Polydor Press Release - March 1976

BILBO BAGGINS

There's a wealth of talent lurking in the depths of the Scottish countryside poised, like Nessie, to spring surprises at an opportune moment on an eagerly awaiting public.

We anticipate 1976 as being The year to bring Bilbo Baggins to the surface. They have emerged in recent months as one of the brightest hopes to be found. Tam Paton's management coupled with an inexhaustible supply of energy and determination from the band have, in the last year seen Bilbo Baggins performing upwards of 150 gigs. In Scotland, they are second in popularity only to the Bay City Rollers, and have recently toured Cyprus and completed tours with the Rubettes and Mud, as well as finding time to lay down twelve album tracks.

Bilbo Baggins is Colin Chisholm (lead vocals), 'Dev' Jimmy Devlin (rhythm guitar), 'Fid' Gordon Liddle (drums), Brian Spence who incidentally, for those who are familiar, now supports a head of gleaming hair! (He is on keyboards and guitar) and 'Tosh' Gordon McIntosh (lead guitar). Between them they have been involved in about forty groups in the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas. Just one - 'Reflection' with singer Colin Chisholm got as far as "Opportunity Knocks", the rest sinking without a trace.

Tam Paton first heard of the band when they rang to ask if he knew of any drummers. He suggested Gordon and later went along to see them. He was impressed with their positive image and gutsy sound, and most important of all, their charisma.

Having the same manager as the Bay City Rollers is bound to lead to comparisons. They're not perturbed and firmly believe that their sound is "much more funky and will eventually appeal to a much wider audience."

Although on the face of things Bilbo Baggins are now one of the busiest groups around, it's been a hard graft for recognition. They've more than vivid memories of countless nights spent in vans and all-night cinemas, living on hopes and very little else. Jimmy Devlin recalls after a gig one night taking a single room at an hotel and the rest of the band sneaking through the rear entrance and all of them spending the night in one single bed! The price of fame comes high! Nevertheless, the strong will survive, and we're certain Bilbo Baggins, with recognition looming on the horizon, have now seen the last of an average £10 weekly wage.

Their first single in '76 "Back Home", a song borrowed from Golden Earring left press and public alike disappointed at the lack of attention it received. 'However, we anticipate "It's A Shame", written and produced by ex-Tremeloe Alan Blakley to be released in March, as the one which will launch them on a course to the top.

MARCH 1976

DISCOGRAPHY

Singles:

JIMMY DEVLIN

COLIN CHISHOLM (Chis)

GORDON LIDDLE ('Fid')

GORDON McINTOSH

BRIAN SPENCE

For further information please contact David Hughes or Janice Hague at the Polydor Press Office - 01 499 8686

Fan Club address: P.O. Box 707, Edinburgh 4.

Page Last Updated: 4 March, 2010

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