Scottish Alternative Music Awards

Classic Grand, Glasgow  25/02/11

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards clearly stands predominantly in the Scottish music scene; it independently recognises bands and artists who don’t normally get the spot light they deserve.

The night was hosted by comedian Billy Kirkwood; his flowing ginger mane was accompanied by BBC Radio Scotland d.j Vic Galloway, new guy on the block BBC Radio 1 d.j Ally McCrae, and Gary: Tank Commander star, Greg McHugh who all guest stared to present the night’s awards. 

It’s surprising to learn that this awards show is only in its second year. Why oh why is it only in the last two years that we have started to recognise the variety, depth and sheer beauty that is in the music that is, and has been, coming out of Scotland in recent years?

Well we have Mr Richy Muirhead to thank for finally bringing this recognition to our attention. Yet again, he put together the unique event, bringing to light a range of bands and artist from around the country.                           Billy hosting the show

A hand full of said bands performed on the night: Xavia and Three Blind Wolves, who were both nominated for awards,   Cities and Skylines, and last year’s winners of the Best Live Act, The La Fontaines.

Three Blind Wolves were particularly apt in their performance; after whipping the audience into a whooping frenzy and then gate crashing the crowd to perform their final song acoustically, they went on to win the award for Best Live Act.

Vic proceeded to give out the awards to Indian Red Lopez for Best Electronic and Alan McKim for Best Acoustic, while Ally graced the stage to give out the awards for Best Metal and Best Rock/Alternative, which went to Zombie Militia and Little Eskimos respectively.

Greg McHugh was welcomed to the stage to give out the awards for Best Live act, which as we said went deservedly to Three Blind Wolves, and Best New Comer, which went to the opening act, Xavia.

Ross Clark of Three Blind Wolves 


All in all it was a braw wee night, in all its Scottish shining glory! As I said previously, this unique event was the perfect place to recognise the great and powerful noise that these Scottish bands are creating.

For more information, coverage, and of course, updates for when it’ll all be kicking off next year, head on over to www.sama11.co.uk or follow the Scottish Alternative Music Awards on twitter @SAMAs11.