“Excitement Builds for The LaFontaines’ Gig at HMV in Glasgow
Although accustomed to playing renowned venues like the Barrowland Ballroom, O2 Academy, and King Tut’s, The LaFontaines from Motherwell are eagerly anticipating their upcoming performance at HMV on Argyle Street.
(Image: Images from Chuff Media)
The band, consisting of Kerr Okan (vocals), Jamie Keenan (drums and vocals), and Darren McCaughey (guitars and production), is set to rock the city center store on June 20.
Reflecting on the upcoming gig, Kerr expressed, “I vividly recall watching my uncle perform at HMV over 25 years ago when his album was released. As a young child, I thought that was incredibly cool. So, at my current age (35), checking this off my bucket list is exhilarating; I’m really looking forward to it.”
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Jamie shared that the concert holds sentimental value for him, reminiscing about visiting the same store on Saturdays with his pocket money as a kid.
He shared, “I remember when I was a young boy, around 12 or 13, spending my pocket money on Saturdays to travel into Glasgow. I would purchase a new album from HMV and on the train ride back, I’d be engrossed in reading the album sleeve – I absolutely loved that experience. I don’t believe we’ve performed in a record shop before, so I’m excited about it.”
(Image: Images from Chuff Media)
2024 has proven to be a year of unexpected venues for the band, following their recent performance at a soft play area in Glasgow earlier this month.
The concept behind the show, held at Inflata Nation, was to offer parents, who may struggle with time or finances to attend concerts, an opportunity to enjoy live music.
As a new father himself, Kerr shared, “Being a new dad with a nearly two-year-old, I understand the challenges parents face in finding someone to watch their kids while they attend gigs. It’s either arranging childcare or worrying about the baby’s care if we can’t find someone or if the event ends too late. So, I had this idea – why not organize a daytime gig where parents can enjoy live music while their kids can have a blast bouncing around in a suitable environment?”
(Image: Images from Chuff Media)
The soft play show marked the band’s return to action after a period of relative inactivity, during which they dedicated five years to crafting remarkable hits, according to Jamie.
Fans can anticipate hearing these new tracks on the group’s forthcoming album, “Business As Usual,” scheduled for release on June 14.
Teasing fans about what to expect, Kerr teased, “Based on the early reviews, we’ve been told that this is our most personal record to date – and also our most dance-friendly. It’s uplifting and feels like a summertime record.”
The band, known for supporting a diverse range of artists like N-Dubz, Twin Atlantic, and Yungblud, emphasized that genre is irrelevant on their new album and as a band.
Kerr emphasized, “Genre is a non-issue for us; we don’t concern ourselves with it. Why should we? I believe genre has become irrelevant in today’s music landscape. I’m well-versed in blending genres and the positive response that generates.”
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Fans can catch the new tracks at the HMV show, as well as the band’s performance at the Barrowlands on September 13.
For Kerr, the East End venue holds a special place in his heart.
Kerr expressed, “It’s the best venue in the UK and my personal favorite globally – the energy in that room is unparalleled.”
Jamie added, “It’s leagues ahead of anything else in the UK.”
