5 Scottish bands you may have forgotten

With new talent constantly emerging from all parts of Scotland, it’s easy to lose track of some of those from the past. We take a look at five great Scottish acts you may have forgotten about.

Del Amitri reunited for Celtic Connections in 2014. Picture: Contributed

MARMALADE

Marmalade, from the east end of Glasgow, were the first ever Scottish band to top the UK singles chart. Their pop rock rendition of the Beatles “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” sold around half a million copies and saw them perform on Top of the Pops. The band are still touring the nostalgia circuit today but none of the original members remain in the band,

TELSTAR PONIES

Formed in 1994, the Telstar Ponies were originally viewed as being too similar to Teenage Fanclub but gained more recognition following the release of their 1996 EP “Voices From the New Music”. The group’s intense live performances often included improvisation which is said to have inspired post-rock bands including Mogwai and Godspeed You Black Emperor!. The band split briefly from 1997 to 1999.

DEL AMITRI

Formed in Glasgow, Del Amitri had five top ten albums in the UK and one top ten single, “Roll to Me”, on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. The alternative rock band featured on the front cover of magazine Melody Maker and supported The Smiths on tour but failed to breakthrough until 1989 with their album “Walking Hours”. Subsequent single “Nothing Ever Happens” gained them their highest single chart position. The band still remain together and played the SSE Hyrdo last year as part of Celtic Connections.

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN

This East Kilbride based alternative rock band have not released an album since 1998 but still remain hugely influential. Their short sets and violent antics gained the notoriety early on in their career when signed to Creation Records. Having reunited since their split in 1998, the band have yet to release a new album but are continue to tour performing “Psychocandy Live” to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its release.

ORANGE JUICE

Hailing from Bearsden, Glasgow, Orange Juice were post-punk group famous for their top 40 hit “Rip It Up”. The single was achieved with the aid of a synthesizer - it was the first popular record to use the Roland TB-303 that later became synonymous with the 1980s and acid house.