Belladrum 2022 Q and A with John Rush

We catch up with John Rush ahead of his performance at Belladrum 2022.

If you are reading this and still have not get tickets use this Belladrum 2022 ticket link to make sure you do not miss out.

You have ten words to describe your act, no more no less…

Rough, Melodic, Nostalgic, Meloncoly, Sarcastic, Fun, Humourous, Hairy, Songwriting

As an act how how does it feel to be back post-COVID?

Absolutley love being back in front of 3D humans, its been a long wait but now we are back with a bang!

Given the myths and legends theme of Belladrum 2022, can you tell us a myth or legend of the band?

I don’t think I have much Mythical or Legendary about myself. I enjoy a Guinness on stage and folk tend to shout out while I’m playing if I want a drink, think it’s something to do with a few of my tracks mentions alcohol in some way?? Other than that I’m your run of the mill Scottish, Hairy Arsed Singer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfg2m1GtdrL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Which legend (non-musical!) would you have appear on stage with you and what song would you play with them?

Paisley artist John Byrne, and we would sing The Humblebums track ‘Saltcoats At The Fair’

There have been a few musical legends play Belladrum over the years which performance would you most like the opportunity to see again?

Been so many, Ocean Colour Scene as I’m a big fan and had the honour of sharing a stage with them a few times but even this year to see The Fratellis will be amazing. I used to go to school with Mince the drummer, would be nice to catch up if I get the chance.

How are you preparing for your Belladrum performance, what are your plans after you have played?

Other than playing every gig I can to get match fit??? After the show I will be getting an early night with a cup of tea (he said with a smirk on his face)

If your set only consisted of three songs and one extra cover, which ones would they be and why?

Gold & Green – It’s a song that really has been kind to me, folk tend to gravitate to it. I wrote the lyrics when I was 19 and it seems to be still holding strong so I can only thank my younger self for that. 

Drink With Me – Again, a song that folk seem to enjoy and it may be where I have this “The boay loves a drink” persona. It has a nice wee sing a long chorus that folk remember by the time there done. The Apple Doesnt Fall Far From The Tree – A song I wrote for my Dad, basically saying we are the same and its pretty cool that we are. Prob one of my most sincere songs I’ve ever written. Everywhere (Paolo Nutini) – I actually haven’t played this live yet but I am excited to do so one day. He has his saltire waving track ‘Iron Sky’ which is most likely his best but this track from his new album really gets me in feels. His performance at TRNSMT absolutely killed me. The boy is a talent and I wish I had a slither of it.

And a wee bit of festival madness…

Who’d win a fight between Nessie and Godzilla?

Nessie everytime, FREEEDDDOOMMMM!!!!

You’re out for a few drinks, what other artist that you know, would turn it in to a legendary night?

Mick Hargan, he will get you into trouble that boy

Is Nessie real?

100% and if you say otherwise we will no longer be in talking terms

What would you rather fight, a unicorn the size of Nessie or 20 unicorn sized Nessies?

1 Big Nessie please, least if you get the killer punch its over, canny be assed fighting twenty ants let alone 20 unicorn sized Nessies

What is your favourite urban legend?

I love the wee ones you make up as a kid to be honest, every street has a crazy guy that most likely has done nothing but wore a wooly hat this one time so he, forever will now be known as ‘Tea Cosy’ and is known to have a 1000 snakes that he sleeps with in his single bed. Ye, know… the classics! 

If you had to form a 4 piece band from legendary creatures what instrument would each play and why? Also what would you call the Mythical band?

Would need to be a cat from the pharaoh times, even just to ask him what the f@ck went on and did they know more than we think. He can play triangle as long as he tells me the truth. Might aswell get Nessie in but only the cartoon one from The Family Ness, on Sax I think and I dont even know why??? And then Animal from the muppets on drums, cause why wouldnt you. He’s the greatest drummer of all time. And the band would be known as… “The Next Band Are Better”

You can see John Rush at Belladrum 2022, performing on the 29^th and 30^th at 12.30pm at the Burke and Hare Stage. All things Belladrum can be found on our Belladrum Festival Page.

Online find him on Facebook and Insta.

Live he headlines Edinburgh’s Sneaky Petes on the 3^rd of Sept – Tickets

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