Event Date: July 26, 2009
Event Venue: Pitlochry Festival Theatre

No Song for Yesterday: Wolfstone at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, 26 July 2009

It’s been a long wait for Scottish fans of Celtic Rock supremos Wolfstone this year. The band’s first, and by the sounds of things only, appearance in 2009 on home soil saw them play in Pitlochry on July 26.

It’s the “Year of Homecoming”, and it also coincides with the boys’ 20th anniversary, but while it provided an excuse to look back and delve into their extensive body of work, it certainly did not turn into a 'Song for Yesterday’. It was a celebration of both past and present.

Line-up changes in recent years have injected much youthful energy and drive into the band, but at the heart of it all still lies true love and appreciation of traditional Celtic music, which is nowhere more evident than in the set list for what became a very memorable evening. It left nothing to be desired.

A no-nonsense, stripped back version of “Hector The Hero” featuring only Duncan Chisholm on (acoustic) fiddle, and Stuart Eaglesham on (acoustic) guitar made for a wonderful opener and gave an insight into why Wolfstone’s music continues to have such an appeal - stunning melodies, skillfully crafted, performed with perfection.

What followed was a dynamic set of songs and tunes from the past two decades, Stevie Saint’s “Quinie”, a revived “Cleveland Park” and their rocked out version of Capercaillie’s “Paella Grande”, to name but a few. Even “Maggie’s”, “Tinnie Run” and the excellent “5/4 Madness” made a comeback for the occasion.

The highlight of the night was a fantastic acoustic set, consisting of a heart warming rendition of “Brave Boys” (during which Davie Dunsmuir doubled up on acoustic guitar), the sentimental “Song for Yesterday” (written by former band member Ivan Drever so many moons ago) and “Wild and the Free”.

Stuart Eaglesham’s performance of “All Our Dreams” and “The Prophet” were outstanding. No need for nerves here, Mr E - t’was flawless!

And while it’s difficult to criticise Wolfstone’s past performances musically, they did occasionally lack in terms 'audience interaction / audience participation’. Not so in Pitlochry. There was a fine rapport. Story telling and friendly banter proved that they’re not just a bunch of talented musicians, but also great entertainers. If they want to. Let’s have more of that, please…

After the show, Stuart Eaglesham told me that Wolfstone appear to be experiencing a bit of a revival. I hope he’s right - I’d love to have them around for another wee while! In fact, another 20 years would do just fine…

Happy Anniversary, Lads!!!