True & Bold: A Night for Dick Gaughan

Join us for a powerful and passionate night celebrating the work of Scotland's most fiercely committed troubadour, Dick Gaughan. Born in Glasgow in 1948 and raised in Leith, Gaughan’s music draws deeply from Scottish and Irish traditions, and whose revolutionary influence on folk music, politics, and the art of the song remains monumental.

Gaughan’s music is a testament to his unwavering working-class and socialist roots, chronicling the dignity and struggles of the common person. His songs have inspired generations and have been covered by countless artists, including many of the performers on tonight's stage. His landmark album Handful of Earth (1981) is widely regarded as one of the greatest folk albums ever recorded, celebrated for its fusion of radical politics, masterful guitar work and musical beauty. A former member of The Boys of the Lough and Five Hand Reel, Gaughan’s solo career has spanned over five decades, during which he has become a towering figure in the folk world. 

Tonight, that immense legacy is honoured by a stellar lineup of admirers and friends, from across the wide geographical and musical spectrum, who will perform Gaughan's most beloved songs, giving a fierce and compassionate voice to his life's work. This is more than a concert; it is an act of solidarity and appreciation for an artist whose fire and truth are needed now more than ever. 

Though a stroke in 2016 ended his performing career, Gaughan remains an active voice, and a major retrospective box set (R/evolution: 1969–83) will be released to the general public in January 2026 along with Live at the BBC: 1972–79 (vinyl). 

‘Most concerts just disappear into the mist somewhere, and here some of them have suddenly turned up again,’ said Dick about his forthcoming Box set. ‘That’s the lovely thing about this whole project. I spent all those years doing what I thought was the right thing to do, and it just fell by the wayside. I thought nobody was going to hear it. So why did I do all that? Why did I put all that effort and time and study into doing this, for it just to disappear? But it didn’t just disappear. It is very gratifying that all those years of playing live and going into studios didn’t go to waste. For it to suddenly to become relevant again – thank you!’