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09th October 2006

Rock Against Racism

Exclusive Top bands unite to play four RoAR gigs in Scotland

The UK's hottest chart-topping acts are heading to Scotland to Rock Against Racism.

Embrace are the first band to be announced for the RoAR series of gigs.

Emap Radio Events and the Scottish Executive's One Scotland campaign are the partners behind the four gigs, which will be staged in the coming months.

And unsigned acts living in Scotland are being offered the chance to open each of the shows.

The RoAR events will aim to raise awareness of the issues surrounding racism in Scotland and will encourage people to recognise and speak out against racism and to celebrate Scotland's many cultures.

Danny McNamara, lead singer with Embrace, said: "This is not about being political, it's about having common sense and living your life without prejudice.

"I hate racism and will always stand up against it even if it's awkward or embarrassing."

"Music is the greatest proof of multiculturalism success.

"If it wasn't for black musicians there wouldn't have been rock 'n' roll and therefore no modern rock or indie music."

The first RoAR show, headlined by Embrace, is on Tuesday, October 24, at The Liquid Room in Edinburgh.

It will be the last chance fans of Embrace will have to see their band play live for quite some time, as the group, who have had three No.1 albums, are stepping out of the limelight to take a well-earned year's rest.

The show is free, with tickets available through Emap on-air competitions next week (Clyde 1, Forth One, MFR, Northsound 1, Tay FM, West FM and Radio Borders) and also online at www.RockAgainstRacism.info

Scotland has a reputation for being open, friendly and welcoming. But this is not the reality for some people who experience racism and discrimination on a daily basis. There is no place for racism in Scotland and the drive to stamp it out continues through the One Scotland campaign.

Malcolm Chisholm, Communities Minister, said: "The Executive's One Scotland campaign is delighted to be supporting Rock Against Racism. As well as being a powerful way of spreading the anti-racism message across Scotland, these are great events for music lovers and will provide aspiring artists with a new opportunity to showcase their talent."

Danny had no hesitation in becoming part of RoAR and he knows only too well that anyone can be racist - sometimes without even realising it.

He said: "I once went to pick my dad up from a working man's pub and sat with about 20 drinkers having a chat.

"They suddenly started being really racist and I ended up arguing with them for ages before I left. I'll stand up against racism anywhere and I'm pleased to say the other members of the band are the same.

"I think there are some real issues at the moment with racism. There is white on black, black on white, white on brown, brown on white, and even white on white racism with immigration from Eastern Europe. So I'm proud to be part of RoAR as I think it's really important to have initiatives like this."

As well as headlining chart-topping acts, there is a chance for unsigned acts, living in Scotland, to be part of the RoAR events.

If you're a solo artist, in a band, an up-and-coming DJ or MC and don't yet have a record deal, playing rock or rap, bagpipes or bhangra you have the chance to be part of this amazing series of events. Emap Radio Events and One Scotland are inviting up-and-coming talent - who can cut it live - to submit their demos. Five finalists will be shortlisted for each show and posted online for a public vote. One winner will be chosen to open each show.

The competition is open to any unsigned musicians living in Scotland over the age of 16. But hurry - you only have a week to send in your demos.

The closing date for the Embrace support slot is next Monday, October 16, at 10am.

For further information on RoAR or to voice your opinions on racism in Scotland, log onto www.RockAgainstRacism.info

Source: The Daily Record