Friends Again were one of the legendary Glasgow bands of the 80's. However, they managed to pass me by entirely probably because I was living and working in Campbeltown at the time which was hardly Hipster Central.
The band lineup was essentially James Grant, Chris Thomson and Paul McGeechan. I was familiar with James Grant from his later work with Love and Money and subsequently Butler, Blake and Grant. I also saw him play once at a house party.
It took me far longer to become familiar with Chris Thomson. Having read about him and the Bathers I picked up Kelvingrove Baby and subsequently Sirenesque when they were championed by Last Night From Glasgow. I saw them perform a terrific concert at Glasgow GUU.
I am less familiar with Paul McGeechan but know that he masters many of the LNFG albums and has released music as Starless
There was an article in last Saturday's Glasgow Herald about the band who are re-uniting to play a concert at the Old Fruitmarket as part of Celtic Connections.
That gave me the incentive to dust down the Past Night From Glasgow reissue of their album Trapped and Unwrapped for a long overdue listen.
Know the Bathers and Love & Money (obvs) but never heard of this lot. Thanks for the introduction.
ReplyDeletePS 'Honey At The Core' sounds like a Waterboys tribute band - which is not necessarily a bad thing.
DeleteOne of the bands I adored in the early-mid 80s and whom I saw on umpteen occasions. Never imagined that they'd ever get together again, and the upcoming Fruitmarket gig will, hopefully, be one of the highlights of 2026.
ReplyDeleteRe Ernie's comment. Just to mention that Friends Again slightly pre-dated The Waterboys....
Hi CC. Huge fan. I would really like to fly over for this show, but commitments make it impossible. I know I will always regret this decision. I particularly like the three early Moonboot/Moon singles and the double 7” EP, all of which I pulled off the shelves for a listen just yesterday. I have followed the Bathers with much interest too. Their last album was an absolute stunner. - Brian
ReplyDeleteAh Mr Brian
DeleteWe have been expecting you!
Must admit I've never heard of Friends Again - liked the Sunkissed track though. I have a Bathers alb on my shelves (Pandemonia) which means it's survived two collection culls already and yet I have no recall of what it sounds like! Only one way to find out I suppose.
ReplyDelete