The band recounts their unforgettable encounter with football legend Sir Alex Ferguson during a charity event.
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Scottish band Skerryvore recently had the unique opportunity to perform for legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson at a charity event during Euro 2024 in Germany. The event, organized by renowned photographer and philanthropist David Yarrow, brought together a star-studded audience, including actor Martin Compston, Formula One champion David Coulthard, and singer Amy Macdonald.
A dream come true for the band
Accordionist Daniel Gillespie, a founding member of Skerryvore, initially thought the invitation was a prank. “My brother Martin and I are huge football fans, and we were already planning to attend the Euros,” he explained.
“When we received the email from David Yarrow about performing at a Scottish night in Bavaria, we thought it was a joke.” However, after meeting with Yarrow, the band learned the details of the event and were thrilled to participate.
Lunch with a football legend
After their performance, the band received an unexpected invitation to lunch with Sir Alex Ferguson the following day in Munich. “I thought he was joking,” Daniel recalled. “But we ended up having a few beers and then received a message asking if we were coming for lunch with Sir Alex.” The surreal experience continued as they played some tunes for the football icon, who expressed his enjoyment of their music.
Memorable moments with the Tartan Army
During their time in Munich, the band mingled with the Tartan Army, Scotland’s passionate football supporters. Daniel described the atmosphere as “frantic” at times, especially when fans recognized Sir Alex and sought selfies. “He handled it really well,” Daniel noted. “He was happy to take pictures but was also enjoying his lunch.” The band’s pipers even had the honor of piping Sir Alex to his car, a gesture that was greatly appreciated by the football legend.
Looking ahead: Upcoming performances and new music
Skerryvore, formed in Tiree in 2005, has built a formidable reputation in contemporary Scottish music, blending traditional folk and rock elements. They are set to headline the Music Hall in Aberdeen on December 28 and are also planning a landmark show at Floors Castle in Kelso on May 31, 2024, to celebrate their 20th anniversary. “We wanted to do something unique,” Daniel said, highlighting the excitement surrounding their upcoming performances.
New album on the horizon
In addition to their live shows, Skerryvore is currently working on a follow-up to their successful album Tempus, which topped both the official Scottish Album and UK folk albums charts after its release in April 2023. “We are in the studio working on new music with some exciting collaborators,” Daniel shared. “It’s important to keep moving forward and not become stagnant.”
With their recent experiences and future plans, Skerryvore continues to push the boundaries of Scottish music while creating unforgettable memories along the way.
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