The Homecoming Scotland Tartan Clef Awards kicked off in style tonight at the SECC in Glasgow as Scotlands great and good gathered to enjoy a fantastic evening of entertainment in aid of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland.
The sell out show proved a fitting tribute to Scotlands rich musical heritage as some of the countrys finest cultural ambassadors were honoured with prestigious Tartan Clef awards.
The night culminated in the presentation of The Homecoming Scotland Tartan Clef Award to the song Caledonia which was performed on the night by Dougie MacLean and The Homecoming Band, made up of Greg Kane (Hue & Cry) on piano, Eddi Reader on backing vocals, Billy Rankin (Nazareth/Rock Radio) on guitar, Tommy Cunningham (Wet Wet Wet) on drums and Nico Bruce (Proclaimers) on the Bass. Their rousing rendition of the much loved song was the perfect finale to an unforgettable night.
Earlier in the evening, Mott the Hoople celebrated their successful reunion as part of their 40th anniversary tour by picking up the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation Legends Award which was presented to them by The Down & Outs – a Mott the Hoople tribute band consisting of Joe Elliot (legendary Def Leppard frontman) and The Quireboys. Lead singer Ian Hunter, originally from Hamilton, then led the band in a roof raising performance of their classics hits.
In a night packed full of special performances and surprises, Glasgows own Lloyd Cole & the Commotions reunited on stage exclusively for the show. Famed for their groundbreaking debut album Rattlesnakes, the band were awarded The Glasgow: Scotland with style Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Homecoming Scotland Tartan Clefs also witnessed stunning performances from the next generation of Scottish talent too. The View confirmed why they won The Scottish Sun Best Live Band Award with a typically energetic set while King Creosote triumphed in The Ticketmaster Singer/Songwriter of The Year.
Other winners on the night included acclaimed composer Patrick Doyle, folk legends Capercaillie and former Marillion front-man Fish. Legendary Scot John Reid, singer from Nightcrawlers as well as songwriter for Tina Turner, Leona Lewis and Rod Stewart was recognised for his contribution to Scottish music with The Sunday Mail Industry Award.
Also in attendance at the star-studded event were Taggart actor Alex Norton, Mogwai, Eddi Reader and Def Leppards Joe Elliot.
Donald Macleod Chairman of the Fundraising Committee said:
This years Homecoming Scotland Tartan Clef Awards once again showed the incredibly high calibre of music in Scotland. On behalf of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland, Id like to thank our sponsors, guests and donors for their overwhelming generosity in support of our charitys important work. Its hard to believe that in ten years weve moved from a small lunch in Edinburgh to filling one of the halls in the SECC and we hope to see the event continue to grow over the coming years.
Michael Russell MSP, Minister for Culture said:
The year of Homecoming has seen over 400 events celebrate the contributions Scotland has made to the world. Music has been a key ingredient in many of those events so it is fitting that tonights impressive winning line-up is providing the soundtrack as we approach Homecomings St Andrews Day climax. It is great that the Tartan Clefs are again raising funds for Nordoff-Robbins: a most worthy cause which reaches out to vulnerable people right across Scotland, offering invaluable support.
Scott Taylor, Chief Executive, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau said:
We warmly congratulate all the winners of Tartan Clef Awards following a highly successful and entertaining evening. Great music is ubiquitous in Glasgow, and this event goes to prove its status as a UNESCO City of Music whilst helping to raise funds for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland.
The Homecoming Scotland Tartan Clef Awards is the main fundraising event for the charity Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland which works to support children and adults who have been affected by illness, disability and trauma. The charity works out of bases across Scotland including a new facility in the Angus area. Nordoff-Robbins receives no statutory funding so monies raised at this years awards and the other fundraising initiatives are hugely valued by the charity and those who benefit from the work they do. Last years awards raised £93,000 which goes direct to supporting the work of the charity in Scotland, the charity are hopeful to surpass that figure in 2009.
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Publication: Safe Concerts
Publication date: 27/11/09