A Scottish band has shared a hilarious new song inviting Sharleen Spiteri to join them for Hogmanay celebrations. The duo from Edinburgh, known as Hanley and the Baird, penned the song after the disappointment of the cancelled Edinburgh Hogmanay festival. Annette Hanley and Kirsty Baird posted the witty song online, which quickly gained almost 50,000 views. The catchy lyrics include lines such as, “I was meant to be celebrating Hogmanay up the gardens in the toon, but it’s all been cancelled and its gonna be s**** cos it’s totally p******* doon” and “So if Sharleen Spiteri’s got nowhere to go and she wants to spend it with me… I’ll pay for her taxi and bus fare here becayse Hogmanay is going to be s*****.”
Speaking to the Daily Record, Kirsty, 57, shared that the duo was disappointed by the cancellation of the festival and decided to make the best of the situation by recording the ‘S**** Hogmanay song’. The pair usually attends Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and were surprised by the cancellation despite the weather not being too severe. Instead, they had their own celebration at the Huxley in Edinburgh before heading to a friend’s place in Fife, accompanied by their guitar.
The song was created as a response to the cancellation and a tribute to a dear friend who had passed away earlier in the year. While Sharleen Spiteri did not take up their invitation, the Scottish band Texas, which she is a part of, was scheduled to perform in Princes Street Gardens on January 31. The band members revealed that the song was written spontaneously at 2:30 am when the tune came to Kirsty.
Edinburgh’s traditional Hogmanay celebrations were called off due to safety concerns related to forecasted extreme weather conditions. Organisers Unique Assembly cited high winds and potentially inclement weather as reasons for cancelling all outdoor events for New Year’s. Despite the festival cancellation, Hanley and the Baird found a way to celebrate and spread cheer with their humorous song.
In conclusion, Hanley and the Baird’s witty and light-hearted approach to the disappointment of the cancelled Hogmanay festival resonated with many, as evidenced by the song’s online popularity. The duo’s creative response to the situation showcases the resilience and camaraderie that can emerge in challenging times. Their message of finding joy and connection amidst adversity is a heartwarming reminder of the power of music and friendship in lifting spirits during unexpected changes.