Weir's World- The All Ears Podcast

Craig and Ali look back on the last year of podcasting and reflect on the highlights from it all. The podcast sponsor, Hoppy, drops in for a chat. We also look ahead to some very exciting plans for the future...

Craig and Ali reflect on the madness of the last couple of weeks with Gleadhraich's return to the stage at Lindisfarne and Craig's guest spot at TRNSMT with The Courteeners. We look back on all the crazy tales and rejoice at the return of major live events.

Tom McGuire joins us to discuss the journey of his act Tom McGuire & the Brassholes. We give his releases a track by track run through and discuss some of his most memorable gig moments to date as well as looking at the band's upcoming plans.

We're joined by Hardeep Singh Kohli to talk through some career highlights. From producing to featuring on a range of TV shows, comedy stints, cooking demonstrations and now launching his own podcast, Hardeep recounts some of his favourite memories with Craig and Ali.

Colonel Mustard himself joins us to discuss everything Colonel Mustard & the Dijon Five related. We discuss influences, explore how a night at Glastonbury led to the creation of one of the greatest ever band names and get the lowdown on how it feels to play to packed festival crowds from Kirkcaldy to Korea. Peace, Love and Mustard

The band return to give a track by track rundown of Gleadhraich's Rewritten EP and the inspirations behind the pieces. We look ahead to future recordings and upcoming plans for the band going forward.

This week's episode explores Craig and Ross' European Adventures over the years from Reykjavik to Madrid. Jonny Brown of Twisted Wheel also joins for a short in-person interview from backstage at The Ferret in Preston.

Simon Mason joins us from Margate to share a range of deep life experiences from addiction to sexual abuse. He shares stories from his time being around Oasis in the 90s, his friendship with Peter Doherty and looks ahead to touring the UK with his own act, Hightown Pirates. 

We tackle the second part of Ali's journey as a sound tech through the years. Ali takes us on a journey from a near-miss headbutt from Michael Buble to Dundee FC's Championship title winning parade. We take a look at the time Ali told Kerry Ellis to shush through to taking on charity bungie jumps...

Robert Robertson of Tide Lines joins us to talk through his musical career to date. We discuss his musical influences, and how he joined Skipinnish at a young age before leaving to form Tide Lines. We break down the band's releases to date and of course we address the great raw mushroom debate...

Ross returns to join Craig and Ali to recall experiences of supporting a range of acts over the years. From opening for Kyle Falconer to Donnie Munro, Toploader to the Peatbog Faeries we discuss the role of the support act, and discover the ones that Ross doesn't remember!

X factor runner-up Nicholas McDonald joins us to talk through his experience on the show as well as his career in music to date. We also take a look ahead to Nicholas joining Gleadhraich's much delayed 10th anniversary celebrations.

We look back on the carnival atmosphere in London for Scotland's Euro 2020 match against England at Wembley. From boat parties to fanzone fun, house parties to appearances on US media outlets, we reminisce on the madness of it all as life begins to crank back into gear. The episode also features a cameo from Scotland legend, Rab Douglas.

Ali takes his turn to share the first half of his memories from working as a sound engineer over the years. We can't share what Justin Bieber requests on his rider or what happened when Adele played in Glasgow but Ali does share some information on an offer from a certain Ann from Ann Summers... #Projectism

Martin Gillespie of Skerryvore joins us to share stories from the last 16 years of being in one of Scotland's best loved celtic/trad music acts, Skerryvore. We discuss how the band went from being holiday friends to playing some of the world's biggest festivals.

World Champion Highland Dancer Rachel McLagan joins us to discuss the traditions of Highland Dancing as well as how Flings & Things put a contemporary twist upon it. She shares stories from dancing with Muse to performing at major events such as the Solheim Cup and the Commonwealth Games. We also delve into some key discussion points and issues in the modern world of Highland Dance.

From Broadway to Hollywood, Oliviers to Emmys, Alan Cumming has seen it all. He joins us from Covid quarantine in Adelaide, to share highlights from his career in the spotlight and he offers up some exclusive news along the way! Make sure you're 'All Ears' for this one!

Fred MacAulay joins us as a guest to discuss the highlights of his career to date. We look back on how it all began with 'McCoist and MacAulay' and we go behind the scenes of shows such as 'Mock The Week' and 'Have I Got News For You?' as well as exploring his special relationship with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Sometimes 'boo' is just not enough...

Matt Bain and Ryan Shepherd join Craig and Ali on the podcast for the first time, to give Craig Weir & the Cabalistic Cavalry's new EP 'Reflections & Revelations' a track by track rundown exploring the origins of the songs, the creative process behind them, the recording sessions and plenty more in between.

We document the experience of Gleadhraich being awarded Best Celtic Music Act at the Infinitime Music Awards in 2018 and how it coincided with Craig's first experience onstage with The Courteeners. In doing so, we explore the experience of guesting with one of the country's biggest bands and the usual scandalous tales that go with it. More. Again. Forever. 

Ross joins Craig and Ali to give the Cabalistic Cavalry's Tales To Tell EP a track by track run-through, recounting the origins of the stories which led to the songs being written and memories of playing them live.

Join us in Canada with the Mariner's Curse as we reflect back on the launch of The Stowaway as a concept show in 2017. The Stowaway follows the fictional journey of a Scotsman emigrating to North America and struggling to cope with the change in lifestyle, and this episode follows the tale of how the concept came to fruition.

The Gleadhraich guys return as we reflect on our experience of touring on the East Coast of the USA with shows in Alexandria, Asbury Park and New York City. There are many tales to be told here as we reflect on the highs and lows, trials and tribulations and scandalous stories of being on tour together in Some States.

Craig and Ali discuss the pipes unique involvement in ceremonial events across the world. We reflect on opportunities to perform in front of major dignitaries from Her Majesty The Queen through to First Lady Michelle Obama as well as at the opening of Dundee's V & A Museum.

Howie Nicholsby of 21st Century Kilts joins us to discuss Scotland's national dress. Howie shares his knowledge, opinions and wisdom on all things kilt-related as we also get the scoop on how he ended up fitting and/or designing kilts for everyone from Vin Diesel to Robbie Williams.

NYC Tartan Week President, Kyle Dawson, joins us on Tartan Week itself to tell us about how the organisation of the week shapes up, why it's a national holiday in the USA and he spills the beans on the Parade's Grand Marshal's from Sir Sean Connery to Sir Billy Connolly. Craig completes a Covid test live on the recording and Ali confesses what he'd call his children. What's not to like...

We're joined by Boydie from Peat & Diesel to get his take on the Peatlemania craze sweeping the country. We get the scoop on how life on Stornoway inspires his writing and led to the success of both albums to date commercially and at Na Trads Awards. Boydy even teaches us a bit of Gaelic, now that's something you don't want to miss! 

We get together to reminisce about what makes festivals so special. The warm pints and muddy fields with the usual scandalous tales along the way, we explore what it's like to pack out a crowded festival tent as well as the experience of standing behind a mixing desk in control of the onstage sound.

We sit down with Canada's Celtic punk heroes, The Peelers, to recount the band's history over the last 22 years. We also give the brand new album, Down And Out In The City Of Saints, a full track by track rundown to find out what inspired the pieces on the record!

We're joined by Gleadhraich once again, along with the extended 'Accordihorns' members to recount the band's first ever experience in the USA during New York Tartan Week in 2017.

We sit down for a chat with one of Dundee's finest musical sons. Ged Grimes talks us through the many highs of his career in music thus far from forming Danny Wilson to joining Simple Minds via Eddie Reader, Natalie Imbruglia and Deacon Blue. Ged tells the story of what it's like to be Alive and Kicking with some of Scotland's most iconic bands.

The Gleadhraich boys return for a track by track analysis of the Definition EP, we recall our Celtic Storm show in Dundee, and (with the caution of a Public Health warning) we have our most revealing end of episode games yet!

We get the scoop on the incredible life of Gail Porter. From the highs of hosting prime TV shows such as Top Of The Pops and The Big Breakfast to the lows of alopecia and mental breakdown, no stone goes unturned. We go full circle as Gail shares the recent BAFTA success of the BBC Documentary, Being Gail Porter.

From appearing with Robbie Williams on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway to guesting on Gerry Cinnamon's album via breakfast with Justin Timberlake, this is the story of missed opportunities! This is the tale of the events or happenings which came so near yet were still so far!

Discover how a chance meeting in a Manhattan urinal, led to my first experience of Canada: the fateful tale of how Chris Brown (and Maggi Macaulay) went from urinating colleague to co-writer/ collaborator, tour manager, producer, host and dear friends. Chris and Mags join us to to discuss many a 'what if' from US security horror stories to an impromptu jam with the Mariner's Curse in front of thousands which just so happened to be at the end of a little road aptly titled 'The Highland Road'.... 

We pay tribute to the Bard on Burns Night as we reminisce on Burns' experiences over the years. From frequenting Lithuania's Palace of the Grand Dukes to being force fed a half-pint of whisky in a care home, with a stop off in Venice for some traditional Venetian folk dancing, there's muckle to get yer lugs aroon' here! Featuring a recitation of Burns' Address To The Haggis from Alistair Heather.

We sit down for an in depth chat with Chris Duke to discuss his life story as well as tackling the challenges and stigmas of mental health. We discuss Chris' experiences in radio and more recently as an author of Lucy's Blue Day and Big Boys Do Cry. It's exactly the tonic for the January Blues! 

Join us on the red carpet as I perform in Glasgow at the MOBO Awards. We head down to invade London as I play the British Forces Foundation Ball. Go backstage at the Adam Smith Festival of Ideas where I answer the call of our former Prime Minister to greet some prestigious guests... and watch some rugby... and we have our first ever newsflash!

We welcome on Jai McDowall as a guest to talk about his journey since winning Britain's Got Talent in 2011. We get the scoop on playing the Royal Variety Performance, we find out what Simon Cowell is really like and we get the lowdown on guesting with Josh Groban (and Gleadhraich of course!)....

Join all members of Gleadhraich as we reminisce about the Christmas and New Year gigs we've played over the last 10 years. Find out about our Christmas traditions and experience Ali's big debut on the kazoo! 

Have you ever been hit by a bus? It's quite the experience. Imagine having two of Scotland's most well known faces rub your hands, as a pre-gig routine. Also quite the experience. From welcoming Arnold Schwarzenegger to Scotland to creating Tartan Day celebrations in Boston, being turfed off of Miami Beach by Will Smith to watching yourself on TV on Oceans Drive. There's a real mixed bag of experiences here so Hoppy on over for episode 12!

Join me on the Bay City Rollers reunion tour around the UK as I witness the madness of Rollermania. Discover how playing at T in the Park with the band led to me playing at Calvin Harris' afterparty (it's my party story by the way). We also delve into the world of dating apps, where we have an interesting experience with LivU. Make sure you're All Ears for episode 11!

We head to France and Germany to track some of our favourite memories of playing shows around Europe. Discover the challenges involved in travelling with a set of bagpipes, tasting snails and the honour of meeting Sir Alex Ferguson. A special nod to the World Puddle Jumping Championships and those who indulge in the popular sport of throwing frozen tuna...

Join me in New York for NYC Tartan Week, my first ever experience in the USA. From a moving performance at the 9/11 Ground Zero site to Billy Connolly declaring how he lost his virginity, a specially commissioned piece for Ellis Island to Jimmy Fallon turning up in the audience at my show with the Highland Divas, you'll want to take a bite out of the Big Apple with this one....

Join us as we welcome on all members of Gleadhraich for a track by track dissection of the Where We're From EP, which just happens to be the first time we've all spoken together in 7 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Listen as we recount our memories of writing, recording and performing those tracks as well as putting some awkward questions to the guys....

Touring with the Kaiser Chiefs, meeting Andy Murray, getting involved in the Commonwealth Games, fallouts with World leaders and reviews of Nando's and the bakery of a well-known German supermarket. There's lots to get your teeth into in episode 7....

Join me at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow as I take on the experience of guesting with rock legends, Queen + Adam Lambert. Find out how the experience came about and go behind the scenes at the rehearsal, soundcheck and after party. Discover how I invited Brian May to collaborate on my single and about their show in Boston, as well as Ali's adventures at the Montreux Jazz Festival....

We go behind the scenes at some of the country's biggest award ceremonies to find out what it's like on the red carpet. Find out how it feels to win a Young Scot Award and at the same time, embarrassingly dodging the opportunity to kiss one of the country's most well know models. Join us at the BAFTA Scotland Awards where we are on hand to help with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award. This episode features many apologies, and if you think we may be owe you one, this might be your time...

We recount the 'Pipe Dreams' era of Gleadhraich. Hear how we felt playing our first ever headline show, at Dundee's The Rep Theatre, how we somehow became Cultural Ambassadors, how we became a part of one of the UK's biggest breakfast shows for a week and how we caused mayhem at the Scottish Golf Awards (a wilder place than you'd think!). The episode also features a track by track run down of the 'Pipe Dreams' EP and Ross White joins us as a guest! 

Discover how prison letters with Peter Doherty led to me sharing the stage with The Libertines as they headline T in the Park, joining Peter on his Scottish dates, organising tour dates for John Hassall and crashing Carl Barat's after parties. There's many a story to be told here about my time sailing the Good Ship Albion, with my favourite band, The Libertines....

Join us in Zurich, Switzerland as I play my first ever performance abroad, as a member of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. Join Gleadhraich as we play our first ever festival in Chichester. Come on an adventure as I head to tour China with the RSNO, taking in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Tianjin and Macau. Oh and somehow we end up talking about life modelling and the notion of nudist gigs. You wouldn't want to miss that now, would you?