Home   What's On   Music   Article

Tom Walker and chosen support musicians talk intimate Home Run dates in Forres and Strathpeffer – with pictures


By Margaret Chrystall


BRINGING his Home Run tour to the North gave top chart-topping singer songwriter Tom Walker the chance to play again in Scotland – and to share his intimate dates with promising new musicians.

Tom Walker in Forres with Liv Dawn and Stephanie Cheape. Picture: Toby Yeo
Tom Walker in Forres with Liv Dawn and Stephanie Cheape. Picture: Toby Yeo

After the gigs at the weekend, when Tom took some time to meet his chosen support acts – Keir Gibson, Gordon James & The Power, Liv Dawn and Stephanie Cheape – and get a picture or two for the scrapbook, he spoke about the experience.

“It’s been sick to get back in a van and head off round Scotland on the Home Run dates so far, we’ve had such a warm welcome everywhere we’ve been.

“All the support artists have been amazing and I hope they’ve enjoyed the shows – there’s a ton of incredible talent in Scotland at the moment, and it’s been great to have them opening for me.

Tom pictured during the Forres set. Picture: Toby Yeo
Tom pictured during the Forres set. Picture: Toby Yeo

“It’s not that long since I was looking for any support shows I could get, so hopefully they’ve made some new fans in the process and people will hear a lot more of them in the future.

“Having artists like George Ezra and James Bay having me as a support gave my career a massive boost and I know how important it is.”

Supporting Tom at Strathpeffer were Keir Gibson and Gordon James & The Power.

Keir said: “I had so much fun playing at the Strathpeffer Pavilion! Such a cool venue and atmosphere. And a massive thank you to Tom and his team for having me! It was lovely meeting everyone.”

Tom Walker with Gordon James & The Power. Picture: Toby Yeo
Tom Walker with Gordon James & The Power. Picture: Toby Yeo

Gordon and Kenna of Gordon James and the Power, said: “Being asked to open for Tom Walker has been one of the highlights of our career so far.

“From the moment we arrived at Strathpeffer Pavilion, Tom and his team made us feel welcome. We weren’t the only ones who were excited - a group of school children screamed their way through Tom’s soundcheck and he constantly acknowledged them with a smile and a wave. Beyond Presents and Limelight couldn’t have been more helpful and ensured our sound was on point.

Gordon James live on stage at the gig. Picture: Toby Yeo
Gordon James live on stage at the gig. Picture: Toby Yeo

“When we got on stage, initially we were slightly overawed by the size of audience, but we soon got into our stride as this welcoming crowd clapped, and in some cases, sang along. After out set we returned to the hall to listen to Keir and Tom.

“This was a great night of music and we are grateful to have been part of it.”

Tom Walker on stage. Picture: Toby Yeo
Tom Walker on stage. Picture: Toby Yeo

After Forres, Stephanie Cheape said: “I remember hearing Tom’s music for the first time on the Fifa game. He’s an artist I’ve been excited about from the start, so being invited to support him at his show in Forres was an insane moment, especially before the release of my own debut EP. The packed crowd welcomed me with open arms and made me feel very much at home on his Home Run Tour.”

And Liv Dawn pointed out: “It’s not every day that up-and-coming artists are offered the opportunity to open for someone like Tom Walker, and so I jumped at the chance when the application was released.

Tom live on stage at Strathpeffer. Picture: Toby Yeo
Tom live on stage at Strathpeffer. Picture: Toby Yeo

“The feedback and reception that both the tour staff and the audience gave me made this experience more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

“Thanks to people like Tom giving unsigned artists a chance to step into the spotlight, the Scottish music industry is becoming a place where artists from any background can find an audience!

Tom's packed Strathpeffer crowd. Picture: Toby Yeo
Tom's packed Strathpeffer crowd. Picture: Toby Yeo

“This entire experience was so much fun and is a show which I will never forget.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank Tom and every member of the Home Run team for letting me be a part of such an intimate and meaningful performance!”


Read more

More by this author



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More