The Scuffers

Originally an idea from the crazy and sometimes dark mind of Gavin Wallace, the Scuffers, as a concept, was created in 2003. Gavin has been writing songs in one way or another for as long as he can remember but didn’t take the idea of writing songs seriously (does he ever?) until he moved to Glasgow in the year 2000.

It was Gavin’s love of country music in all it’s guises that finally made him decide to take some action and start writing songs in earnest. Taking Country as a base, he started to create music which also draws upon influences from Rock n Roll, folk, gospel, punk, blues and anything else which really takes his fancy and moulding it into his rural contemporary sound. There is nothing new in this idea, as the likes of Gram Parsons, Uncle Tupelo and Ryan Adams (whiskey town) have all done this before. It is Gavin’s unique outlook in life and writing style which helps stop his work sounding like just another pastiche.

This is the undeniable sound of The Scuffers!

Mid-way through 2003 Gavin went into the studio to record his first 5 track demo (”Party for one”). He was aided greatly in the recording of this demo by the musical talent of Michael McCahill and Barry ‘Baz’ Campbell. Michaels input on this CD was invaluable and although he has gone off to pursue his ambitions with his own band, the 4th Parallel, he will always remain an honorary Scuffer.

The Scuffers have recently been joined by Ian ‘Frak’ Fraser on Bass , ‘Big Bad’ John Murphy on Drums and Clair Tierney on Fiddle and Tenor Banjo. Fraks distinctive playing style is proving to be a real asset to the Scuffers sound. John’s drumming has provided the Scuffers with a steady yet raucous back-beat which gives a real kick up the arse to our live shows and Clairs Fiddle and Banjo playing is proving to be the jewel in the crown, giving us that Honky Tonk sound we were always after.

Watch out for a Scuffers show near you soon.