Twenty four years. Almost two and a half decades. It's a long time anyway you look at it - and its how long Donnie Munro graced Runrig with both his tonsils and his presence. Since he's best known for his association with one of Scotland's most enduring bands, taking a look back at what the lads have done so far is a must.
"Run-Rig" (circa 1973) first consisted of Calum Macdonald on drums and vocals, big brother Rory on guitar and Blair Douglas on accordion. They were very much a good-time ceilidh band, playing the dance halls and pubs of Skye and the Western Highlands. Donnie joined the band in 1974. It was a time of dodgy beards, flares, good crack, covers of Creedence Clearwater Revival songs and high jinks. Blair left, to return later to play on "The Highland Connection". The late Robert Macdonald joined to replace Blair and left after recording "Play Gaelic", Runrig's first album in 1978.
Malcolm Jones joined the band that year and he gave Runrig a fresh, harder sound with his guitar playing influenced by piping. By the time "The Highland Connection" came out in 1979 the band were a four-piece consisting of Malcolm, Calum, Rory and Donnie. It was the first album released on Ridge Records, the band's own record label, owing to the fact that Lismor who they were with previously wasn't suitable for the band's needs.
The start of the 1980s saw the arrival of Iain Bayne to take over Calum's drumkit while Calum moved to percussion, even though infamously Iain had taken the Michael out of Runrig from hearing them play previously,in front of a girl called Debbie who is now Rory's wife. However, tongues were bitten and Iain was absorbed into clan Runrig. 1981 saw the release of "Recovery", the band went full-time in 1982 and in 1983 "Loch Lomond" was re-recorded as the band's first single.
It was around this time Marlene Ross became the band's manager and although Marlene quickly established herself as a force for outsiders to be reckoned with, the band signed to Simple Records, a London record company which nearly spelt the end of Runrig with broken deals and huge debt. A scathing attack on Simple "O Cho Meallt" can be heard on the band's fourth album, "Heartland".
"Heartland" signalled the start of the music travelling into Lowland Scotland. Ridge Records was used temporarily to promote it during this time. Richard Cherns joined the band to give his keyboard talent on this album only to be replaced by Peter Wishart - the last member to join the "classic" line-up which by now reads Donnie, Malcolm, Rory, Calum and Iain. Sadly in 1986 Robert Macdonald who performed on "Play Gaelic" died of cancer.
1987 saw the release of "The Cutter and the Clan" and also Runrig supporting U2 at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. Rave reviews all round! It was obvious by now that Runrig needed an established record company to handle their affairs. By this time the band were becoming so well known that they didn't have to look for a deal - the record companies were looking for THEM, and Chrysalis clinched it.
It was full steam ahead from here on. A support slot with Chris De Burgh helped introduced the band to more fans outside Scotland. "Once In A Lifetime" sold like hot black bun and "Searchlight" - gasp! - almost made the Top ten, peaking at no.11. Runrig's first video "City of Lights" broke sales records in Scotland and things were soon to be big. Very big. Very very big indeed...
1991. "The Big Wheel" cracked the Top ten peaking at no.4. 40,000 at Loch Lomond. Edinburgh Castle gigs. Sell out gigs in England. Runrig were almost trendy! Journos who had previously sneered now slavered, but those who had always believed - the fans - smiled knowingly. No flashy limos and living in goldfish bowls for the lads of Skye and Fife. In spite of constant UK wide media attention, no heads were turned, not even when Donnie was appointed Rector of Edinburgh University.
"Amazing Things" missed the no.1 slot by only 17 record sales. By now in 1993 the band were even starting to make the top 30 singles chart and there were appearances on Top Of The Pops! The band released their second live album "Transmitting Live" which sold well in Scotland as always, but poorly nationally. It seemed that the fuss was dying down. The fans still smiled. The band were as good as ever - leave them to those who were really appreciative!
A year later in 1995 Carlsberg used the track "An Ubhal As Airde" taken off "The Cutter And The Clan" in one of their adverts. Due to the interest generated, it was released as a single and to the band's delight it became the most successful Gaelic song in the charts ever, peaking just inside the top 20. Another blow was struck for the Gaidhealtacht and the above album was also re-released to tie in. "Mara" was also released this year, Donnie's last album with Runrig.
1996 was a turbulent year. Their best of, "Long Distance" , came out and received mixed reviews from fans due to the fact that it contained little of their early material. A horrific fire which completely destroyed their fan club offices also burned valuable master tapes. Rolling up sleeves, Runrig made it quite clear that they were bloody but unbowed. They would need to be, because more upset was to come.
Donnie had decided to become a Labour politician and stood for the seat of Ross, Skye and Inverness West, losing only marginally. He announced he was leaving the band in May 1997 and they vowed to carry on. Final concerts in Europe and the UK culminated in three sell-out dates at Stirling Castle to a tearful crowd. After all, it signalled the end of an eventful, hard-going but wonderful era. Achievements have been many. It is fair to say that the band helped increase the interest in the Gaelic language, there has been much charity work by members and six lads from Skye and Fife became a national institution.
The spirit and grit of these men shines through. After a year long search, Runrig have successfully chosen a new lead singer, Bruce Guthro, a native of Canada. Donnie will never be forgotten, but will hopefully be a honest force in the dubious world of Scottish politics. It seems fitting that the voice that sang about Scottish issues for so long will hopefully be helping to change them for the better.
The Big Wheel turns ever on.
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