Party on the Moor, Runrig 40th Anniversary Concert

So before this blog returns to its normal service I wanted to do a short post about the big event of our holiday, Runrigs 40th Anniversary concert. Now if this is not your kind of music, just ignore this post.

For me it was the first “festival” I ever attended and it was good fun (if you discount the portaloos on the improvised campground). Friday was already great, with a Kaleigh in the evening, although the greatest thing for me were the soundchecks on that day. Especially since they already hinted something I had been hoping for, but more about that later.

The concert on Saturday began with great supporting acts, my favorites being Mànran and Sharon Corr. A decade ago the later alone would have been enough for me to attend a concert.

Sharon Corr at Party on the Moor (Runrig 40th Anniversary Concert)

Now before I come to the concert itself, there was one mood point for us. There was hardly any alcohol control on the fairgrounds and in addition they sold beer at the food stalls as well. In turn there were a good number of people who were quiet drunk. Unfortunately a large group of drunkards (about ten people) pushed themselves right in front and besides us right when the concert started and stayed there about 2/3rd of the time. If anyone from the band reads this… it would be great if there was more attention to alcohol control for the next festival.

Anyway, the concert itself was marvelous. I have been to a lot of their concerts over the last decade, but this was by far the longest and most energetic I have ever seen. Great selection of songs (although it was based on the Edinburgh concert from July with a number of additions) and performed to perfection.

Runrig at Party on the Moor (Runrig 40th Anniversary Concert)

The absolute highlight for me (and this is what I had expected when I heard the voice during the soundchecks the previous days) was the return of Donnie Munro, Runrigs old singer to the stage. Always loved his renditions of the songs and really regretted that my first concert was after he left. So seeing him on stage, with the band was just unbelievable. It it was great to hear both the band and the crowd change the lyrics of “The Cutter” from Johnny to “Donnie, you are home now”! There also was something about the dynamic on stage that made me think that the would announce his return, but that did not happen.

But this was not the only return of a former member, since for the same songs Peter Wishart (MP) joined the line-up on stage.

Bruce Guthro and Donnie Munro at Party on the Moor (Runrig 40th Anniversary Concert)

Donnie Munro at Party on the Moor (Runrig 40th Anniversary Concert)

But there was also a very funny experience for me. There are a couple of songs where the audience sings along. Usually it is the male voices that really stand out. Most of the times people can not carry a tune (not pointing any fingers… neither can I) and it is like standing in the middle of a bunch of Vikings yelling a sons. But this time we had a young lady right behind us, who was singing with a very high voice and dominated all the male voices. I guess this was something to remember, too! 😉

So now I am leaving you with a few more photos:

Runrig with Duncan Chisholm at Party on the Moor (Runrig 40th Anniversary Concert)

Runrig final encore (old and new band members) at Party on the Moor (Runrig 40th Anniversary Concert)