Band set for comeback gig after two members’ brushes with death

WHEN it comes to singing the blues, their search for inspiration has required little effort.

In a year that has seen one half of the four-piece Missing Cat face life- threatening illnesses, there will be plenty for them to croon over tomorrow night.

But when they take to the stage at Henry’s Cellar Bar, in Morrison Street, they will also be celebrating their remarkable recovery – the bassist from a stroke, the drummer from cancer.

Keith Scott, 29, the band’s bassist, said: “It’s been some year. I think the other two are worried what’s going to happen to them next.

“It’s changed us too. We’re a lot more determined to make the most of our opportunity now, waste less time, and just generally be more productive.”

Performing in public has been at a minimum for the band after Kenny Miller, also 29, from Leith, was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the end of 2010.

Just weeks later Keith, from Morningside, suffered a stroke, which left him unable to speak for three days and uncovered a pre-existing heart condition.

Keith, who works at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “To be honest, I actually thought it was just a really bad hangover given the timing of it.

“But when I went to hospital, I realised it wasn’t, I started thinking of all the other things it might have been, so when they told me it was a stroke, and why, I was actually quite relieved.

“It’s from a hole in my heart I’ve had since birth and I think for some people it can be a real time-bomb. I really didn’t know what was going to happen. I’m completely fine now though.”

Keith and Kenny are both now clear of their respective ailments, and will use tomorrow’s gig to announce their return to the Edinburgh live music scene, and to launch their new five-song EP which has been inspired by their brushes with tragedy.

Titled For the Loss of It, and recorded in the disused St John’s East Church in Constitution Street, the band admit it is a death-themed soundtrack.

Kenny has been cancer-free for some time and hopes that the show, alongside fellow members frontman Paul Montague, from Inverleith, and guitarist Gavin Jack, from Restalrig, will signify a change in fortunes.

He said: “The Winter Party tomorrow will be a great excuse to get together with friends and celebrate Missing Cat going from strength to strength, even after our tribulations this year.”

The band, whose music is described as “psychedelic blues”, will be joined by well-know Capital acts The Black Diamond Express and Andy Mill and the Stolen Pirates. The show starts at 11pm, with tickets priced £4.