Lead singer of rock band will return to hometown after 20 years

Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub is set to visit Bellshill for a special performance which will be one of a series of gigs organised by his former bandmate Paul Quinn.

He will perform at the Bellingham Suite at The Alex James on Friday, January 31.

Norman Blake (Image: Supplied) Paul, who is now an artist manager, is hosting the concerts to showcase Bellshill's rich musical heritage. 

Teenage Fanclub originated in 1989, with Paul joining in 1993, and went on to release 12 studio albums.

READ MORE: Teenage Fanclub star looks forward to 'neighbourhood' show in Pollokshields

Their most well-known hits include The Concept, What You Do  To Me, Fallin' and Everything Flows.

Paul and Norman (Image: Supplied) Norman said: “It’s been over 20 years since I’ve played a show in my hometown of Bellshill and it goes without saying that I am really looking forward to making my return.

“I’m hopeful that the establishment of this club night will herald a return to regular live music in the town.

“My former Teenage Fanclub bandmate Paul Quinn has worked tirelessly to pull this all together.

“He’s been heavily involved in all things music-related in the town for going on 40 years.

“I’m looking forward to playing some of the songs that I have written for the band solo on acoustic guitar in a club context.

“I’ll be playing songs old and new with a couple of covers thrown in there for good measure. Please come and join me.”

Paul, a Grammy-nominated drummer, looks back at those days with great fondness as he now seeks to help rising stars make it in the music industry.

Paul Quinn (Image: Supplied) He said: “I had some great times in music but some tough times too – not with Teenage Fanclub which was a dream being a huge fan before joining them. I’ve had some not so enjoyable experiences also with others who shall remain nameless.

“I’m trying to build something new and exciting but founded on the base I built touring the world.

"Bellshill has a really rich heritage musically and I want to bring that back – so starting the Bellbeat Presents Sessions with Norman just feels perfect.”

Paul’s company, Bellbeat, is always on the lookout for new and exciting talent and if any rising stars think they have what it takes they can contact paul@bellbeatmgmt.com. 

Tickets for Norman's show go on sale today, Wednesday, November 20 and can be purchased here. 

The Alex James is located at 39 Hamilton Road, Bellshill, United Kingdom, ML4 1AG.