From River City to Cumbernauld

HE may be best known as Big Bob on River City, but Tom Urie is returning to his musical roots for a rare concert appearance in Cumbernauld.

The Paisley actor (42) cut his teeth in showbusiness as a singer and pianist, and drifted into acting by working with the BBC Scotland Comedy Unit. He said: “I did a bit of acting in my early twenties, but around the time I hit 30 the Chewin’ the Fat guys were taking off and asked me to play piano for their live show,” said Tom. This work, and a stage role in a NTS production of Tutti Frutti, eventually led to a role in the popular Scottish soap.

However Tom trained in music first and foremost, performing as a backing singer for Runrig, Horse and other Scottish bands, and recording his own material. Tom’s first album, a self-titled work, is now available at all major digital retailers with a CD also available from HMV stores. It features duets with a couple of well-known female artists, Michelle McManus and Eddi Reader.

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“Michelle’s been a friend for years, so when I started working on this album she was the first person I approached, and she was happy to do a duet. As for Eddi, I met her at a Great Scots event. We got chatting and I blurted out ‘would you do a duet?’. I was totally blown away when she agreed.”

Tom is also set to join none other than ‘80s legend Shakin’ Stevens, who invited Tom to make a guest appearance at his forthcoming concert in Glasgow.

For the concert at Cumbernauld Theatre, Tom will be supported by Britain’s Got Talent contestant Edward Reid. The show is on on Saturday, October 22 at 7.45pm. Tickets, £15, can be booked on 01236 732887.

Tom has also offered our readers the chance to win five copies of his CD, by answering the following simple question: Which female singer dueted with Tom on the single from his album?

Answers to: Tom Urie competition, Cumbernauld News/Kilsyth Chronicle. 10-12 Tay Walk, Cumbernauld G67 1BU. Usual rules apply and the editor’s decision is final.

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