Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
In politics they say that history is written by the winners, however, in art, winners know when it is time to say goodbye to the form to which they have dedicated a substantial part of their lives to and unarguably been the leading stars of their chosen field; winners can be replaced, artists become eternal triumphs!
Greatness is not measured in what you possess, but in what you inspire in others. Words that can describe many artists but for Runrig, the most astute and successful of proponents of Celtic music in the last half century, is possibly the most acknowledging that can be given any leader of a genre. Greatness is after all what comes across in the three C.D. box release of The Last Dance-Farewell Concert.
If all good things must come to an end then it must be documented, there should be a reason for all to witness the finality, like the moment of exultation that arrives with a flourish as the Tango reaches its crescendo and the rose is removed gently from the heroine’s mouth, so to do Runrig’s final performances in Stirling over the weekend of the 17th-18th August 2018 deserve the swell of expectation that comes when you inspire a gathering to travel from all corners of the globe and pay homage to emotion and rugged perfection.
Across the three C.D.s the experience felt by those fortunate thousands in attendance comes through with the seismic thunder that normally is associated with the arrival of a storm, is enough to count this tremendously packaged album as one of the best experiences of a live album one can expect to hear. From the beauty that opens the album, through to the passion that closes it, the songs of Runrig’s career star, the depth of commitment shown in the face of conclusion is outstanding as moments such as Protect and Survive, Canada, The Greatest Flame, The Place Where The Rivers Run, Maymorning, Book of Golden Stories and the tension breaker of Loch Lomond all determine that Runrig will be forever be enshrined in Celtic history.
A top rate album, one that understands that if moments should end, then they should be greeted with fireworks, with reflection and with honour.
Runrig release The Last Dance-Farewell Concert on Friday 16th August.
Ian D. Hall