REID ALL ABOUT SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL BAND The Proclaimers, Haddington Corn Exchange *****
			This, the first of ten dates at regional venues for the Proclaimers in support of their new Best Of album, was a sell-out, and the comeback kids served up a sufficiently different set to keep themselves and 1500 loyal fans refreshed and refreshing. Leading off with old favourites like Let’s Get Married, On My Way and What Makes You Cry, the faithful were soon in raptures, and a tender new track, Ghost of Love demonstrated the versatility of the band, much more than turning up and trotting out the quintessential Proclaimers set. Indeed, Craig and Charlie are more than simply the Reid brothers, and they acknowledge the depth talented musicians like lead guitarist, Tranent’s finest Stuart Nisbet, Steven Christie on keyboards, Ross McFarlane on drums and Dunbar’s Nico Bruce on bass give to the overall effect.. Influences of country and western, jazz, blues, rock, folk and even the odd hint of barber-shop harmonies shine through even the most original of originals like Cap in Hand, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and the two touchstone Proclaimers numbers, Sunshine on Leith and Letter From America. Taking the show to some of Scotland’s most remote musical outposts as opposed to metropolitan money-spinners is a masterstroke, and reinforces the Proclaimers rightful claim to be Scotland’s national band, just as long as they continue not to take themselves too seriously, and retain the F-word (fun) they will carry that off with aplomb. Mike J Wilson Edinburgh Evening News 24 May 2002 Close window