Scotpop

In this debut episode I’m delighted to be joined by Sir Ian Rankin, one of Scotland’s most successful and best-loved writers.Ian’s Rebus novels have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and it was a great honour for me personally when he wrote a brilliant introduction to my own book, Stuart Adamson – In a Big Country, the critically acclaimed biography of the Skids and Big Country legend.Ian’s always been a huge fan of music and his knowledge on the subject – and Scottish music in particular – is well-known and encyclopaedic. So sit back, relax and listen – or watch – as two Fifers get overly emotional about the enduring legacy of Stuart Adamson, and Ian recalls the “thrill” of seeing the Skids play live in Fife, watching The Ramones, Pere Ubu, The Human League and more tear up stages in Edinburgh venues while he was a student at university in the capital and a brilliant tale involving the novelist, the late Scottish troubadour Jackie Leven and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s.As will happen on every show, though, I start by asking my guest one very simple question: what was the first Scottish band you saw live and what impact did it have on you?You can watch or listen to part two of my interview with Ian in a few weeks, as he discusses the current state of music in Scotland and talks about his favourite Scotttish band, album and new act, another regular feature of Scotpop.

I've spent the past 30 years listening to musicians, bands and artists tell brilliant stories about Scottish music; now you'll be able to hear – and watch – them too. Follow now on Spotify and never miss an episode.

If you've just discovered this podcast you're probably thinking "who, what, when, why now?"Well ... it's a show that celebrates the past, present and future of Scottish music with journalist, author and broadcaster Allan Glen who interviews the bands, songwriters, musicians, filmmakers, record label bosses and writers who create the best Scottish pop because Scottish pop is brilliant just now.Here's a quick introductory episode; Episode 1 featuring an interview with Sir Ian Rankin is out April 2.