Shambolics keep the band alive with release of new post-lockdown single

The local four-piece had been signed by Creation head honcho Alan McGee to his vinyl-only Creation 23 record label and had just sold out their biggest gig to date before Covid-19 intervened.

But with restrictions easing the band have announced the release of a new single and guitarist Darren Forbes says he doesn’t think lockdown will have had too much of an adverse effect on them.

“We were quite lucky because we played one of the last gigs before lockdown,” he says.

“We sold out St. Luke’s in Glasgow in March which was our biggest gig to date.

“We actually thought it might have been stopped, but we managed to squeeze it in, so we finished on a high really.

“If we hadn’t it would have been the most depressing thing ever, because we had worked hard to sell it out.

“But we played it, then it all came crashing down.”

Darren says the band were “gutted” to scrap three tours and a string of festival dates that were lined up before the pandemic hit.

“By the end of the year we would have been playing 1000-strong gigs,” he says.

“It was pretty devastating because, although we have had plenty highs, there have been a lot of lows as well and it looked like it was going to kick off for us this year.

“But we kept cracking on.”

During isolation the band reached out to their fans with a string of well-received covers which they posted on social media, including Isolation covers which were well received, including Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Everywhere’, The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’, Abba’s ‘Mamma Mia’ and The Rolling Stones’ ’Sympathy for the Devil’.

Darren says it helped to keep the band focused and together, but laments that some others may not be able to survive.

“Unfortunately I think a few bands will break up because of this,” he says.

“But if we can get back to playing gigs, and I really miss those, then I think we will be fine.

“But if not, it could have an effect.

“If people in bands have sat about and not made any music during this time then they’re going to find it difficult to get back to it.

“But I can understand that, I’ve found it hard at times, although it was a perfect time to be writing music.

“It’s been quite hard to focus at times, but it’s starting to get back to normal now.”

With lockdown restrictions allowing the band to return to their de facto home, Darren’s very own Eggman Studios in Dunfermline – which mercifully has survived lockdown – they made a recording which is now scheduled to follow February’s single, ’Sandra Speed’.

‘Love Collides’ is one that band’s fans know well and is out on Creation 23 Records on October 2.

Darren says the release will give the band a much-needed boost.

“It’s a fans’ favourite that one and it’s going to be a big one for the studio as well,” he said.

“It’s a good move to release a song that our fans know, a lot of them have been dying for us to release this one.

“It’s been a long time coming.

“If it had been a brand new song I’d have wanted to tour on the back of it, but we can’t, so I’m pleased that we’re releasing a song that the fans want.”

Darren says the band may announce some dates soon and is feeling confident about their future.

“We’re like brothers,” he said. “We’re all from the same area and we’ve been through a lot together, so lockdown was minor compared to that.”

He added: “With The Shambolics, it’s all good.”