Dick Gaughan

Dick Gaughan, one of the most important Scottish singers during the last four decades, makes a rare appearance in the south when he appears at The South Parade Pier.

Since turning professional in 1970, Dick Gaughan has released over 25 albums, and his songs have been recorded by many top artistes, including Capercaillie, Mary Black and Billy Bragg.

His first solo album, "No More Forever", released in 1972, contains some real classics, probably the definitive versions of songs like "Rattlin' Roarin' Willie," "The Green Linnet", "Cam Ye O'er Frae France", "Bonnie Banks Of Fordie", and "McCrimmon's Lament".

In 1972 Dick joined the immensely influential Boys Of The Lough, on guitar and vocals, together with the great fiddler Aly Bain, Cathal McConnell on flute, whistle and vocals.and Robin Morton on concertina, bodhran and vocals. In 1975, Dick joined Five Hand Reel,contributing on guitar, cittern, banjo, whistle and vocals, with Bobby Eaglesham (vocals, guitar and mandolin), Barry Lyons (bass guitar), Dave Tulloch (drums), Tom Hickland (fiddle, piano and vocals. Five Hand Reel were the classic Scottish folk rock band - the Scottish equivalent of England's Steeleye Span or Ireland's Horslips -but found it hard to gain acceptance with either the folk or the rock audience. Dick left Five Hand Reel to pursue a solo carrer, and his 1981 solo album "A Handful Of Earth" is probably his greatest album. His version of "The World Turned Upside Down" is the album's highpoint, inspiring Billy Bragg to record the song.