One of the most famous music industry figures in the UK, Alan McGee, could catapult one young Tayside band to the big time.
Famous for discovering Oasis and founding Creation Records, he is in Perth this weekend at the regional final of national battle of the bands competition Greasy Lips.
On Sunday, Dundee bands Eh! and the New Times go head-to-head with the New Madrids from Perth, while two bands from Edinburgh The 10:04s and Edinburgh School for the Deaf make up the line-up.
They will all try to impress McGee, whose CV is a who’s who of modern British indie/rock he has managed everyone from Primal Scream to the Charlatans to the Libertines.
Playing at venues across the country, Greasy Lips features a host of the best unsigned bands handpicked to perform.
He told us, “I like young bands who are just setting out they’ve still got their dreams. It’s hard being in a rock and roll band just now because it’s not in fashion, but it will come round again there are lots of young musicians and young bands out there doing great things.”UntappedHe added, “I’m looking forward to Sunday night the north of Scotland is musically untapped. Most of the bands from up there are usually unique and special.”
The contest takes place at That Bar and The Loft.
With the focus very much on the untamed talent, Alan will offer time, knowledge and advice and also push the acts and event through his blogs, making the chance to perform on the Greasy Lips Club stage sought-after.
To begin, Perth singer-songwriter Mike Lee will play the song he wrote for his friend Pete Rodger, who died in the New Zealand mining disaster.
As well as DJing and judging, McGee will mix and mingle, sharing tales of rock and roll, successes and failures and his opinions on the music of today and of course the unsigned bands.
His DJ sets are notoriously eclectic, spanning punk, indie, rock and a few surprises.
DJ Jamie Kelly follows in a similar style, while local DJ Graeme Morrison will play indie classics.
Doors open at 7pm, with the first band due to start at 7.30pm. Entry is £5.