Ritchie ready with music resolutions

A FORMER reporter with the Daily Record, now turned PR consultant, is being given the chance to share his music hopes and resolutions for next year on BBC Radio Scotland.

Mike Ritchie is keeping his predictions close to his chest, ahead of his appearance on BBC Radio Scotland’s Tom Morton Show, on New Year’s Day.

Mike’s clients include the Glasgow Americana Festival, the Darvel Music Festival and promoters, The Fallen Angels Club.

He said: “I was pleased to be asked as it’s a show I listen to fairly regularly because Tom plays lots of the music I like, such as Neil Young, Steve Earle, Springsteen, Dylan, The Smiths, Lucinda Williams and many more. He is also generous enough to mention acts and various gigs or festivals I work with.”

Mike writes reviews for music website, www.americana-uk.com

This year, Mike – who also worked for The Scotsman – had memorable nights out at shows by Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits and so far, he’s got tickets for 2009 shows by Morrissey and Joe Bonamassa and plans to take in a few Celtic Connections’ gigs, too.

“I am especially looking forward to James McMurtry and The Heartless Bastards from Texas; they are brilliant,” he added.