IT’S one of the greatest introductions in the history of rock and it is about to force Paisley’s detractors to sit up and listen.
Dozens of saxophonists will gather in Paisley town centre today for a mass rendition of Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street, to mark what would have been 70th birthday of the town’s most famous musical son and cement the bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.
Paisley’s bid raised a few eyebrows when it was announced in 2015 -- it is not a city and its increasingly deserted town centre is often cited amongst the worst examples of 21st-century urban declined.
But Rafferty, who named an album after Ferguslie Park, was fiercely proud of his Paisley roots.
Daughter Martha said her father, who died in 2011, would have been fully behind the Paisley bid.
“To have so many people playing the Baker Street solo together in the town centre is a unique idea and I am sure it will make a great spectacle,” she said.
“Let’s hope they’re all in tune. I am looking forward to hearing it.
“My father was very proud of his Paisley roots and I am sure he would have been supportive of the town’s UK City of Culture bid.”
The musical moment has been organised by local promoter Tommy McGrory, of Loud ‘n’ Proud.
He said: “We’ve had phenomenal interest in this ever since we revealed the plans a few days ago – it is shaping up to be a must-see moment.”
Paisley’s bid will be formally submitted to the UK Government next week.
The sax solo will take place at Paisley Cross at 1pm and will see professional musicians – including a live band – joined by local talent.
Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “This event is a tribute to one of Paisley’s best musical exports and a song known the world over.”
The town also hots the third annual Paisley Food Festival in Abbey Close, and the Paisley Beer Festival in Paisley Town Hall this weekend.
Budding saxophonists can contact Tommy McGrory on 0141 840 109
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