Specsavers Scottish Music Awards add more names to star studded line up

Specsavers Scottish Music Awards add event more names to star studded line-up including Wet Wet Wet, The Bluebells and Brooke Combe!

Article Source: Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Last Updated: 6 October 2021 12:53

The countdown to one of Scotland’s most anticipated nights in the music calendar has officially begun, as the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards reveals more huge names to join this year’s live event in aid of music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins. Taking place on Saturday 13th November at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom, the event is delighted to announce that guests will enjoy performances from Wet Wet Wet, The Bluebells and Brooke Combe as well as a nomination for a band taking the industry by storm, The Snuts. They join previously announced nominees and performers, The Fratellis, Nathan Evans and Nina Nesbitt.

Following a virtual event in 2020, the Barrowland Ballroom will host the biggest night in Scottish music as the audience gathers to pay homage to some of the most talented artists the nation has to offer, whilst raising vital funds for Nordoff Robbins, a charity that believes in the value of music for all people in our society. Fans will be able to tune into an exclusive livestream of the event, by signing up to watch for free at www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/

Tickets are available to purchase via Simon Foy at simon.foy@nordoff-robbins.org.uk

Wet Wet Wet bass player Graeme Clark said, “We have a special place in our hearts for Nordoff Robbins as we’ve been on one long musical journey with the charity over the years. We’re very excited to be performing at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards this year especially as it’s being held at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom where we played our first professional gig as a band back in 1985, which was the only time we’ve actually played there.”

Lead singer Kevin Simm added, “I know first-hand about the amazing work Nordoff Robbins do with music therapy and it will be an absolute privilege to play for them again at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards where we get to continue the band’s amazing journey of support for the charity.”

The Bluebells said, “We are thrilled to be nominated for this year’s Sir Reo Stakis Legends Award. Following the lockdown release of our remastered and repackaged debut album ‘Sisters’ on vinyl by local label ‘Past Night From Glasgow’, we are very much enjoying playing live again. The Barrowlands is just the perfect setting for live music and we are all really looking forward to enjoying a great night at what has become one of the highlights of the year. We fully support the vital and inspired work of Nordoff Robins through music therapy, especially through the dislocating times families have endured over lockdown.”

Brooke Combe said, “I’m delighted to be nominated for this award. It’s great to be acknowledged and I’m only just getting started, so I’m chuffed. I’m really excited to get on stage and perform at the Barrowlands as well. It’s such an iconic venue for me and my pals. It’s gonna be great!”

The Snuts said, “We are delighted for our debut album W.L. to be nominated at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards.”

Sandra Schembri, CEO Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy charity said, “Each year, we are beyond grateful for the continuing support of the Scottish music industry through the annual Scottish Music Awards.

At Nordoff Robbins, it is our privilege to connect, collaborate and co-create music with our clients. We aim to advocate for their continued access to the therapeutic benefits of music and through the support of the Scottish Music Awards, we’re able to continue this.

We share our thanks to all sponsors, especially our headline partners Specsavers, to some of Scotland’s most influential musical talent, and to those who attend. All their support gives us the opportunity to raise vital funds for us to continue to provide music therapy to some of the most vulnerable and isolated members of our communities.”

Go Radio is the official radio partner for 2021’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards and will air exclusive interviews in the build up to the ceremony. Speaking about this year’s live event Tracey McNellan, CEO of Go Radio said, “We’re absolutely delighted to return as the official radio partner for Specsavers Scottish Music Awards! It’s no doubt been a tough year for everyone but to see one of Scotland’s most exciting nights return as a live event next month is truly amazing. We’re huge supporters of the music therapy work that Nordoff Robbins provides, knowing the powerful impact music has on so many of us, and can’t wait to see this year’s acts performing for such an important cause.”

Tune into Go Radio for exclusive interviews and build up to the ceremony.

The awards were forced to move online during the COVID-19 pandemic, so 2021 will mark an extra special night as the country’s music scene comes together once more to celebrate at the 23rd event. Raising an outstanding £89,000 from the online event in 2020, the night will honour some of Scotland’s biggest icons, as well as shining a light on the country’s most exciting rising stars. After the success of last year’s digital stream, music fans will be able to join in on the fun and watch all of the intimate performances from some of the country’s biggest stars. Visit www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk and sign up to view for free.

As the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards make the big move to one of the country’s most iconic venues, Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom, they also announce new additions including; Wet Wet Wet, The Bluebells and Brooke Combe, all set to join The Fratellis, Nathan Evans, and Nina Nesbitt.

Winners of the Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Specsavers at 2020’s virtual event, Wet Wet Wet are longtime supporters of Nordoff Robbins, receiving their first Silver Clef Award back in 1988. With their new album ‘The Journey’ set for release on 5th November, it will be a truly special moment for the band on their return to Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom, where they played their very first professional gig in 1985. After going nearly two years without playing to a live audience in Scotland, Wet Wet Wet will be making up for lost time by playing their iconic songs and once again reconnecting with the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards adoring crowd.

Recently becoming the first Scottish band in 14 years to secure a UK No1 with their debut album, The Snuts are nominated for the guitarguitar Best Album Award for the incredible ‘W.L.’

For its 23rd year, the event will also welcome one of the country’s very best indie bands, The Bluebells to the Barrowland’s stage. The UK chart toppers stormed the scene in the 80s and will bring classics like ‘Young At Heart’ to what is set to be a storming Saturday night in Glasgow, nominated for the Sir Reo Stakis Legends Award. One of Scotland’s breakout stars, Brooke Combe will make her debut appearance at the event, following a life-changing year which has seen her perform a sold out show at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, the very first gig back for the venue post-pandemic, and sign up for a support slot on tour with Miles Kane. Nominated for the Best Female Breakthrough Award sponsored by Tennent’s Light, Brooke Combe is without a doubt, one of the country’s most exciting rising stars.

This year’s nominees and performers include:

Sir Reo Stakis Legends Award – The Bluebells
Best Female Breakthrough sponsored by Tennent’s Light– Brooke Combe
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Songwriting Award – The Fratellis
Best Male Breakthrough sponsored by Dirt Comms and KHOLE – Nathan Evans
Women in Music Award sponsored by ROX – Diamonds & Thrills – Nina Nesbitt
guitarguitar Best Album – The Snuts

Due to the pandemic, Nordoff Robbins’ fundraising was decimated for 2020. Their forecast for 2021 is only 40% of their pre-covid income. Despite this huge reduction in income, their services are needed now more than ever. They will continue to meet the need as and where they can - whether online or face-to-face.

For the past 22 years, the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have honoured some of the country’s biggest international stars from Annie Lennox to Susan Boyle, Biffy Clyro to Snow Patrol, all whilst celebrating Scotland’s best up and coming talent including breakthrough awards for the likes of kitti, Tom Walker and Lewis Capaldi, with the all-important mission to raise funds for the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity.

Funds raised on the night via online donations, live auctions and ticket sales are a vital part of the charity’s ability to provide music therapists and sessions to those who need it most, marking 23 years of the awards as the main fundraising event for Nordoff Robbins. 2020’s winners and performers included Texas, Amy Macdonald, Wet Wet Wet, Dougie MacLean and many more, raising £89,000 to ensure the charity is able to provide vital services across Scotland.

For further information on Nordoff Robbins visit www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk

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