The Bluebells
In a whirlwind career spanning the early 1980’s, Glasgow’s rustic jangle pop Bluebells — whose recording output included three U.K. hit singles “I’m Falling”, “Cath” and “Young at Heart” made with a procession of producers including Elvis Costello raised the bar for young Scottish songwriters. 1984 saw the lads enjoy the success and impact their marvellous music plainly deserved. Guitarist and ex-fanzine publisher Robert Hodgens (aka Bobby Bluebell) in collaboration with the two McCluskey Brothers who completed the Bluebells’ essential troika wrote instantly memorable classics and Kenneth McCluskey sang them in a likably unaffected voice, making every track count
With the release of their debut album “Sisters” in 1984 on London Records, The Bluebells toured widely in Europe and North America developing their live sound and signing to Seymour Stein’s Sire records in the U.S.
Robert and the brothers parted company amicably in 1986 with Ken and David forming and releasing records as the McCluskey Brothers while Robert concentrated on song writing duties for various artists including chart favourites Texas. In 1993 when “Young at Heart” hit the U.K. No 1 spot following its use as a T.V. advert for Volkswagon the chaps met up for some more fun Top of the Pops appearances.
Ken and David continue to work as the McCluskey Brothers while holding down jobs as Music lecturer and Music therapist respectively while Robert continues to write and is a popular DJ at Glasgow’s Oran Mor.
The Bluebells have recently reformed for gigs supporting Edwyn Collins and went down a storm as guests of King Creosote at the final Fence Collective “Homegame” and continue to entertain fans on the festival circuit including recent performances at Wickerman, Loopallu and Rewind.
The band were honoured with the prestigious Tartan Clef Award for songwriting in 2011 and have recently released a compilation of rare recordings “Exile on Twee Street” on the Cherry Red Record label. The band will support old friends and ex London records stablemates Bananarama at Edinburgh castle on the 20th of June 2018.
