We catch up with Davie Ross of Scooty and The Skyhooks ahead of Belladrum 2024 and ask them a few questions.
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40 years!!! Congratulations, what do you think the secret is for keeping a band together for so long?
Thank you so much. We can’t believe ourselves that’s it’s our 40th anniversary. We have gone through a number of changes in lineups during that period but some of the core members have always remained. Hard work and us all enjoying the type of music we play. We also try our best to keep the set fresh by regularly adding new tunes. We have also become great friends over the years too.
You have talked about the love that you have received for the band, how do you explain the enduring support for Scooty and the Skyhooks?
We can’t thank everyone enough for the continued support we receive. Our anniversary tour tickets are selling so well. It’s just amazing and another reason for our longevity. I think we offer a great night out because our style of music is so upbeat for dancing and of course plenty reminiscing to be had with the ones that’s been with us this whole journey. But we now also have added a new generation of followers too which is absolutely fantastic.
Of all the acts you have supported, which stands out the most for you and why?
A difficult question! We have been so lucky to have had the opportunity to support some top acts over the years but I’m going to opt for Jools Holland in 2012. The crowd called us back for an encore which was a very rare thing to happen for a support band. Deacon Blue was special too in 87 and now we find ourselves sharing the Belladrum lineup with them in our 40th year. I wonder if they remember us? haha.
Having achieved so much with the band, is there anything that has eluded you that you would want to achieve?
Possibly done more recording in the studio but it just wasn’t to be. Always found we were too busy gigging to find the time required for it. Another opportunity that eluded us was missing out on supporting Billy Ocean as due to ill health he had to call off at the last minute.
What are your favourite memories of performing at Belladrum?
Loads but if pushed……Garden Stage Saturday afternoon 2013. Sun was shining place was jumping along with the stewards dancing at the front of the stage. Opening the very first Thursday Garden Stage and headlining the opening of the Ice House Jazz Stage. Honour for a local band.
Given the Love theme, if you had to create a love playlist with only five songs, what would be on it?
‘These Arms of Mine’ by Otis Reading
‘My Girl’ by The Temptations
‘You’re In My Heart’ by Rod Stewart
‘To Love Somebody’ by Jimmy Somerville
‘If I Fell’ by The Beatles
If you could travel back in time which Belladrum would you like to revisit?
Other than performing in 2015. I had a brilliant time with family from the borders who were attending their first Bella. We did try to camp but after the tent collapsed we decided to just settle for our home comforts! It was a brilliant weekend and great craic.
In your act’s repertoire, what is the most romantic song you have?
Our genre means most of our songs are romantic but if I had to choose then it would be ‘My Girl’ from one of our soul medleys.
Scooty and The Skyhooks, perform at Garden Stage stage 130pm on Saturday and can keep track of the band via Facebook
