Behind the microphone - Ronnie McGhie

Jan 4 2013 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

I want to wish all our Irvine Herald readers a Happy New Year, I hope it’s a good one for you all.

Most people make resolutions at this time of year, I usually resolve to lose weight and get fit.

This year I may just do it. I have promised Louie Fecou that I will go to his C40 class, and that is a promise I mean to keep. This year I also resolve to go to as many local gigs as I can to see what local talent there is in Ayrshire. Hopefully I can offer them a chance to air their music on community radio.

My last show of 2012 at 3TFM was a triumph. I had three Ayrshire singer songwriters performing live on the show. Scott Nicol treated the listeners to two new songs and a Christmas song, he also wrote. Sean Kennedy performed a new song along with two songs from his “Love Don’t Live Here” EP. Also on the show was 17 year old Sam Christison making his radio debut, performing two of his own songs and a unique rendition of “White Christmas”. You could not wipe the smile off my face during the whole show.

My last Food and Fitness Friday show at the beginning of December was the best ever.

Sarah Jennings and Louie Fecou were inundated with texts and call from listeners wanting to know if it was possible to have a healthy Christmas and New Year. Sarah and Louie dispensed invaluable diet and fitness advice, as they do every week here for the Irvine Herald.

On the subject of 3TFM, congratulations to them for securing another five year license from Ofcom. Hopefully in next months column, I will be able to let you know if Irvine Beat FM has secured their license to broadcast full time.

At the beginning of December I signed up with an agency that supplies ‘extras’ to TV and film companies. I really did not expect to get any work from them till early 2013. But I have been on two jobs since signing. I was playing a teacher on Waterloo Road, down at their Greenock base and I was up at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay taking part in a new comedy The Ginge, The Geordie and The Geek. I really enjoyed the whole experience and hopefully I will get some more work as the year progresses.

When out and about in Glasgow, it is amazing who you bump in to. Last month I was having a beer with a friend in the Solid Rock when I bumped into Glasgow author Martin Kielty. Martin has written books about the Scottish music scene. His books on the old Glasgow Apollo Theatre and the Sensational Alex Harvey Band are required reading for rockers of a certain age! I had only chatted to Martin online so it was good to meet him in person. He also introduced me to Billy Rankin, not only a fellow broadcaster but an outstanding guitarist who has played with many bands like Nazareth. A great night was had by all.

Just last week, Ayrshire band We Free Men popped in to the Irvine Beat FM offices to let me hear the demos of their new album. They sound fabulous! Hopefully fans of the band will get to hear these songs soon, as the guys are looking to play as many gigs as they can in 2013.

An album that is never off my iPod just now is Celebration Day, the live album by Led Zeppelin. I’d say this is essential listening to music fans of all ages. My first gig of the new year is on Thursday night. I will be heading to Glasgow’s Pivo Pivo to see Glasgow born singer songwriter Emma Jane. She released her debut album Penilee Songs last year. Glancing back at 2012 puts a smile on my face. I’m proud of all I achieved on the radio, both at 3TFM and Irvine Beat FM.

I have a feeling 2013 is going to be just as good and you’ll be the first to hear all about it.

Till next month, enjoy the music and keep listening to the radio.