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SMILER TRACK RECORD (SO FAR):
FORMED : 2000
RELEASES :
2000 - "PURPLE RECORDS SAMPLER" (featuring "It's
Alright") Cat. No. PURP 001.
2002 - "Lovestone E.P." (Featuring "Lovestone",
"Further", "This Life" and "It's
Alright") Cat. No. SPE001.
2004 - "Melt." (Featuring "Melt",
"Nothing New", "Always On Me" and "Another Dark Night") Cat. No. CMR1971
T.V.
2000 - "Live From The Edinburgh Festival". Live
Concert from the Princes' St. Gardens stage.
2001 - LTV - "The Today Show". Live studio
performances of "Further" and "This Life".
2002 - "Live From The Edinburgh Festival". Live
Concert from the Princes' St. Gardens stage.
2004 - TARTAN SHORTS - BBC2 - 'THE BIG PICTURE' - MUSIC PROVIDED BY SMILER
SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT GIGS :
2000 - The Backbeat Beatles, 2 nights, Edinburgh Liquid Room.
2001 - Mystery Juice, The Attic, Edinburgh.
2002 - Ian Hunter (former Mott The Hoople/Hunter-Ronson band
frontman), Edinburgh Liquid Room.
The Complete Stone Roses, Edinburgh Venue.
2003 - Cosmic Rough Riders, Nice 'n' Sleazy, Glasgow.
2005 - The Tokyo Dragons / The Quireboys. The Cathouse, Glasgow
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MORE GIGS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED :
INTO 2004.....
Saturday November 27 : The Commplex, Constitution Street, Edinburgh
SUNDAY AUGUST 29 : Nice 'N' Sleazy, Sauchiehall St., Glasgow
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7 : The Garage, Finsbury Park, London
==================================================================
AS PROMISED .....SMILER'S OVERSEAS TOUR...NOV 2002
1. "Piss off - It's too early in the morning for
Smiling"
2. "AAAAAHHHHHHHH - Breakfast !"
3. "Hud's a Ponce - Scotch works better"!
4. "Where's That Stu - I'll Kill Him !"
5. Stu contemplates a solo career...
6. Rodney & Chris - "The Buckfast Boys !"
7. "Iiiiiiiiittttttt'''''sssssss SHOWTIME"
8. "Help - I'm being digitally remastered"
9. Rodney's years as a choirboy finally bear fruit.
10. Hud's new friends...here what's that fishy smell ?
11. "What do you mean Tobermory. I thought this
place was called Balamory"
12. Hud tries to phone the missus.....busted !
13. Dry Land Approaching.
14. One last "Tabs Oot" before the
mainland....
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REVIEWS....REVIEWS.....REVIEWS....=====================================
"Some People Are Too Frightened, To Ever Be
Enlightened"
Welcome to the reviews section. Ok, ROLL 'EM.....
=================================================================
HERE'S THE "LOVESTONE E.P." REVIEW AS IN "RECORD
COLLECTOR", APRIL 2002 EDITION :
"You can't beat a bit of early 90s rock to get the blood
pumping on a blustery April afternoons (sic). This is pure
melodic rock from the happy Scottish four-piece who are clearly
having a fantastic time making this music for the masses.
'IT'S ALRIGHT' would sound spectacular live and wouldn't fail to
get the most subdued crowd up on their feet...and clapping their
hands above their heads."
==================================================================
The following Preview by Dave Arcari appeared in the Perthshire
Advertiser on February 19th :
"KEEP ON SMILIN' AT THE TAMS".
Boisterous retro-rockers Smiler make their Perth debut on
Saturday (February 23)with a gig at the Twa Tams.
The Edinburgh four-piece built round the songwriting partnership
of singer-guitarist Hud McGilliard and lead guitarist Rod
Leitch,has a sound that is a melting-pot with Bowie, The Clash
and Zeppelin as the main ingredients.
Smiler's four-song Lovestone e.p. on So Purple Ecosse Records (SPE)is
brilliant testament to the Gilliard/Leitch songwriting
partnership and showcases the band as a tight bunch of
accomplished musicians.
Although retro, the band's sound is a fairly unique fusion of
ideas - and the attitude these guys display in their live show
has, to a degree, been captured by the recording.
Gigs around Edinburgh have been plentiful and many have been
received in glowing terms. Now Smiler are on the road and taking
their melodic sounds to the masses. Don't miss 'em.
==================================================================
In case you missed it., here's the preview of Smiler's July 6th
gig as appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News on July 5th :
"Time For Taste of Smiler before T"
If you're looking for something to get you in the mood for
seeing hundreds of live bands at T in the Park this weekend, you
could do a lot worse than head down to Bannerman's tomorrow
night.
Set to rock the cosy Cowgate venue are Smiler, a young bunch of
boisterous rockers with a fine ear for melody. The four-piece
have previously received a couple of rave reviews in this very
paper, and have just released their Lovestone EP.
Often compared with the jangly harmonic rock of the Faces, the
Smiler sound should please any fans of tuneful energy, and their
feisty live performances, particularly from outgoing frontman
Hud, are guaranteed to see Bannerman's jumping."
==================================================================
The Attic gig on May 24th was covered by Ben Atherton of the
Evening News. Here's what he had to say...
"Jem of A Night With Music & Mayhem.
The opening set was left to Smiler - and what an opening. The
band delivers a hugely enjoyable blend of unpretentious
back-to-basics pop music and mischief that is impossible to
ignore. Frontman Hud and lead guitarist Rod, modern day glimmer
twins, delivered the sharp end of an exciting collection of
catchy tunes, each number laced with infectious hooks and riffs
that lost none of its sharp -edged rock. The charismatic Hud
swaggers around, stylishly thrashing his glittery Les Paul
guitar with a fun-filled energy and unrestrained enthusiasm that
captures the vigour and drive of every youngster who has ever
played air guitar...."
Think we owe Ben a few beers for that one.
================================================================
The Following article appeared in "Rock of The North"
magazine, November 2001 :
If all this angsty nu-metal is giving you a headache, or a
severe bout of depression, maybe it's time to pay SMILER a
visit.
This appropriately-named Edinburgh 4-piece have a sound and
style that is uniquely their own. You could say that the band
has picked up tabs from so many bands that it is impossible to
isolate one or two names
A quick chat with lead vocalist Hud left us in no doubt of
Smiler's heart :
"Put us on the same stage as Oasis and I'll show you who's
fucking mad for it. Still, they're better than all that nu-metal
shite.
I hate all these poncy bands 'ooh I'm soooo depressed'. Come
with me 100 feet up a ladder on the building sites I work on and
I'll show these little mummy's boys. Trouble is, all these bands
are so into their careers that they play the game just as much
as Hear'say or whoever...I mean Slipknot and Limp Biskit?
Fucking New Metal Teletubbies..."
Ok, so we've established that Hud is not a fan of much of
today's music scene, believe me, I've edited the 'rant' down to
remove some of the more libellous remarks! So what does he like?
"anything that's real - all these American punk bands....so
fucking wacky. I bet they got a car from 'mom and dad' as soon
as they turned 16. None of these people can hold a candle to the
Damned, the Dolls....any of these bands."
Oo-er, I think we've caught Hud on a bad day....I thought Smiler
were a happy bunch? "Sometimes, I mean, we try to entertain
without doing panto like Blink 182 and Slipknot. Some of our
songs are angry, just we don't just do one style....but if 'the
kids' are happy with their one-dimensional music, then fuck 'em".
Catching Smiler live is quite a joyous event - they may be a
bunch of miserable gits off-stage, but they literally light up
when the spotlight goes on. I can only suggest that you catch
them yourself and make up your own minds.....
=================================================================
Smiler's 16/9 gig at the Mercat was reviewed by Drew McAdam....
"Mercat's Mixed-Up Music Proves A Winning Combination"
(Brief reviews of support acts : Out By Degrees & The
Radiotones)
....Next up, Smiler gave us a set of their unique fun-based
brand of melodic rock. They have a huge stock of
well-constructed tunes, littered with catchy melodies, delivered
with unrestrained energy.
It would be hard not to compare them with the Faces. There
again, the antics of frontman Hud and lead guitarist Rod Leitch
put you in mind of the Glimmer Twins. Leitch's left hand slides
up and down the fretboard so fast, it's a miracle he doesn't
lacerate his fingers.
A cranked up version of Jailhouse Rock brought a perfect end to
a great gig that left musicians and audience exhausted.
Think we owe Drew a few beers for that one !
==================================================================
BAD REVIEW ?.........WHAT'S THAT THEN????
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Done & Dusted 2005 : FEBRUARY 25, 2005 : SMILER LIVE (Supporting The Quireboys & Tokyo Dragons) AT THE CATHOUSE, 15 UNION STREET, GLASGOW
MARCH 2nd, 2005 SMILER LIVE AT THE BONGO CLUB, HOLLYROOD ROAD, EDINBURGH
MARCH 7, 2005 : SMILER LIVE AT THE GARAGE, FINSBURY PARK, LONDON......from 9 p.m.
APRIL 14,2005 : SMILER LIVE AT THE EDINBURGH VENUE, CARLTON ROAD.....from 9:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2005 : SMILER LIVE at The Nektar Bar, Cowgate in Edinburgh......from 9:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER 22, 2005 : SMILER LIVE at Whistle Binkies, Niddrie Street, Edinburgh......from 10:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 3, 2005 : SMILER LIVE at The Nektar Bar, Cowgate in Edinburgh......from 9:30 p.m.
Done & Dusted 2003 :
FRIDAY 10 JANUARY - THE COMMPLEX, COMMERCIAL STREET, EDINBURGH
THURSDAY 16 JANUARY - THE LIQUID ROOM, VICTORIA STREET,
EDINBURGH
SATURDAY 1 MARCH - THE COMMPLEX, COMMERCIAL STREET, EDINBURGH
FRIDAY 7 MARCH - THE TOWER BAR, 37 THE MALL, CRAIGSHILL,
LIVINGSTON
FRIDAY 4 APRIL - THE BLIND POET, WEST NICOLSON STREET, EDINBURGH
FRIDAY 18 APRIL - HARLEY'S, NILE COURT, AYR
SATURDAY 14 JUNE - HARLEY'S, NILE COURT, AYR
SATURDAY 5 JULY - EDINBURGH CHARITY GIG, STEWART'S MELVILLE
RUGBY CLUB, GOLDENACRE.
SATURDAY 19 JULY - THE TWA TAMS, SCOTT STREET, PERTH
SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER - THE 13th NOTE CAFE, KING STREET, GLASGOW
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER - THE VENUE, CARLTON ROAD, EDINBURGH
SATURDAY 27 MARCH - THE 13th NOTE CAFE, KING STREET, GLASGOW
SATURDAY 24 APRIL - THE PATH TAVERN, MID STREET, KIRKCALDY
SATURDAY 8 MAY - THE COMMPLEX, COMMERCIAL STREET, EDINBURGH
THURSDAY JULY 22 : Rockers, Glasgow
THE LIQUID ROOM, VICTORIA STREET, EDINBURGH ON THURSDAY 16TH
JANUARY - WELL, THE RUNNING ORDER WAS DECIDED BY DRAWING LOTS,
AND SMILER GOT THE DUBIOUS HONOUR OF OPENING THE SHOW ! LUCKY
WHITE FUCKING HEATHER !
SO, IF YOU WEREN'T THERE BETWEEN 7:15 AND 7:25, YOU MISSED IT.
TROUBLE IS, A NUMBER OF SMILER FOLLOWERS WERE 'EN ROUTE' AT THE
TIME, AND THE BAND GOT A STACK OF TEXT MESSAGES SAYING
"WE'VE JUST GOT IN!" OR "WE'RE HAVING OUR
TEA!", SO THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TRIED. AND SPECIAL THANKS
TO THOSE WHO SUCCEEDED
NEVERMIND, FOLKS, 3 SONGS AND OFF - I MEAN : 15 MINS CUT TO 10
MINS HARDLY GIVES A GROUP TIME TO GET IT TOGETHER. 3 SONGS - THE
FLOOR SHOW, MELT AND IT'S ALRIGHT ...AND OFF !
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SMILER
HIT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL STAGE IN PRINCES ST. GARDENS ON THE
FIRST FULL FESTIVAL DAY - Monday August 5th.
The performance was broadcast over the internet via worldart.com,
and as in previous years the Edinburgh Festival TV channel
broadcasted the show on CHANNEL 400 on the Telewest Digital
service. It was repeated twice on Tuesday 6th. It was a
blistering set on a blistering day - Hud again proving his
frontman credentials.
The whole band was as tight as the preverbial camel's arse /
sandstorm combo. The TV transmission did not really capture the
bands live sound - the backing vocals being way too high in the
mix (as loud as the lead vox) and an absence of bass, but these
things happen....
Just for the record, the band's set was as follows :
WIRED TO THE MOON / THE FLOOR SHOW / IN MY HAND / ANOTHER DARK
NIGHT / SHADOWS / WHAT IS REAL / PAINTINGS / HOLLYWOOD WEST /
IT'S ALRIGHT /....
The lad's were then called back to perform an encore....
MELT / SOLD (Down the River)
Go to the Gallery for pictures of this...
Done & Dusted 2002 :
FRIDAY JANUARY 4 : BANNERMAN'S, EDINBURGH
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23 : TWA TAMS, PERTH
SATURDAY 9 MARCH - BELUSHI'S, EDINBURGH
THURSDAY 14 MARCH - DRUTHY NEIGHBOURS, PERTH ROAD, DUNDEE
SATURDAY 16 MARCH - THE RAILWAY HOTEL, HADDINGTON
FRIDAY 12 APRIL - BANNERMAN'S, NIDDRY STREET, EDINBURGH
SATURDAY 27 APRIL - HARLEY'S, NILE COURT, AYR
FRIDAY 31 MAY - THE MERCAT, 28 WEST MAITLAND ST., EDINBURGH
SATURDAY 1 JUNE - HARLEY'S, NILE COURT, AYR
THURSDAY 6 JUNE - THE SUBWAY, THE COWGATE, EDINBURGH
WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE - THE 13th NOTE CAFE, KING STREET, GLASGOW
SATURDAY 29 JUNE - THE REGAL COMMUNITY THEATRE, BATHGATE
FRIDAY 19 JULY - THE TWA TAMS, SCOTT STREET, PERTH
FRIDAY 2 AUGUST - THE MEINHOF FESTIVAL, (OPEN AIR EVENT) GARVALD,
NEAR HADDINGTON, EAST LOTHIAN
MONDAY 5 AUGUST - WORLDART.COM STAGE @ EDINBURGH FESTIVAL, ROSS
BANDSTAND, PRINCES' ST. GARDENS, EDINBURGH
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER - HARLEY'S, NILE COURT, AYR
SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER - HARLEY'S, NILE COURT, AYR
SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER, THE 13th NOTE, KING STREET, GLASGOW
SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER, MacGOCHANS, LEDAIG, TOBERMORY, THE ISLE OF
MULL
SATURDAY 28 DECEMBER - BATHGATE REGAL COMMUNITY THEATRE, NORTH
BRIDGE STREET, BATHGATE
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