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Straight Talk · 15 November 2023
Bobby Bluebell interview about the origins of The Bluebells. Bobby talks about the band's first album, Sisters, produced by Elvis Costello, and the history of their smash hits Young at Heart and Cath.
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00:00:00 Intro to Bobby Bluebell
00:00:53 Wanting to be a pop star
00:05:25 Sisters produced by Elvis Costello
00:12:40 The Bluebells - Cath (1983)
00:14:55 Young at Heart - The Bluebells (1993)
00:23:23 Bobby Bluebell Ibrox stadium
00:27:09 Scottish bands of the 80's
00:35:33 Hold Back the Night by Sinéad O'Connor
00:38:30 Siobhan Fahey - Bananarama
00:45:35 The Bluebells reunion
00:49:37 Daddy Was an Engineer - The Bluebells (2023)
00:55:40 Metting famous people
The Bluebells: A Melodic Chronicle of Scottish Indie New Wave
Introduction
The Bluebells, a Scottish indie new wave band, carved a unique niche in the music industry with their jangly guitar-based pop. Active initially from 1981 to 1986, they witnessed various reformations over the years, most recently in 2023. Their musical journey intertwines with the evolution of the Scottish music scene and beyond.
The Initial Years and Musical Style
Formed in the early 1980s, The Bluebells' sound resonated with the jangly pop of their Scottish contemporaries like Aztec Camera and Orange Juice. Led by guitarist and founder Bobby Bluebell (Robert Hodgens), the band created a distinct style that combined catchy melodies with a new-wave sensibility. They achieved considerable success with three top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart - "I'm Falling", "Cath", and their most acclaimed song "Young at Heart". The latter, co-written with Siobhan Fahey of Bananarama and violinist Bobby Valentino, originally appeared on the Bananarama album "Deep Sea Skiving" and reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart in 1984. Their discography includes an EP, "The Bluebells," and a full-length album, "Sisters."
Unexpected Revival and Subsequent Reforms
The Bluebells disbanded in the mid-1980s but saw an unexpected revival in 1993. Their hit "Young at Heart" gained renewed popularity after being featured in a Volkswagen advertisement, reaching number one for four weeks upon reissue. This success led to a temporary reformation for a performance on BBC's "Top of the Pops" and a compilation album, "The Singles Collection," which peaked at No. 27 on the UK Albums Chart.
The band has reunited several times since then, notably in 2008-2009, 2011, and more recently in 2018 and 2019. They have continued to engage with their audience, participating in various festivals and television appearances, including a performance in the BBC Scotland sitcom "Still Game."
In 2023, The Bluebells released "In the 21st Century," an album featuring new material, marking a significant return to the music scene.
Post Bluebells Careers
After the initial split, the band members pursued diverse paths. Bass player Lawrence Donegan joined Lloyd Cole and the Commotions before transitioning to journalism, becoming a golf correspondent for The Guardian. David and Ken McCluskey formed a folk duo, the McCluskey Brothers. Ken ventured into academia as a music business lecturer, while David utilized music in therapeutic settings. Bobby Bluebell continued his musical journey as a songwriter and formed The Poems.
Band Members
Bobby Bluebell (Robert Anthony Hodgens) - Guitar
David McCluskey - Drums
Ken McCluskey - Vocals/Harmonica
Lawrence Donegan - Bass
Craig Gannon - Guitar
Neil Baldwin - Bass
Russell Irvine - Guitar
Gary Crowley - Guitar
Conclusion
The Bluebells’ story is a testament to the enduring appeal of their music and the resilience of their artistic vision. From chart-topping hits to significant comebacks, their journey reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of indie new wave music. As they continue to produce new music and perform, The Bluebells remain a beloved and influential part of the Scottish music scene.
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