to Cutter and the Clan songs. Two specficially "Hearts of Ancient Glory" and something about "Summer Pride" with a chorus that goes "beat the drum, etc." I haven't been able to find the lyrics on any Runrig sites.

I've done the Cutter for years and really like this band.

Thanks

MarcB

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: SDShad
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 02:33 PM

It's right here, Marc. Usually only the threads with posts in the last day or so show up on the main page. You can enter key words from a thread title in the Filter field, or set the Age field to 3 days, or 7 days, etc., or both, and then click on Refresh, to bring up older threads.

Anyhoo, I believe both of your requests were posted there. Meself, I posted "Hearts of Olden Glory."

Cheers,

Chris

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: mbridgham
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 09:06 PM

A belated thanks to all of you who helped with this. I totally lost this thread in the maze. I'm now figuring out how to search the forum itself better.

This made my night! Marc

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: GUEST, Paul from Hull
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 09:32 PM

Damn good band....DEFINATELY Folk-Rock... though i havent kept up with them much in the last year or three...& havent ever been lucky enough to see them live.

Incidentally, for those that were following the Whitby Folk Festival Thread, the former Caretaker (a Scot) at the School where the Main Festival Campsite is, used to be the Groundskeeper/Handyman at the big Scottish Estate/Manor where there was a Recording Studio they used mostly. I dont have any amusing stories, etc, though I'm sure he did....but I DO have a RUNRIG 'baseball cap' given to him by the Band....

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Wavestar
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 10:50 PM

Definitely folk rock, they're very good, and although I confess that the concert I went to I went primarily to hear Great Big Sea, I was very pleased to hear them. The crowd REMAINED SITTING, though - Bruce said it was the only sitdown Runrig crowd he'd ever played to. The people behind my friends and I tugged on our shirts to make us sit down, and more than a few of them left when it got really loud. Talk about not knowing what you were buying tickets for...

-J

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 31 Aug 01 - 11:00 PM

Heh, I do that, sit down through concerts. Why on earth would I stand? If I wait 2 hours for a gen. admission seat, that means I'm probably up front, and that I'm not moving one inch. I guess I could get up and do that universal "white person dance," but that's not my thing. :)

Oh, and I've never heard Runrig... Have to check them out... :)

---Lepus Rex, seated.

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Sep 01 - 01:19 PM

Runrig is not folk in any sense of the word. Remove the Gaelic content, which some say they make too upbeat, and all you have is a Scottish pop group, and I've heard better!! If you want contemporary Scottish well done, try Edi Reader.

Jock

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: AliUK
Date: 01 Sep 01 - 09:07 PM

Hera Hear Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Allan C.
Date: 02 Sep 01 - 08:53 AM

Why is it that I am compelled to read the band's name in the mirror? It still doesn't spell anything that makes any sense to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Big Tim
Date: 02 Sep 01 - 02:32 PM

Allan C; that's because you don't know what the agricultural word means. Runrig are great, Rory Macdonald is brilliant, they the folk in the true sense of the word, and I'm Irish!

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Allan C.
Date: 02 Sep 01 - 02:41 PM

Big Tim, I am sitting here hoping to be enlightened. What does "runrig" mean? My dictionary doesn't mention it and a net search only results in links to the group.

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: waterdragon
Date: 02 Sep 01 - 03:45 PM

Hi,another runrig fan joining in the debate.I too recognise Runrig from the Leeds Folk festival in 1981. They were good then and continue to be excellent now.The new lead singer, Bruce Guthro, really breathed new life into the band after Donnie Munro left to pursue a career in politics.I believe the keyboard player,Peter Wishart has also travelled down this route.Will they ever play music again we ask? I'd like to hear from any fans based in West yorkshire if anyone wishes to correspond. I'D call them folk rock if pressed. p.s. RUNRIG is a reference to highland farming i.e. strips of land called rigs were farmed by different families.

Subject: RE: BS: Runrig
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 02 Sep 01 - 04:58 PM

Ah, cool, 'Dragon.....was wondering about the nme myself!

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 12:25 PM

Anyone have their 2001 album "The Stamping Ground?" I just heard a cut from it on Highland Radio (thanks, Jim!) and loved what I heard. The reviews at amazon.com say they've gotten back to their earlier sounds with it. Anyway, I'd like to hear if any of you are familiar with that album.

Thanks!

kat

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: open mike
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 01:04 PM

ah bruce guthro--i believe natalile mcmaster sings a song which was written by him "fiddle and bow" a sweet ballad....and he sang at
strawberry music festival in the spring- i believe he was solo.
He was probably there as a member of natalie's band.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SUMMER WALKERS (Runrig)
From: Strupag
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 02:45 PM

Got to disagree with you on this one Giok,
Songs like "An Ubhal as Airde", An Ataireachd Ard", "An Sabhal Aig Neill" and "Tillidh mi" are part of the current gaelic reportoire and have lovely hebredean melodies, not to mention great words.
As for non gaelic songs try "The Summer Walkers" from "The Stamping Ground"
Sometimes when you journey
Through the pages of a book
You're taken places beyond words
You let them speak the truth
Today I've opened treasures
That my eyes could scarce believe
They're the words of confirmation
Everything that makes me sing

Summer comes to Sutherland
And you bend the hazel bow
You harness up the ponies
And you head out on the road
By Kilbreck and Altnaharra
You journey to your rest
With the guiding might of Suliven
For the campsites of the West

And it's up by the Shin
And up by the 'Naver
And the long winding shores
Of Loch Maree
By Ben Hope and Ben Loyal
By Stack and by Arkle
The road reaches far
Now the summer is here

Now your words are not of sentiment
Shallow or untrue
But wels of living water
And from their clear deep sides we drew
The songs, the tin, the horses
This country's great and ancient wilds
Your faith in God and man and nature
And the keeness of your guile

(Chorus)

So have you stood out on Coldbackie
At the time the sun goes down
Or up on the king of campsites
In he hills about Brae Tongue
That's when music filled your evenings
It's all so different now, this world
For you were the summer walkers
And the fishers of the pearl.

(Chorus)

So as we close another chapter
That we label Archive Gold
Still the Conon flows each morning
And the dew falls from the sloe
But today you took me walking
Through a land that we have lost
While our children sit at websites
With no access to the cost

(Chorus)

This song has a great tune and if you go into a pub in Ullapool and sing it, the chances are that people will join in with you on the chorus.
Well if that's not folksong then I've been listening to the wrong stuff.

Cheers

Andy

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 03:41 PM

Andy, that's the one I heard on the radio! Thanks for posting it.

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: GUEST,Peregrine Scott
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 06:56 AM

I just heard that Runrig will be playing in New York on 6 April as part of the Tartan WEek celebrations there.

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: GUEST,HughM
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 07:28 AM

Strupag, how could you fail to mention "Cearcall a' Chuain"?
That's another one which Catherine-Anne McPhee sings beautifully. It's on Canan nan Gaidheal. The words are in one of the Ceo\l nam Feis books, as are the words to An Ubhal as Airde and Tillidh Mi (but you probably knew that).

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: GUEST,Guest, Big Tim (on new pc!)
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 12:34 AM

The word runrig is a variant of "rundale", defined by Webster's dictionary as,

"A distribution of lands among tenants or owners in Scotland and Ireland by which the land is apportioned so that a single tenant's or owner's holding consists of strips lying between those of others".

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: GUEST,Van
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 07:54 AM

The strips are done in such a manner that each tenant has a share of the poor and rich soil. Often on the side of a hill running from the top of theslope to the more fertile soil in the valley.

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: Maryrrf
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 08:50 AM

I don't usually listen to folk rock but I rather like Runrig. On a trip through Scotland we forgot to bring CDs but we did have a Runrig CD with (can't remember the name of it) and after being exposed to them for a while they kind of grew on me. I don't know if I like them enough to actually go to a Runrig concert.

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:01 AM

Funny this thread ressurected now - I dug out my 2001 Runrig T-shirt the other day!

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:37 AM

Anyone know the author of The Summer Walkers song in Strupag's post?

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: bfdk
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 10:00 AM

Calum and Rory MacDonald wrote The Summer Walkers. These two write most of Runrig's songs.

There's a very comprehensive collection of Runrig lyrics here.

Dave, 2001 is *new*.. I still have my 1991 "Big Wheel" T-shirt, but it's not black anymore.. :o)

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: Effsee
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 01:09 PM

Thanks bfdk, that was me without cookie at 9.37.

Subject: RE: Runrig
From: Felipa
Date: 03 Apr 06 - 10:12 AM

the Runrig concert in NYC might be on 4 April not 6 April? see
http://www.runrig.co.uk/n_hot.htm The venue is O'Lunney's Times Square Pub apparently
I understand ticketmaster has the date as 4 April also

I've received an e-mail about NY Tartan Week events, many take place at Grand Central Station and they include music - Peatbog Faeries and Finlay McDonald Band. see: http://www.tartanweekny.com

if I were in NY at present, I would probably go to see "Geordie - A New Scottish Musical"
VENUE:
Rose Nagelburg Theatre - Baruch College , City University of New York, 55 Lexington Avenue @ 25th Street (Between Lexington and 3rd)

DATES & TIMES:
Wednesday, April 5th, 7.00
Thursday, April 6th, 7.00
Friday, April 7th, 7.00
Saturday, April 8th, 7.00

Ticket Prices: Donation (suggested minimum of $10)
Tickets available through: Ticketcentral.com – [phone]
BPAC info line: [phone]

For tickets: http://www.ticketcentral.com

For more information, please visit the Scottish Youth Theatre page