The ‘80s icon is one of the curators of a rare exhibition at the Tolbooth Stirling of famed Glasgow photographer Harry Papadopoulos, who captured one of the most exciting eras in Scottish music.
As a staff photographer with Sounds magazine, Papadopoulos defined the images of legendary bands, such as Aztec Camera, Orange Juice, The Associates, Altered Images and The Bluebells as well as snapping music legends including David Bowie and Gil Scott Heron.
Actor Peter Capaldi and US talk show and comedian Craig Ferguson are among those to feature in the photos when they were part of art school punk band The Dreamboys.
The exhibition will be run at the Tolbooth Gallery until 28 September, with free entry, presented by Street Level Photoworks, as part of Stirling Photography Festival.
Alongside Harry’s exhibition there is a fascinating display of images and memorabilia from contributors such as David Meldrum Lowe, and Ewen Duncan, that delivers an insight into Stirling’s music scene from that time.
On Saturday (17 Aug) Ken will be joined by bandmate Robert Hodgens (Bobby Bluebell) and exhibition curator Malcolm Dickson (Director and Curator of Street Level Photoworks) for a panel discussion about Papadopoulos’ photography that will be hosted by broadcaster Nicola Meighan.
Afterwards, Ken and Bobby will be joined by James Grant, formerly of Scottish band ‘Love and Money’, for an intimate acoustic gig spanning The Bluebells’ incredible career that includes smash hit songs including “Young at Heart”, I’m Falling” and “Cath”.
A few final tickets are remaining for this special show, which also includes an opportunity to view the exhibition.
Thrilled
Ken said: “We are thrilled to bring the Harry Papadopoulos "What Presence" Exhibition to The Tolbooth Stirling, and to feature the local content from David Meldrum Lowe on "Keeping The Stories Alive".
“Harry’s rare access to the bands and personalities of the Scottish post-punk scene has produced a candid catalogue of photos that tell the story of an incredibly exciting time in all our lives.
“It’s amazing to look back at the intimate moments that Harry has captured of us and the other leading Scottish bands of our era as well as other major musicians.
“Alongside Harry’s exhibition are a fascinating display of images and memorabilia from David that shines a light on the story of the punk and DIY scene across Stirling, so there’s going to be lots of interesting things on show for local music fans as well.
“We can’t wait to chat more about all of this with our good friend Nicola Meighan as part of a special intimate event at the Tolbooth on 17 August, where we’ll also play a set of acoustic songs spanning our career. Bobby and I will be accompanied on the night by the wonderful James Grant. It’s going to be brilliant night and we look forward to seeing you all there.”
Only a few tickets left
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “This will be a fantastic night where fans will be able to hear the inside track on an exhilarating era in Scottish music and then enjoy some of The Bluebells’ greatest hits up close within the atmospheric surroundings of our award-winning Tolbooth venue. We only have a few tickets left so make sure you reserve spot for this unique event.
“If you’re not able to make it along on Saturday for the concert, you can still relive this era by coming along to the photo exhibition in the Tolbooth Gallery between Tuesday and Saturday, 10am to 5pm, until 28 September.”
More info:
‘What Presence: the Music Photography of Harry Papadopoulos’ is presented by Street Level Photoworks as part of Stirling Photography Festival at the Tolbooth. The exhibition, curated by Malcolm Dickson of Street Level Photoworks, will run until 28 September, is open 10am to 5pm between Tuesday and Saturday.
The Bluebells currently have a new highly acclaimed album available titled “The Bluebells In The 21st Century” available from Last Night From Glasgow. The Bluebells in the 21st Century (lastnightfromglasgow.com)
For tickets and more info on The Bluebells live and in conversation, please visit: stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/the-bluebells
Details on ‘What Presence: the Music Photography of Harry Papadopoulos’ exhibition, can be found at: stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/stirling-photography-festival-streetlevel-photoworks
For all the other events at Stirling’s venues, including the Tolbooth and the Albert Halls, visit: stirlingevents.org
Once the city’s court and jail, Tolbooth Stirling was transformed into an award-winning music and arts venue in 2002 following a significant restoration and redesign. It was awarded the prestigious Venue of the Year accolade at the annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
