Three gigs, one virus, and the best kind of weekend

I spent most of last week absolutely wiped out with a virus. By Friday I was hoping Slanj-A-Va would be a quiet one — a nice relaxed night, ease myself back in, try not to fall over. The crowd had completely different plans.

It turned into a full-on sing-along. The energy in that room was something else entirely, and honestly? By the second set I had forgotten I had been ill. That is the thing about a good Friday night at Slanj-A-Va — the audience just takes over and you go with it. I left buzzing.

Saturday was a private 80th birthday party, which is one of my favourite kinds of gig. The birthday boy was a massive Beatles fan, so I had a proper excuse to dig deep into the catalogue. That is what a bespoke set list is for.

Sunday brought the weather Scotland is famous for. Absolutely rubbish outside, but inside Lux Country Bar in Stirling it was a different story. Country classics, modern country, a bit of everything else thrown in. Some friends came along after Stirling Song Club to keep me company, which always makes a Sunday feel less like a Sunday. Best of all, the owners asked me to play for an extra hour. I do not think there is a better endorsement a venue can give you than that.

What three nights like that remind you

When you are feeling rough mid-week, it is easy to wonder why you bother with the calendar the way I keep it. Then a weekend like this one happens. A raucous sing-along that lifts your spirits when you are running on empty, a family gathering around songs they love, and a venue that wants more of you by the end. That is the answer, every time.

If you want to come down and be part of it, I am at High Spirits in Falkirk every Thursday for Open Mic. Doors at 8:00 pm, stage at 8:30 pm, free entry., Falkirk

It’s the first heat of the song competition so please encourage anyone you know who plays to come along and perform.

Sign up to play or just come and watch. The more the merrier.

And if you are thinking about live music for a wedding, birthday or corporate event in 2027, now is a good time to get in touch. Dates are starting to fill. You can book online at barryhoneymanmusic.com or drop me a message directly.