Long-running Glaswegian rockers behind hits Nothing Ever Happens and Roll To Me
The Dels, as they’re affectionately known to fans, started off in 1982 as a joint venture between frontman Justin Currie and guitarist Ian Harvie. Following the promising Sense Sickness EP on Glasgow indie label No Strings Records and a growing fanbase, the fledgling band signed to a major label and seemed primed for a breakthrough. However, their self-titled debut album failed to find a foothold and the Dels were back to square one.
The Glaswegians regrouped and a US tour landed them another record deal, this time with A&M. They recorded their second album Waking Hours with Gil Norton (Echo & The Bunnymen, Pixies) and Hugh Jones (Dumptruck, James) and dented the charts on both sides of the Atlantic with the singles Kiss This Thing Goodbye and Nothing Ever Happens.
With their third album, Del Amitri had properly settled into their jangly semi-acoustic rock niche, this time adding a little more bombast. The result, 1993’s Change Everything, saw them become household names and reach No.2 on the UK album charts, mostly down to the ubiquitous single Always The Last To Know and future fan favourite Be My Downfall.
It was a wearier sounding but no less impressive Del Amitri that resurfaced with 1995’s Twisted, Justin Currie’s lovelorn tales finding him increasingly on the losing side. The one exception proved to be the band’s biggest hit in the US, the jubilant Roll To Me. In typical style, the band somewhat distanced themselves from this uncharacteristic bout of positivity.
Despite positive reviews, their follow-up Some Other Sucker’s Parade struggled to live up to Twisted’s success, particularly in America. Still, it found a home with the band’s ever dedicated fanbase, Currie sounding as endearingly crumpled as ever on the single What I Think She Sees.
In 1998, Del Amitri recorded the official song for Scotland’s France ’98 World Cup bid. Entitled Don’t Come Home Too Soon, it nodded towards the team’s record of never making it past the group stages, a feat they once again failed to achieve. Later that year, the band released a greatest hits collection called Hatful Of Rain.
The Dels’ 2002 album Can You Do Me Good? would prove to be their last for some time. An extended hiatus followed, during which time Currie ventured out on his own, releasing four solo albums between 2007 and 2017.
The band briefly reformed for tours in 2014 and 2018. During the latter tour, Justin Currie suggested that a new album was a possibility. In 2020, he announced that a new album, Fatal Mistakes, was on its way, along with a special gig for NHS workers. The band released their first single in 18 years, Close Your Eyes And Think Of England, in late 2020, followed by It’s Feelings in early 2021.
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Dylan on boxing, the Dels cheer on Scotland, Zevon's baseball ballad and more
Justin Currie talks to us about opening for the Stones, playing for local politicians and why he dreads playing his band's biggest hit
This is the 7th time since the 90s that I've been at a Del gig and the lads never fail to deliver an absolutely banging show. To anyone who've thought about seeing Del Amitri live but haven't yet managed, I'd highly recommend that they do.
Nobody does bittersweet rock n roll quite like Del Amitri, and with a back catalogue of such quality, this tour's setlist was packed with timeless old favourites as well as new songs from the most recent studio effort (Fatal Mistakes) as well as one brand new song, the consoling "Don't Cry, Don't Cry." The question on many people's minds was of course "is Justin OK?"and with his recently revealed health issues, you'd be forgiven for expecting a diminished and perhaps lower key show, but the band are having none of it. This was a celebration of still being here from the opening polemic of "Nation of Caners"the gears were moved through with ease to deliver a set to please any crowd and show just how good a song writing and live outfit they are. The line "left to your devices, you'd have killed us off"was delivered with just a little extra venom. We were treated to a Del Amitri in fine voice and humour, with customary exchanging of guitar and bass duties between Justin Currie and Iain Harvie, the latter taking a moment off from being a guitar god to quip "is the weather always this nice?"as storm Darragh sunk its teeth into the world outside; appreciative that a very full room had still made it. There's maybe a sense of urgency about the band now, but they remain determined to keep going until they can't. Like the best shows, this was one that left you extremely satisfied, but still wanting more.
Fantastic gig at a brilliant venue in Usher Hall.......best of the year !!!!!!
Del Amitri thoroughly entertained. Fantastic blend of old and new tracks. Fabulous energy & impressive length of show too.
Always enjoy Del Amitri. They are non stop music and they work with the audience. My only criticism is that we had to leave before the end so we could catch the last train. At this time of year an overnight stay is a King's ransom and a taxi home is not far off that. Great to see Justin Currie and we wish him every support and warm wishes going forward. Always great music!
It doesn't get better than this. The lyrics, the music, the band, the venue. Incredible night.
I've wanted to see Del Amitri for years and the stars finally aligned this year. One of the best live gigs I've ever been to. They played a good mix of songs with the crowd singing along loudly. The venue was also fantastic (Manchester's Albert Hall). Great band, great music, great venue.
Long term fan of Del Amitri. Always put on a great show.
Del amitri absolutely outstanding! Nowt else to say !
They didn't disappoint. Lyrics sublime. Finale the best.
