EDWYN COLLINS DUNDEE YEARS #1

Although Edwyn Collins was an Edinburgh lad, he was actually educated in Dundee. His father moved his family to Dundee in 1965 when he accepted a post as lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. So Edwyns early schooling began at the Demonstration school in Park Place (off Nethergate) with his secondary years spent up at the Morgan. His creative talent back then leant more towards art, however he did show an interest in music too. From an early age he sampled a few violin lessons, but once he heard David Bowie, he tried to join a local rock band called Onyx. 2 reasons why the band didn't let him join - firstly, he was only 13 - secondly, he only had a ukulele!! Even after he offered to attach a pick-up to the instrument to electrify it, he still didn't get in, but I'm sure this little episode helped him develop his sense of humour!!
He did eventually get a band together once he moved to Glasgow in the mid 70's - kicking off with the Nu-sonics, who later, turned into Orange Juice in 1979. The rest, of course, is well documented history.
I was a big fan of Orange Juice from day 1 and saw them play a couple of dazzling shows at Edinburghs Nite Club around 1980.
Below, is a rare piece of footage from my vaults. It's of Dundonian, Billy MacKenzie, introducing Orange Juice, which comes from a show that featured Billy's favourite pop videos. The programme was broadcast around the early/mid 80's, with Edwyn & co first on his list!