We discovered Runrig in 1994 when I sat up late to watch the documentary “City of Lights“ on Channel Four. I was mesmerised and went out and obtained all their CDs and videos and we joined the fan club, no. 13566.
Our first concert was at Stirling in 1994 and several more followed until Donnie left the band. We couldn’t make his farewell concerts, but I still have and occasionally watch the video.
Like all fans we followed the search for a new vocalist becoming increasingly despondent as time went by and then the wonderful news that fate or rather a certain Mr Ross had identified Bruce as a possible match. Our first concert with Bruce was Croydon Fairfield Halls 12th April 1999. We knew then future of the band was in safe hands, what a voice. We waited to see the band leave and found Malcolm in the small, staff car park talking to a couple he clearly knew. There were only a few fans waiting. Malcolm told us they would all be down soon and sure enough within a couple of minutes Calum, Iain and Peter appeared. We had a chat with them and then Bruce walked through into the car park. We were so excited to meet him and he seemed genuinely delighted that we had managed to obtain a copy of his “Of Your Son” CD which he signed for us. Rory then appeared, my wife’s favourite band member and after explaining this to Bruce we shot over to speak to Rory. We always regretted not spending more time with Bruce and never got the opportunity to apologise for our haste to catch Rory!
Incredible memories, Millenium New Year Inverness, 30th at Stirling, Beat The Dram 2007, Scone 2009, Edinburgh Castle and of course 18th August 2018 to name a few we were at (missed Muir of Ord).
We introduced Mal and Diane, then our local publicans at the Butcher and Beast in Heighington, Lincolnshire, to the band and took them to the farewell London gig. They were hooked. Mal would often tell me to put my head in the kitchen and I was always greeted by the sound of Bruce and Julie Fowlis dueting on “Somewhere”. Apparently, Diane had the song on repeat on her phone she loved it so much. They moved onto Silverstone earlier this year and I have no doubt the song is still being played on repeat in the new pub kitchen!
I can’t pick a favourite song there are so many, but love "Life Is", "One thing", "The Water Is Wide", "Travellers" and his different interpretations of "The Old Boys", “Every River” and “Hearts of Olden Glory” and of finally “Somewhere” my wife Sandra’s favourite.
One of life’s gentleman, a great singer, and a great songwriter in his own right. We will both miss you Bruce and thank you for 20 incredible years with our favourite band.
Sandra and Nicholas Oakes
xx
