Every so often running BillyWatson.tv opens doors that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise. Most of the time I’m standing in a crowd with everyone else, camera in hand, trying to capture a few decent videos and photographs. Occasionally, however, an opportunity comes along that allows me to become a small part of the story itself.
When I heard that Goodbye Mr Mackenzie were returning to the Glasgow Barrowland to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, I got in touch with singer-songwriter Martin Metcalfe and offered my services. The band were already planning to film the concert as part of a documentary about the reunion, but Martin suggested I position myself at the back of the venue and capture a wide-angle view of the entire show. The footage could potentially be used in the film, and I was more than happy to help. It isn’t every day that one of Scotland’s most influential bands asks you to contribute to their documentary.
For anyone unfamiliar with Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, they occupy a unique place in Scottish music history. Long before Shirley Manson found international fame with Garbage, she was part of the Mackenzie story, and for this reunion the vocal duties were handled by Seil Lien, who did a tremendous job stepping into such an iconic role. The support act also demonstrated exactly why she had been chosen, delivering a performance that won over the audience long before the main event took to the stage.
The concert itself felt less like a nostalgia trip and more like a celebration. There was genuine affection in the room, both from the audience and the band. The Barrowland has hosted countless legendary nights over the years, and Goodbye Mr Mackenzie’s return felt entirely at home beneath the famous dancing lights. Thirty years may have passed since Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, but the songs had lost none of their power.
Emma had her own memorable experience. Thanks to the band, she was thrilled to receive a photographer’s pass and spent the evening capturing the event from a perspective most fans never get to enjoy. For someone who had accompanied me to countless gigs, it was a special opportunity and one she thoroughly enjoyed.
The surprises didn’t end there. After the concert we were sitting in the bar area when Martin appeared and greeted me with a cheerful “Billy Watson!” as he spotted us. We had a brief chat, but he was spending time with his family and I didn’t want to intrude on what was clearly a special night for everyone involved. Even so, it was a lovely moment and one that Emma was more than a little impressed by.
I also managed to get my photograph taken with Big John Duncan, a musician with a remarkable claim to fame. As a former Nirvana roadie, he is one of the very few people to have performed on stage with the band, joining them during his time on the road with Kurt Cobain and company. Not many concert photographs come with a story like that attached.
The trailer for the documentary is included below. If you see footage filmed from the back of the room, there’s a good chance you’re looking at my contribution. It may only be a small part of the finished production, but it’s one of those experiences that made this particular concert feel a little different from all the others.
Sometimes being in the audience is enough. Sometimes you get to help tell the story.
Emma was thrilled to get a photographers pass and also quite impressed when Martin showed up in the bar after the gig and said ‘Billy Watson’ as he saw us sitting in the bar area. I had a brief chat with Martin but he was with his family and so didn’t want to intrude.
I did get my photo taken with Big John who is the only person to perform with Nirvana on stage as he was their roadie for a while and joined them a few times.
The Photos
Cheers!
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