A concert film which captures Runrig’s farewell concert at Stirling Castle will air on BBC ALBA for the first time this April.
‘The Last Dance’ concert film captures the sell-out gigs in August 2018 which were filmed live in front of 50,000 fans by Glasgow based digital entertainment company Blazing Griffin.
This exclusive programme on BBC ALBA will air on Saturday, April 3 at 8pm and show the full three hours of concert which was filmed at the iconic and historic location of Stirling Castle.
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Runrig founding member Rory MacDonald who lives in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, said: “It’s the love of performing that kept the group going for over 45 years.
“Our farewell performance brought all this to a close – a shared, visceral experience that will stay with me forever. In many ways, our bond with the fans has been our success and this film illustrates this throughout.”
Formed in 1973 on the Isle of Skye, Runrig’s rise to fame in the 1970’s and 80’s as Scotland’s most successful folk and rock band culminated in a career spanning 45 years.
They produced 14 studio albums and took Gaelic music from the village halls of the Highlands to arenas across the world including Canada and New York.
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Rory MacDonald’s brother Calum added: “During these uncertain times it may be hard to feel connected with the communities we love most.
“We hope that the Runrig community and our fans will feel a sense of togetherness when they watch our farewell concert on BBC ALBA and that it will help raise the spirits.”
Runrig held sold-out concerts at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as New York’s Times Square, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh Castle.
‘The Last Dance’ will also features performances by some other well-known and talented Scottish musical guests including Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, Laura McGhee, Gary Innes, Dave Towers and the Glasgow Gaelic Islay Choir.
Donnie Munro, Runrig’s lead singer from 1974 to 1997, joins the band on stage during the show much to the delight of fans.
'The Last Dance' concert film producer at Blazing Griffin, Steven Little, said: “We’re so pleased to see the full 3-hour concert film released on BBC ALBA, it’s the perfect platform to reach out to Runrig’s local fans.
“I was delighted to work on this production, it captures the magic of the band and provides the tribute the band was looking to give to their fans. It’s an incredibly uplifting and lively concert film, I just know that Runrig fans are going to love this.”
Channel Editor at MG ALBA, Margaret Cameron, said: “BBC ALBA is delighted to have a weekend of Runrig content to offer our audiences with the jewel in the crown being the full The Final Dance concert.
"It’s been great to work with Blazing Griffin and to be able to bring this exceptional moment to BBC ALBA.”
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