Scottish songwriting stars team up for Rafferty tribute.

Paisley hosts Bring it all Home festival to celebrate Gerry’s legacy

The cream of Scotland’s songwriting talent is teaming up for a series of unique concerts to celebrate the memory of the late Gerry Rafferty in his hometown of Paisley.

Bring it all Home (11 to 19 April) will bring together some of the finest Scottish artists of the past few decades for a star-studded tribute to Gerry and his life’s work.

The festival – a key part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations – coincides with a two-month exhibition of the singer’s memorabilia at Paisley Museum, featuring artwork from his friend and another of Paisley’s best-known sons, John Byrne.

Gerry-Rafferty

The centrepiece of the festival will be Bring it all Home: The Gerry Rafferty Concert (Wednesday 16 April, Paisley Town Hall) – a very special evening of Gerry’s songs performed by his friends, family and fans on what would have been his 67th birthday.

Led by Gerry’s daughter Martha and his long-time friend and collaborator Rab Noakes, the night also features Eddi Reader, Barbara Dickson, Emma Pollock, Roddy Hart, Siobhan Wilson and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

It will include all his most popular songs as well as some lesser-known work, with many pieces specially arranged for the RSNO.

Later that week will be From Burns to Biffy: A Celebration of Scottish Songwriting (Saturday 19 April, Paisley Town Hall) with a unique collection of talent paying tribute to the breadth and depth of Caledonian hitmaking.

Veteran songwriters Midge Ure (Ultravox), Hamish Stuart (Average White Band, Paul McCartney) and James Grant (Love and Money) will be joined by contemporary artists Siobhan Miller, Karine Polwart and Blue Rose Code.

Each artist will perform some of their own material alongside their favourite songs from other Scottish writers, showcasing the country’s rich treasure trove of words and music.

Other shows on the bill include:

– an international concert in Paisley Abbey featuring Irish multi-instrumentalist and songsmith Paul Brady and US singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier

– a show from Mercury Prize nominee Kathryn Williams and local rising star Michael Cassidy

– a series of musical masterclasses from acts including the RSNO, RM Hubbert and the Cairn String Quartet, and Stevie Wonder’s manager Keith Harris.

All shows will take place at various venues around Paisley. Tickets will go on sale from www.bringitallhome.co.uk from 9am on Friday 21 February, and from the box office at Paisley Arts Centre, New Street, Paisley, on 0300 300 1210.

Running alongside the festival will be Bring it all Home: The Exhibition (7 March to 18 May).

The unique exhibition at Paisley Museum will feature Rafferty memorabilia from guitars to album artwork and gold discs to hand-written lyrics.

Paisley artist, and close friend of the Rafferty family, John Byrne will also showcase some of the artwork that brought the pair so close.

Gerry’s daughter Martha said: “I’m looking forward to marking what would have been his 67th birthday with a great bunch of artists and musicians. Breathing new life into his songs is always a pleasure.”

“It’s also fantastic to be able to stage this festival in Paisley – his home town meant a lot to him and inspired much of his work, I’m sure he would be delighted to be able to help shine the spotlight on the town.”

Bring it all Home is being organised by Renfrewshire Council, with funding from Homecoming Scotland and Creative Scotland.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan added: “Gerry Rafferty is one of Paisley’s most-famous sons and there remains an incredible amount of affection for him and his work.

“We are delighted to host Bring it all Home – which comes after the area successfully hosted The Spree and The Royal National Mòd last year – and Paisley is ready to welcome the national and international interest we expect it to attract.”

Caroline Packman, Homecoming Scotland Director, added: “We are delighted to have the Bring it all Home festival as part of the packed programme of Homecoming Scotland events.

“For many people, his music brings back memories of a wonderful talent so it is fitting the success of Gerry Rafferty should be celebrated with a fantastic line-up of musicians and songwriters, in his home town and on his birthday.”

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X