Mackenzies return with first new single in over 30 years

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On the back of another sold-out show, the newly reformed Glasgow avant-funk band Mackenzies announce their first new single in more than three decades. Blow by Blow will be released on Last Night From Glasgow on October 24th, 2025.

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Originally thought lost, the track was rediscovered on a rehearsal cassette dating back to 1988. Blow by Blow was inspired by William McIlvanney’s novel The Big Man, the story of an unemployed man drawn into bare-knuckle fighting to survive.

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Formed in 1985 and named in honour of power-lifter Precious McKenzie, the band came together around a shared love of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band, James Brown, Prince, Funkadelic and Parliament. Their sound—punk-funk with experimental edges—was further shaped by the live energy of Scottish contemporaries such as Josef K, Fire Engines and Orange Juice. Early rehearsals took place in drummer Paul Turnbull’s bedroom, where the group developed their raw, propulsive style.

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The line-up of Paul Turnbull (drums), Iain Beveridge (guitar), Gary Weir (vocals/guitar) and Peter Gilmour (bass) was soon joined by saxophonist Peter Ellen, whose passion for Ornette Coleman and Archie Shepp brought a new dimension to their sound. Guitarist David Allen completed the line-up.

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In late 1985, a homemade demo found its way to Radio 1’s John Peel, leading to the band’s first session at the legendary Maida Vale studios. Peel championed Mackenzies, inviting them back for a second session only months later.

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Now, forty years on from their debut single New Breed, the band are working on their first full-length album, due for release on Last Night From Glasgow in 2026.

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For Press Enquiries : izzy@lastnightfromglasgow.com

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