Fans of iconic indie rockers The Charlatans had their dreams come true when they met frontman Tim Burgess ahead of the band’s Dundee gig.
The lead singer had left a message on Twitter inviting fans to go on a treasure hunt for free tickets to their concert at the Caird Hall.
And when folk worked out the tickets were being left at the Desperate Dan statue in the city centre, they flocked to collect them.
It wasn’t long before Tim appeared at the statue in a blue anorak, funky glasses and with a black beanie hat pulled over his bleached blonde mop top.
As he posed for selfies with fans, he told The Courier the band was looking forward to the Dundee gig.
Shouting to be heard over the bagpipes being played in the street, he said: “We’re really excited about it.
“The last time we played Caird Hall was in 1997 but since then we’ve played Fat Sam’s and did an acoustic set at the Doghouse, which was pretty special.”
Revealing he was suffering from a sore throat, Tim said: “Yeah, it’s pretty sore but I’ve got some throat sweets so I should be alright for the gig.
“It’s going to be a mix of old classic and new classics. Our album Modern Nature has been an incredibly well-received record.
“People want to hear songs from that but they also want to see the songs that got us here as well so Tellin’ Stories is in the set, as is One to Another, and there are even some songs off Some Friendly like You’re’ Not Very Well and Opportunity.”
Earlier in the day, Tim had posted a message on Twitter, saying: “I’ll be leaving some tickets to find in Dundee. If you are desperate to go, dan you better try and work out where I’ll leave them.”
It didn’t take a superfan to work out that the tickets would be left by the Desperate Dan statue and they duly arrived along with Tim just before 3.45pm.
Tim said: “We’ve been doing this ritual with the tickets all year, maybe last year too. I like to let people know we’re in the city. “Desperate Dan is something everyone knows – it’s in front of the Caird Hall which is handy for us – and we’re heading to a record shop round the corner.”
Retail worker David Leitch, 23, was the first fan to collect a free ticket.
He said: “It’s a great act of generosity! I’ve been a fan of The Charlatans for about five years and I can’t wait for the gig so this is just brilliant. I’ve already got my ticket so I’m going to give this one to my uncle. It’s his birthday and it’ll be a great surprise.
“I missed The Charlatans when they were last in Dundee so I can’t wait for this gig.”
“I love all the band’s music, but the old stuff from the album Some Friendly is my favourite.”
Fellow fan David Barrie said: “This is amazing! I can’t wait for the gig. The band are fantastic so to get a free ticket is a dream come true.”