Tune Up - Music Touring Across Scotland

Justin Currie

Best known as the founder member and lead singer of the hugely successful band Del Amitri, Justin Currie is the songwriter behind hits such as 'Nothing Ever Happens', 'Always The Last To Know' and 'Roll To Me'. Born near Paisley, Justin founded the band in 1980 while still at school. From their early indie days, supporting The Smiths and picking up airplay from John Peel, Del Amitri went on to mainstream success in the UK and US with their breakthrough album Waking Hours in 1989. Several hits followed, as well as appearances at Woodstock '94, and, curiously, a cameo in the comedy series Fast Show. Recently, Justin has been pursuing a number of different projects, releasing a solo album, What Is Love For?, working on an electronic pop album with Del Amitri co-founder Ian Harvie, and teaming up with Kevin and Jim McDermott (of the Kevin McDermott Orchestra) as the '60s styled pop group the Uncle Devil Show. Known for his self-deprecating sense of humour, Currie writes on his myspace page that What Is Love For?, "features eleven thunderously dreary dirges many of which he is currently airing live to pained looking crowds of people in dingy Glasgow basements." Mojo begged to differ, writing, "Saying Currie knows how to craft a song is like saying Carvaggio knew how to paint, but the side-burned Scot's solo debut may prove to be his masterwork." Justin has also regularly performed with singer-songwriters Eddie Reader and Colin MacIntyre (aka Mull Historical Society) and Blazin' Fiddles in the project 'With Strings Attached'. He made his first appearance with Ryan's big band at a pilot performance in Elgin in October 2008, following this with a sell out concert at Glasgow International Jazz Festival's Homegrown Showcase in 2009. Justin is due to release his next solo CD April / May 2010 which we hope will have a knock on effect for this tour in terms of publicity.