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Deacon Blue  Picture: Photo: Paul Cox
Deacon BluePhoto: Paul Cox

Double feast for Deacon Blue fans

Book event takes place hours before band plays OVO Hydro

Fans of music legends Deacon Blue have already taken note of the date Saturday May 7.

That is when the band, Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh et al, perform live at the OVO Hydro in their home city.

But earlier in the day, an event is being held which celebrates the band’s first official book.

Writer and journalist Paul English will be talking about ‘To Be Here Someday’ at the latest Bookface Book Swap Brunch.

His book is packed with features and extensive interviews with the band as well as key members of their crew over the past 35 years along with fans’ memories of gigs, singles, and albums.

Paul said: “We all have our bands as teenagers. They’re as much a part of our identity-building as the clothes we wear and the company we keep.

“In a house with two big sisters and parents who all loved music, my taste was formed somewhere between the Stones, The Smiths, and the Cocteau Twins.

'Opportunity'

“But the first band I could call my own, sometime in 1988 as a 12-year-old boy, was the one I’d heard singing about ships called Dignity, Chocolate Girls, and Real Gone Kids. Deacon Blue would be my band.

“Thirty odd years later, I was given the opportunity to write the band’s official history, Deacon Blue: To Be Here Someday.

Deacon Blue
Deacon Blue

“It sent me back to 1986, and the early days of one of the most popular bands in Scotland, telling their story from then to now - as remembered by the band, their associates, and their fans, in “pictures, songs and words” to pinch a line from one of their best songs.”

Paul adds: “Writing the book was a labour of love, and I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with the Bookface members”.

The Bookface Book Swap Brunches take place on the first Saturday of each month in Glaschu restaurant and bar in Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow.

We all have our bands as teenagers. They’re as much a part of our identity-building as the clothes we wear and the company we keep.

Paul English

Recent events featured the multiple Emmy and BAFTA award-winning filmmaker and photographer Doug Allan and Sophie Gravia, the author of ‘A Glasgow Kiss’.

Readers are encouraged to bring 4 books of any genre to swap, enjoy tea and coffee to kick off, followed by a glass of Prosecco, brunch, and a French aperitif from Lillet.

Heather Suttie, Bookface founder and organiser, said: “Bookface is all about sharing great book and podcast recommendations; proper page-turners, memorable memoirs, cracking cookbooks, super self-help titles and coffee table treats.

Paul English
Paul English

“This event is a brilliant opportunity to hear about all the backstage and behind the scenes look at how a book like this comes together from the initial idea to when it hits the shelves.

“Dignity is one of my favourite songs, and if like me you’re off to see Deacon Blue at The Hydro, this is an ideal way to start your day and make sure you’re there in time to see the support band, Interlopers.”

The event runs from 9.30am-12.30pm at Glaschu, Royal Exchange Square Glasgow and is supported by Lillet.

Glaschu is the venue for Bookface Book Swap Brunch
Glaschu is the venue for Bookface Book Swap Brunch

Buy tickets for the Bookface Book Swap Brunch, £30 includes booking fee, tea/coffee, brunch, a glass of Prosecco and Lillet cocktail.

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