Article Source: Blazing Griffin
Last Updated: 25 March 2021 12:36
Music lovers can watch a full version of ‘The Last Dance’ concert film which captures Runrig’s farewell concert at Stirling Castle when it airs on BBC ALBA for the first time this April as part of a special weekend of programmes about the band.
The sell-out gigs in August 2018 were filmed live in front of 50,000 fans by Glasgow based digital entertainment company Blazing Griffin.
This exclusive programme on BBC ALBA will show the full three hours of concert which was filmed at the iconic and historic location of Stirling Castle.
Formed in 1973 on the Isle of Skye, Runrig’s rise to fame in the 1970’s and 80’s as Scotland’s most successful folk and rock band culminated in a career spanning 45 years.
They produced 14 studio albums and took Gaelic music from the village halls of the Highlands to arenas across the world including Canada and New York. They held sold-out concerts at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as New York’s Times Square, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh Castle.
Runrig - The Last Dance also features performances by some other well-known and talented Scottish musical guests including Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, Laura McGhee, Gary Innes, Dave Towers and the Glasgow Gaelic Islay Choir.
Donnie Munro, Runrig’s lead singer from 1974 to 1997, joins the band on stage during the show much to the delight of fans.
Runrig founding member Rory MacDonald who lives in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, said: “It’s the love of performing that kept the group going for over 45 years. Our farewell performance brought all this to a close – a shared, visceral experience that will stay with me forever. In many ways, our bond with the fans has been our success and this film illustrates this throughout.”
His brother Calum MacDonald added: “During these uncertain times it may be hard to feel connected with the communities we love most. We hope that the Runrig community and our fans will feel a sense of togetherness when they watch our farewell concert on BBC ALBA and that it will help raise the spirits.”
Steven Little, The Last Dance concert film producer at Blazing Griffin, said: “We’re so pleased to see the full 3-hour concert film released on BBC ALBA, it’s the perfect platform to reach out to Runrig’s local fans. I was delighted to work on this production, it captures the magic of the band and provides the tribute the band was looking to give to their fans. It’s an incredibly uplifting and lively concert film, I just know that Runrig fans are going to love this.”
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor at MG ALBA, said: “BBC ALBA is delighted to have a weekend of Runrig content to offer our audiences with the jewel in the crown being the full The Final Dance concert. It’s been great to work with Blazing Griffin and to be able to bring this exceptional moment to BBC ALBA.”
Runrig -The Last Dance is on BBC ALBA on Saturday, April 3 at 8pm.
Air an Oir, a classic programme from the BBC ALBA archive which looks at the roots of Runrig’s musical influences will also be shown on BBC ALBA on Friday, April 2 at 9pm and an archive concert Runrig – City of Lights will air on Sunday, April 4 at 9pm. All programmes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days after they air.
Image Credit: Andrew King
Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!
READ MORETreasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORERenfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 19th July.
READ MOREChildren attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MOREThousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.
READ MOREPubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MOREThis summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MOREThe inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MOREA magnificent collection of artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in memory of her late husband, John Shaw.
READ MOREThe new free summer activities programme for Renfrewshire children, young people and families is now available.
READ MOREScotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MOREThousands turned out to enjoy a day of fantastic live entertainment at Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations on Saturday!
READ MOREBTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MOREComedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.
READ MOREScotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MOREAhoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MOREMuch loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MOREThis summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MOREThousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORESummerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MOREFancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORETwo major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORECheck out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MOREPupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MOREAfter their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MOREThe Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORECouncillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MOREScotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE