BMX Bandits in Bellshill

"I create beauty out of pain." Duglas T Stewart

Last night (Friday 30th May), Duglas T Stewart and his beloved BMX Bandits made a triumphant return to Bellshill, marking Stewart’s first hometown show in over 30 years.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen Duglas perform over the years. There have been memorable gigs of all shapes and sizes—from intimate shows in bars like The Lismore to festival slots at T in the Park and Wickerman, and headline sets at venues like King Tut’s and Oran Mor. But (and maybe it’s just because it’s so fresh in my memory), last night might just have been the best of them all.

Photo by Paul Quinn

Why?

Well, I could put it down to the venue, location and significance. Bellshill Cultural Centre is tucked away just a 2-minute walk from the station. Duglas mentioned how he was born and raised in Bellshill, how he lived just a few streets away, formed BMX Bandits 40-years ago in 1985 and wrote many, many songs nearby. His friend Paul Quinn, formerly of Teenage Fanclub, was promoting the show. The Bellshill connection brought out the best in Stewart and subsequently his band. 

"There was a bunch of us in Bellshill with the same dreams." Duglas T Stewart

Speaking of which, is this the best BMX Bandits band?! How about that for a pub debate among fans?! Andrew Pattie (guitar), Amanda Nizic (bass) and Liam Chapman (drums) are super tight and totally get Duglas in 2025 and Duglas from 1985. Of course, not to do past members a dis-service, that could be said for all previous participants in Stewart's vision for his music. But I was exceptionally impressed last night.

"You never really leave the band completely." Norman Blake

"Being in BMX Bandits is like being wrapped in your favourite chocolate bar with everybody you love all around you hugging you at the same time." Sean Dickson

BMX Bandits family tree (from circa 2011)

Maybe absence makes the heart grow fonder. I missed the last couple of Bandits shows in Glasgow. And with Duglas now living out on the west coast, they don't come around as frequently as they once did. It had been a while since I basked in the warmth of Stewart's songs and charm. I still have a Readybrek glow from the show.

Of course, the wonderful songs were central to last night. Opener Setting Sun set the tone for a night of melodic, heartfelt and soulful pop music. Then we had an incredible trilogy of The Sailor's Song, Little Hands and Serious Drugs. Three absolute classics! We were being spoiled.

"My favourite Bandits composition has to be The Sailor's Song. In a little over 3.5 minutes it unravels like a movie in minature. Love conquers all." Sushil K Dade

Duglas and the Bandits played songs from across the Bandits 40-years. The aforementioned Setting Sun opens most recent album Dreamers On The Run,  Time To Get Away is also taken from that LP and it is a real gem. I appreciate it all the more after the introduction Duglas made at the start regarding how he wrote it for a friend he was concerned about. 

Stewart told a number of stories, of writing songs with his great friend Norman at 3am. Of seeing a shop called Razorblades & Honey while in Berlin and then writing and recording a song of the same name with Anton Newcombe in his studio in the city. That was one of many highlights, the dirty groove is delicious.

Amanda sang a glorious I Wanna Fall In Love, Foggy was absolutely beautiful, Disco Girl was super fun and an acapella Your Class had us all clapping and singing, the melody lifting and carrying us all.

And what you do, what you do

Is breaking my heart in two

And I'll never get too tired of you 

Duglas told of Dan Treacy of Television Personalities sending him a cassette of Girl At The Bus Stop with instructions to destruct the tape after recording a Bandits version - Mission Impossible style. As Duglas said, it is possibly more BMX Bandits than any song he has written!

Beloved debut single E102 might run that close, with the glorious refrain of I'm so happy, that love has come around being sung wholeheartedly on stage and off. 

Closing with the gorgeous Spinning Through Time from their Music for the Film "Dreaded Light" album, this was a truly wonderful and heartwarming show.

Support on the night was by The Cords who I first blogged about HERE. The sisters must have blitzed through a dozen songs in a 30-minute set that bodes well for their debut album, due out later this year via the excellent Slumberland Records. Eva's vocals are naturally melodic and beautiful, her guitar playing is feisty and firesome, and her songwriting feels unforced and pure. I can't wait to hear the album and look forward to them playing some launch shows later in the year.

"If I could be in any other band, it would be BMX Bandits." Kurt Cobain

Check a couple of old blogs below, including a podcast I recorded with Duglas on the 30th anniversary of BMX Bandits.

10 from BMX Bandits

30th anniversary podcast 

Norman Blake at The Alex James in Bellshill

Photo by Ruthie Blaney

Norman Blake returned to Bellshill last night to play his first gig in the town for over 30-years at The Alex James on Hamilton Road. To highlight how personal a show it was, Norman had counted the steps from the venue to his Gran's old house - 450 in case you wondered.

I should have counted the steps from my house, to Uddingston train station and then from Bellshill (a mere 3-minute journey) to the venue - literally down the hill and round the corner! Very handy!

There was another Fanclub and Bellshill element to the show, a crucial one. Bellshill boy Paul Quinn was responsible for booking and promoting the gig. Last night was the first of many that Paul will be putting on, with the aim of Bellshill gigs becoming a regular fixture in the Scottish and Lanarkshire music calendar. 

David Scott from The Pearlfishers is playing the next night on 28th February with support from KiDD - another Fanclub angle as Stuart played bass for Teenage Fanclub last year and was a member of the live Jonny band with Norman and Euros. TICKETS HERE

Keep an eye on Paul's Bellbeat Presents Facebook page for further announcements.

The Alex James is a cracking venue; pub/restaurant on one side, function room/live venue on the other. Drinks were well-priced, I was pleasantly surprised to be asked to pay £14.20 for 4 pints when I went up for a round!

Norman and Teenage Fanclub inspire incredible devotion from their fans - the Teenage Fanclub Fanclub! I've met so many friendly and brilliant people through my love of the band. Last night people had travelled from Chicago, Cornwall, London and Dingwall to catch Norman in his home town.

Support on the night was from Willie Campbell, formerly of Astrid, and I thoroughly enjoyed his set that generated a warm response from the crowd. Indeed, Campbell moved one guy near the front to tears with his impassioned lyrics and soulful voice. I'd definitely go and see him again. I loved the way Campbell used 2 capo's and his harmonies pedal worked well. Many of Campbell's songs were about his native Lewis and his voice is so strong that he could step right back from the mic and continue to fill the room with ease.

Photo by Ruthie Blaney

I have lost count of the number of times I have seen Norman play; with the Fanclub, Jonny, The New Mendicants, Jad Fair, with Butler and Grant and of course solo. His voice and songs warm my heart and seeing him play with just an acoustic guitar always feels like a real privilege, especially in such an intimate venue. The way the songs are stripped right back makes me appreciate them all the more.

Norman played a lengthy set featuring songs from across his full career. Blake's songwriting is exceptional and I marvel at how many of the songs that he wrote in his younger days take on greater meaning with each and every passing year. Like a fine wine, they mature with age; melancholic, reflective and full of hope.

I mean, how old was Norman when he wrote Everything Flows? 23/24? How deep are the lyrics?

We get older every day

But you don't change

Or I don't notice you changing

When Norman plays his songs on acoustic guitar, I pick up on the lyrics a little more. How about this moment of heartfelt honesty from I'm In Love? Stunning!

You don't know what you mean to me

Girl I owe you my life

Photo by Ruthie Blaney

Or from the sublime I Left A Light On;

My life had lost it's meaning

I was a lonely soul

Mellow Doubt was played early to a rapturous response, Baby Lee was fresh and flowing, a cover of He'd Be A Diamond was (pardon the pun) a gem, the stripped back Everything Flows melted my heart and Did I Say is a masterclass in songwriting.

I Don't Want Control Of You is another of Norman's songs that cuts deep, written about his daughter, it always makes me think of my own girls whenever he plays it. 

Don't want this love to stay the same

But grow with every year

The room became a community choir for What You Do To Me, as pure a love (and lust) song as you can get. Blake's voice is beautiful and I particularly loved the way he sang Back In The Day, getting lost in the music as he drove the song to conclusion.

Photo by Ruthie Blaney

Back In The Day is one of my favourite Norman songs. The melody and chorus caught my attention immediately, but the lyrics are beautifully open, raw and reflective. Things change.

Adrift and in a dream

Like fallen leaves in a flowing river

A life of harmony for you and me

When unexpectedly

Someone said that nothing lasts forever

It all became so very clear to me

With each new passing day

I see that old world fading away

I just can't seem to find

The peace of mind that I knew back in the day

The Darkest Part Of The Night was a welcome surprise as part of a 3-song encore alongside Start Again and The Concept. Norman was in jovial form throughout and was more than happy to meet friends and fans afterwards, the venue and vibe lending itself to the sense of community felt by both artist and audience.

Norman has a busy 2025 coming up with the Butler, Blake & Grant album coming out in March followed by a tour and then Teenage Fanclub play a string of shows in late July into August, including a night at the Kelvingrove Bandstand. They then head off to South America.

Songs of Gerard

 

My love for Teenage Fanclub has generated many friendships and conversations over the years. Recently I started one with Juan Marioni from one of my favourite city's in the world - Buenos Aires in Argentina. My wife and I were very fortunate to spend a month living in the Palermo Viejo district of the city back in 2008 for the last month of a year travelling around the world. It really is a wonderful city; music, art, dancing, wine, steak, football ... oh to go travelling again.

Juan has recently started recording and releasing a series of EP's where he covers songs from each of Teenage Fanclub's 3 songwriters. Back in June he released Songs of Raymond  , which I missed upon release, and he's just let his Songs of Gerard EP fly out into the world.

I still marvel that my favourite band has touched people around the world through their music. So I thought I'd catch up with Juan to find out how he discovered the band and what led him to record his EP's in celebration of McGinley, Love and Blake.

It's interesting hearing the songs being performed by Juan, my personal highlight from the Gerry EP was Shock and Awe, a lovely nod to Lightships in the intro and the lyrics really stood out as I listened with the latest news from Afghanistan flickering silently on the TV across the room.

Wake me when the conflict is over

I aim for a peaceful life

Shake me when this madness is no more

I favour a peaceful life

Meanwhile, Raymond's Genius Envy is covered with more than a nod to Bob Dylan and I love how Juan harmonises with himself, then drops in a couple of very apt Beatles  in the outro. Apt, as the song contains an absolute classic McGinley line.

So what if you see other people

I only get jealous when I listen to The Beatles

Juan has still to select and record the songs for his Songs of Norman EP. Keep an eye on his Bandcamp page.

Interview

How are you? How are things in Argentina?

I'm fine thank you, hope you're OK. Argentina is always a troubled country ... so we are in the same situation as usual. With the pandemic, we didn't reach the point to choose who would get a ventilator. The vaccination is a little bit slow but it's on its way.

Can you remember the first time you heard Teenage Fanclub?

I don't remember the first time, but I remember the day I thought 'this is special'. I remember walking on a really nice sunny, kind of spring day (or maybe Autumn). One of those days when you feel happy to be alive! I think it was 1991/2. Bandwagonesque was out, so I estimate the year with that date in mind. I was in my hometown, Buenos Aires, walking the streets of the Palermo neighbourhood, going back home after a session with my therapist, listening to Bandwagonesque that was recorded on to a cassette tape. Something 'hot me' that day and I think that I was listening to Sidewinder at that point. I think the first song I ever heard was The Concept, but I also recall seeing a clip on MTV of God Knows It's True and that song blew my mind! So those were the first memories of my first impressions.

Why did you fall in love with the band?

The sound and the production were what I liked first. Those airy vocals sung in 2 or 3 part harmony. And in the back those noisy but at the same time intelligent guitars, the blend of classic and modern sound. Also the songwriting reminded me of music I like - sixties style.

Have you seen them live? What kind of venues do they play in Argentina?

Sadly I have never seen them live.

What other Scottish bands do you enjoy listening to?

One of my favourite bands is Belle and Sebastian and I also like Primal Scream a lot. Parallel TFC bands Lightships. Primary 5, Nice Man, Jonny, JAMC, Donovan, New Mendicants (half Scottish). I also recently discovered Kevin Robertson.

What made you decide to do your Songs of ... EP's?

I like to record at home and now in the pandemic, I have more time. I bought a new computer and I was thinking of making a thematic record ... maybe a 60's garage rock selection ... well ... finally I thought 'why not do covers of one of my all-time favourite bands?' At first I thought about recording a selection of songs but then I realised that each composer deserves an EP. Selecting and recording the songs made me appreciate their songwriting even more.

You cheekily throw in excerpts from other songs - some great Beatles sections (appropriately) in your version of Genius Envy and a Lightships riff in one of your Gerry songs. Did you plan that, or fall into it?

It was inspiration, purely spontaneous. Those ideas came to me in an instant, while I was in the process of recording the songs.

What do you think of Endless Arcade?

I think it's a good album, it gets better with every listen. It was surprising when I first heard it because there were some new directions in their style. Of course I miss the presence of Gerry. I think it is great that they keep going on making new music.

When can we expect your Songs of Norman EP? Have you recorded it yet?

I haven't started it yet, I don't know what songs I will select but I have candidates. I think that the production will be in the same acoustic vibe as the other two. And you can expect the same dedication that I put into the Raymond and Gerry EP's.

Lastly, what music are you listening to at present?

I've been listening to Teenage Fanclub a lot. I've been producing 2 albums for Argentinian musicians/bands - Gaspar Tessi and Piloto de Juguetes, so I've been listening to their music all day. Also a lot of power pop, garage rock, psychobilly, rockabilly and sixties music - some quite obscure compilations. Bands recently - XTC, Dukes of Strathosphear, Those Pretty Wrongs, Beach Boys, Love , Magnetic Fields, Matthew Sweet, Pernice Brothers ...

10 from BMX Bandits

Ahead of a Record Store Day re-issue of their C86 album, I thought I would blog on my top 10 favourite BMX Bandits songs. Adding to previous blogs on 10 favourites from;

• The Vaselines
• The Lemonheads
• The Pastels
• Primal Scream

My love for the BMX Bandits goes back to 1991 when I was in 5th year at school. It was a time and age when a crowd of people (myself included) started to get passionately into bands, records, the NME, Melody Maker and mixtapes. What a time to discover bands like the Roses, Charlatans, Fanclub, Nirvana, James and R.E.M.  And there were a few who despite being 15 got into the rave and dance culture that was exploding.

So many (if not all) of the aforementioned bands were quick to highlight their friends and influences. So from Teenage Fanclub I was introduced to the Bandits, The Vaselines and The Pastels. A guy a few years above us was in a local band and he made mix tapes for my friend Grant. So his taste kind of got passed down to a few of us in 5th year.

It's funny how I now know many of the people who are in the bands mentioned above. I still find it weird that they know my name!

BMX Bandits have released some incredible music over the years and I don't think they necessarily receive the credit they deserve. Duglas' songwriting has developed beautifully over the years and he has surrounded himself with loyal friends and brilliant musicians to achieve the sounds in his head.

The last 4 albums; My Chain (2006), Bee Stings (2007), BMX Bandits In Space (2012) and BMX Bandits Forever (2017) - have really seen BMX Bandits flourish. Rachel Allison and Chloe Philip have helped Duglas write for female vocalists, while Stewart has also co-written and worked with with Dr Cosmos Tape Lab, Anton Newcombe, Plectrum and Cineplexx, also (to my great delight) recording Fireworks which was written by my sister.

As much as I love early BMX Bandits, I think this run of albums and the songs included in them is the most interesting period of the bands career. Listening back to My Chain and Bee Stings was a delight, the songs have aged beautifully, I appreciate them more. You just don't know what they will do next.

I have had to leave out early favourites like Kylie's Got A Crush On Us, Little Hands and Gettin' Dirty and more recent songs like Dot To Dot, To A Flame, Take Me To Heaven and I Wanna Fall In Love.

But my top 10 favourite BMX Bandits songs is pretty evenly balanced from across their career, taking in their debut single, b-sides and some of their most recent material.

If you are new to the Bandits you'll discover love, heartbreak, hope and humour in these songs. I hope you find something you enjoy.

Your Class
Oh what a gem of a song from the aforementioned C86 album. The first time I ever heard this was at a live show when it was built around a bass riff, and little else. The vocal melody, lyrics, flow and feel pull the listener in to hear what is going on in Duglas T Stewart's heart and mind.

What you do, what you do

Is breaking my heart in two

But I'll never get too tired of you

Don't say we're through, don't say we're through

The Unforgiven
This song gets me every time. I love the feel of it and it is my favourite vocal from Duglas. I remember speaking to him about the song once and he said he recorded it while he had a cold. I think it was one take and Duglas talked of how he didn't like to record more than two takes, so he kept a natural feel and captured something. I think Duglas and his BMX Bandits captured something very special with this song.

The Sailor's Song
I listened back to this song for the first time in a while as I started writing this blog and found myself listening to it a dozen times over the next day.

Lyrically and melodically brilliant, I also love the way the there is almost an extra line in the verse, in the one noted below, Duglas adds inside and then another line to rhyme with it.

The song ends with the super romantic I could watch you dancing all night

Sometime the medicine don't seem to help

Only your sweet love could bring me back to health

I don't wanna put any pressure you

You could make me feel so good, inside

I want you beside me

You could heal me

Make me feel better

Make me feel better than I did today

You could heal me

Make me feel wanted

Make me feel wanted in a special way

I could watch you dancing all night

Next Girl
The b-side to Kylie's Got A Crush On Us. When I was a teenager I once made a 4-track demo of original songs I had written on side A and cover versions I would perform on side B. This song was included.

I think it's a real perfect guitar pop song. I love the flow and the chorus, especially when it is sung twice in a row, leading to a cracking guitar solo.

Did you ever look back when you'd stopped crying

If you ever said no, would you be lying?

If you ever said so, would you be trying for me?

Witchi Tai To
I try to concentrate on original songs when I write about my top 10 favourites from a band, but I really have to include this cover version that was tucked away on a 4-track CD single.

I have blogged on this song before HERE where you can also find an interview with Duglas.

What more can I say? This is simply stunning. I love when BMX Bandits play it live. You can check a version from their Oran Mor 25th anniversary show HERE

Come Clean
Brilliant guitar pop that builds to the refrain I love you so much inside. I love the lyrics. They are simple, yet clever.

Sometimes you feel so self conscious

And embarrassed by the way that you look

But girl I don't just love your cover

I'm in love with the whole of your book

And It's You
What a gorgeous playful melody, I love when the band just let it flow. It's like a little lullaby.

And it's you

And it's me

It's a complicated story like the best ones can be

Razorblades and Honey
What a dirty groove! Recorded with Anton Newcombe from Brian Jonestown Massacre. I hope Duglas and Anton get together again as this is sensational.

Right now you think you're something

Pretty soon you're gonna be nothing

Serious Drugs
What a stunning song. Sung by Joe McAlinden originally and then Norman Blake on the single, this is the kind of song that led to Stewart being labelled a bedsit Bacharach. Melodic, melancholic, reflective and beautiful with real depth, covering depression with someone longing for love.

I've included the demo version below.

I said I don't think I can take it much longer

She said maybe your tablet should be stronger

Get some serious drugs

E102
The debut single by BMX Bandits is glorious uplifting ramshackle pop.

Check out a live version from the BBC Quay sessions in 2018.

I'm so happy that love has come around for Duglas.

I'm so happy that love has come around

I'm so happy about the girl I've found

I feel like someone's favourite meal

No sweetener, no additives, the flavour is real

I’m In Love by Teenage Fanclub

I’m In Love is the new single by Teenage Fanclub as the band return following an extended break. Released to radio back in June, a new Brian Sweeney directed video has been released today to gee fellow Fanclub fans up ahead of the new album Here, set for release on 9th September.

The band have all been pretty busy since the release of 2010’s beautiful Shadows album. Norman has toured and released with Jonny, Jad Fair and the New Mendicants, Gerry delivered the summery delight of his Lightships album, Francis has released Building Jerusalem - a classical soundtrack and also an instrumental album, while Raymond has helped out Dave with Snowgoose and Dave has also been busy with Belle and Sebastian.

Naturally, it is a welcome return. Teenage Fanclub’s 2014 summer show at the Kelvingrove Bandstand was proof of the love that exists for this wonderful band. That has been demonstrated by the incredible response to the September warm-up shows and the winter tour, with many shows selling out quickly. I'm particularly looking forward to the Glasgow weekender!

On to I’m In Love. I first heard this song in May 2015 when I gave Norman and his very good friend Duglas a lift back to Bellshill from Edinburgh after they kindly played The Girl Effect charity show organised by my sister. The two were in fantastic form, bouncing off each other and discussing all kinds of music.

I couldn’t resist asking Norman what was happening with Teenage Fanclub and he was only too pleased to let me know, asking if I would like to hear some songs from the album! My wife Lynn is incredibly untechnical and couldn’t get Norman’s phone plugged in, so Norman was leaning over sorting this out as we sped along the M8!

Thankfully Norman got it sorted and we blasted out I’m In Love and a few other tracks, one that may be on the next Jonny album. My wife was a little drunk and commented ‘it’s very Teenage Fanclub’, causing us all to laugh!

I'm In Love is very Teenage Fanclub-y! It’s upbeat, positive, the harmonies sound as good as ever (if not better as I have missed them so much), a great guitar solo and it flows superbly. There is warmth, urgency, soul and it zips along, a 2 minutes and 41 seconds summery guitar pop wonder.

The video fits the song perfectly; showing the band getting together, recording, enjoying the scenery and hospitality offered by Edwyn Collins in Helmsdale. There are smiles, a kick about, the sun shines for TFC and a rainbow even makes an appearance.

Welcome back. Roll on the album and the shows.

You don’t know, what you mean to me

Girl I owe you my life

It feels good

When you're close to me

That’s enough, that’s enough

Isn’t life such a mystery?

I’m in love, with your love 

Dreamers

I have enjoyed and admired the creative talent of Duglas T Stewart for over 20-years. Duglas has a new project that he is working on called Dreamers - a departure from his work with BMX Bandits - or maybe the next step.

The Bandits last 3 albums (My Chain, Bee Stings and BMX Bandits In Space), have delivered career highlights, with Duglas reaching new heights with his songwriting and delivery. His ever willing band of collaborators extended to help him produce results that he probably dreams of - akin to his great hero Brian Wilson and also Daniel Johnston.

Duglas with the great Brian Wilson, Brian with the great Duglas T Stewart

Check out the likes of So Many Colours, The Sailor's Song and the exceptional The Unforgiven for starters. A far cry from the C86 days yet retaining the warmth, melodies and love that Stewart has a natural knack for.

Duglas recently wrote this on the BMX Bandits website. (click the link for the full post)

"2014 was a difficult year for me. I know there are people out there who have it much worse than me but that doesn’t help, actually it just makes you feel worse and guilty that you’re not feeling good. On the last night of the year I recorded a song.  I thought I was going to be celebrating the arrival of the new year and new hope for the future in Hamburg but I was home alone in Bellshill. I was in a mess. I recorded a version of Somewhere from West Side Story. I found an orchestral backing track, added some of my own stuff to it and put it through some echo and sang one take straight into the computer mic. At least that’s what I think I did. I couldn’t actually remember doing it until I found the file on my desktop. It sort of made slightly harrowing listening for me but I think I captured something that has something, a rare authenticity. It’s certainly for real. I sent it to the mighty Bill Wells for his opinion. He said he thought it was “very special” and I trust his taste."

I was extremely moved by this recording. It is the sound of a broken heart, still clinging to hope, love and dreams. It is the sound of an artist looking for solace in song. It is beautifully and heartbreakingly fragile, my heart strings are pulled with every listen.

Duglas has released a further Dreamers song entitled Rust, another raw beauty.

The BMX Bandits will always have a place in my heart, but I am looking forward to hearing Duglas complete his Dreamers project with some more 'very special' music.