I was late to be a fan of Runrig, indeed. It must have been around 1996 or so.
Only shortly should my newly found musical love endure. With Donnie leaving and the dissolution of the band, everything was over.
It was only by accident that I noticed in a local paper that Runrig were playing again in Bonn‘s Biskuithalle. I couldn’t believe my eyes, but I bought tickets immediately.
I don‘t remember much from the concert itself, the acoustics were lousy, but a I saw a new era beginning. It was in all probability a test for Bruce as the new singer. I remember I had mixed feelings afterwards
But then the new album, ISOE, appeared and Bruce‘s voice won me over. It happened that the very next album, The Stamping Ground, became my favorite album by Runrig ever, if not the most favorite of all.
For 20 years then, I‘ve heard Runrig with Bruce‘s voice. And to me he became THE voice of Runrig .
The concluding highlight for me was the last concert in Germany, AFAIK, which was in Cologne at Lanxess arena. This was a musical explosion and the final experience of a lifelong heritage. The last chapter of „The Story“.
The news about Bruce‘s death is hard to accept, but there‘s so much hope in the songs, he and the other boys have done: We‘re „Running to the Light“, only to meet „Somewhere“ where „Hearts of Olden Glory“ grow young. Believing in a „Love that so loved the world“ and a „Cross for a people“ and a „Love that heals the wounds“.
Thank you, Bruce, ( and by that way: thank you to all of Runrig) for your inspiring and uplifting music that has always mirroring a real sense of beauty. You shall be with the Living!