The Stare

I had the pleasure of seeing this band twice in one weekend, once by chance in the Bridge in Gala on Friday night, where I had no idea in advance they were playing, but on hearing some good sounding music pouring out of the pub I though I’d investigate… and there they were, second time was at the Cross Keys in Ancrum for the 200 year celebration of the pub, a marquee had been erected out the back and so long as you didn’t slip on the wet tiles on the way in or trip over yourself on the steep steps with no lighting up to the marquee you were in for a great night of entertainment from Dark Horse and the Stare.

The Stare are a 5 piece band and they sure don’t travel lightly, with major ampage, keyboard, two guitarists, playing the most gorgeous guitars, a bass player and a bigger drum kit than Buddy Rich himself used, they are an impressive sight before they even hit a note.

I’ve came across three of the guys before in their former band life in “SHTUMM” and already knew they were experienced players with a lot of talent, but I was also very impressed with David Mercer on guitar who I’d never met before and their lead singer, Amanda Glasgow, what a lovely lass, great singer and great patter with the crowd, the whole band are tight and one of the most important things I think you’ll ever find in a band, they really look like they are enjoying themselves, that’s what it’s all about, if the band enjoy themselves, then the audience will too..

They played a wide mix of covers ranging from pop, rock and even a wee bit disco thrown in for good measure, I thought their set list was fantastic, very versatile and would appeal to a wide ranging audience, an exceptionally bookable band for any venue, as long as it was big enough to host them, although having said that, they did manage to fit into the Bridge and there’s not a lot of space in there.

I’ve taken a wee video so you can see for yourself and if you’d like to find out more about the band here’s a link to their facebook page: click here