Music Guru David McLeod recieves iconic Glasgow Barrowlands Hall of Fame award
Glasgow music guru Donald McLeod received an honorary inclusion into the Glasgow Barrowlands Hall Of Fame on Saturday night.
The popular Cat-House founder and Garage owner appeared visibly shocked to be presented with the award at the end of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals sell out gig.
McLeod joins greats such as David Bowie, Big Country, Biffy Clyro, Iggy Pop and Gerry Cinnamon, who can also be found on Barrowlands Hall of fame.
McLeod had been asked along to present the New York hip-hop band with their Hall of Fame achievement trophy, so couldn’t believe it when he was then presented with one of his own.
McLeod was delighted with the rapturous applause which then came from crowds, which rivalled the cheers FLC got for their award.
He said: “I’m really humbled by it, the reaction has been great, the crowd were great on Saturday night.”
With Glasgow club The Garage coming up for it’s 25thbirthday celebrations, McLeod says he’s been reflecting back over some of his favourite moments: “I’ve known the Fun Loving Criminals since they first came over to the UK around ’94, we bonded like brothers, we’re very good friends, we’ve had some great moments. We still have a great laugh.
Speaking of some of the gigs he’s put on he said: “We’ve had a real journey over the years, it’s been amazing.
“Oasis played the Cathouse and recorded ‘I am the Walrus’ there.
“I was also part of the team that took them to the famous 1996 Balloch gig at Loch Lomond, or the ‘Battle of Balloch’ as it’s referred to.”
McLeod’s impressive career in the music scene spans over 30 years, in which he has welcomed bands such as Pearl Jam, Oasis and Guns N’Roses, and recently did a four night run at the Barrowlands with the Bay City Rollers.
Alongside club owner and promoter, McLeod is also involved with music therapy charity Nordoff Robins, which he recently chaired.
He now chairs the charity’s events committee, and organises the Scottish music awards, which was at the SEC last year and will return to the Fruitmarket later this year: “The music community have embraced this charity as their own, the support has been fantastic, it’s been great to see, I feel very lucky to be able to be involved with and support this charity.”
When asked how he celebrated the award Donald, who’s often affectionately referred to by friends as ‘Jack Donald’ in relation to the similarly named bourbon, went against his nickname and cracked open a few Glasgow brewed Nanny State beers from Brew dog.
The promoter, who practices the Japanese martial art Aikido and is currently training for his green belt, admits he doesn’t party as hard as he used to. He stated his driving duties came first on Saturday night, although he added: “I think anyone who knows me knows I will be celebrating this weekend with something a little stronger.”
By Chloe Adams
