When he steps out onto the stage for a charity gig this summer, Alex Lowe will be a whirlwind of emotions.
Not only will he be enjoying his indie rock band Hurricane #1’s comeback tour, but he will also be raising money for a cause close to his heart.
The band will headline Halleyballoo in Huntly, a concert organised by five friends to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Grampian.
For Mr Lowe – who famously turned down a job with Oasis – the show was the ideal way for him to give something back to the team at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary who supported him when he was diagnosed with lower bowel cancer in 2013.
He was given the all-clear last year, but while in hospital he vowed he would put his talents to good use, and reformed 90’s band Hurricane #1.
The all-new line up includes drummer Chris Campbell, who played with The La’s, and Brazilian brothers Gian Carlo Maraini and Lucas Maraini. The new album also features the band’s original guitarist Andy Bell, who went onto play for Oasis and Beady Eye.
Mr Lowe, who lives in Rosehearty, said he was looking forward to Halleyballoo, adding: “When I was in hospital feeling really, really bad, I thought to myself that the only way I was going to get out of it and become more positive was to play music again.
“I said if I could get out I would do something for a cancer charity, if I could. It’s a cliche, but it’s a good one. People want to come out and see some music, and are giving to charity at the same time, it’s brilliant.”
Huntly friends Colin Shanks, David Smith, Ron McIntosh, Michael Forsyth and Grant Turner organised the first Halleyballoo last year, after another friend was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The show, headlined by Prime Mary, was a sell-out and raised £12,000 for MacMillan and ARI – smashing their £5,000 target.
This year, they have lined up Hurricane #1, local band Earth – made up of Mr Forsyth, Alan Shearer and Scott McDowall – and Peterhead singer Marc Culley for the September 19 show at Stewart’s Hall.
Mr Smith said: “We’re giving local people in Huntly access to top quality bands.
“We’re really excited about this year’s show. It’s something different for Huntly and we’re really looking forward to it.”
The concert is being sponsored by Colin Forsyth, of Quayside Fabrications and Kiddie Winkles Nursery.
For tickets, priced £15, visit www.halleyballoomusic.brownpapertickets.com or for more information visit the Halleyballoo Facebook page.