Quick-fire Interview with Richie Muir

When lockdown hit in 2020, few people knew the impact that the pandemic would have on the music industry across the UK. Musicians, producers and managers up and down the land found themselves with time on their hands like they never had before. One such musician was Richie Muir: an Edinburgh-born musician based in Nottingham, but most importantly of all, a huge, lifelong fan of the Scottish rock band, Runrig.

Lockdown saw Richie launch a Facebook page dedicated to acoustic covers of Runrig songs from across the decades. Before too long, the idea to put a band together to keep the legacy of the music alive led to the formation of Beat The Drum: The Runrig Experience. With the band due to embark on their latest UK tour, aptly named ‘The Long Winter Tour’, we sat down with Richie to discuss what the group have been up to and what concert-goers can expect from this run of dates. 

Richie, it’s great to see you. We’re excited to hear about what you and the band have got planned before the end of 2022. But first, give us an update on what the band has been up to since the last tour. 

It’s great to be here. We went to Germany to play a festival which was fantastic. There's a real passion for Runrig's music over there and we were made so very welcome. We’ve also been busy been recording some new promo songs and videos for this upcoming tour. 

Travelling to Germany was the band’s first taste of an international crowd. How did you find your the experience of performing abroad together as a band?

It was very exciting. We had no idea what to expect but the response blew us away - just incredible. It was so very hot that day and then just as we started the gig the heavens opened and poured down. Didn't seem to dampen spirits at all. If anything, it was very Scottish weather ! 

For you personally, what has been the most rewarding part of your involvement in 'Beat the Drum’ since the project launched?

Well, when I had this idea it was just out of pure passion for the songs and the want to play them live. I love singing them and it's been the response of the people with this similar feeling and enjoyment of singing with me these incredible tunes - and also putting together a whole new band with Ben, my partner in this project. And of course, meeting and making a group of close friends with Glenn, Jason, Duncan, Scott and Gavin (Richie’s fellow band-mates). 

You’ve been on quite a journey, and the next chapter is this new UK mini-tour. Tell us a bit about 'The Long Winter' tour. What can fans expect from this run of dates? I hear you’re planning to add some 'new' songs to your set from the Runrig catalogue…

Put simply, they will hear all the big Runrig tunes played by my fantastically talented band and creating the atmosphere of Runrig shows of old. And yes, there’s a couple of new tunes from the Runrig back catalogue. ‘The Story' will be a special one. Interestingly, Duncan, our bass player, produced the original video for that song!

It sounds amazing. I know you’re playing some fantastic venues on this tour, too. Are there any countries, venues or landmarks where you as a band would love to perform in the future?

Would love to do an outdoor concert in the highlands as Runrig did so often in the summer. That would be very special. And to play a show in front of the Forth Rail bridge in my home town of South Queensferry. 

Give us an insight into the dynamics of the band. Who brings the energy before a big show? Who helps everyone keep their cool?

To be honest everyone in the band is pumped before the gig and ready to make a great show. As the only Englishman in the group, Ben is usually the one trying to keep our feet on the ground!

What sort of experience are you hoping to give fans who come out to see you on this tour?

We just want the crowd to feel those special moments they had when they saw Runrig live. 

Certain songs create deep feelings for fans, and I hope we can put the tunes across in a way that takes them there again!

For more information about the upcoming tour and for tickets, please visit therunrigexperience.com.