A FULL film version of Runrig’s The Last Dance – their farewell gig at Stirling Castle – is being broadcast by BBC Alba for the first time as part of a special weekend of programmes about the band.
The sell-out gigs in August 2018 were filmed live in front of 50,000 fans by Glasgow-based digital entertainment company Blazing Griffin.
This exclusive programme on BBC Alba will show the full three hours of concert filmed against the iconic and historic backdrop of Stirling Castle.
Runrig formed in 1973 on the Isle of Skye, and their rise to fame in the 70’s and 80’s as Scotland’s most successful folk-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 and Islands to arenas across the world including Canada and the US.
They sold out at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as New York’s Times Square, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh Castle.
Runrig – The Last Dance also features performances by some other well-known Scottish musical guests including Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, Laura McGhee, Gary Innes, Dave Towers and the Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir. Donnie Munro, the band’s lead singer from 1974 to 1997, joined the band on stage during the show, much to the delight of fans.
Runrig founding member Rory MacDonald, who lives in Sutherland, 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.”
His 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.”
Steven Little, from Blazing Griffin, said: “It’s an incredibly uplifting and lively concert film, I just know that Runrig fans are going to love this.”
MG Alba channel editor, Margaret Cameron, added: “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.”
Runrig – The Last Dance is on BBC Alba on April 3 at 8pm.
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