One of America’s most flamboyant and exciting musicians, Jason Ringenberg, ex front-man with legendary country-rock outfit ‘Jason & the Scorchers’, is set to make a return to Shetland in May for two shows as part of Shetland Arts Trust ‘Co-Promoters’ initiative.

Jason’s two dates Shetland dates, one in Lerwick and another in Yell, are part of his current UK and European tour, and come as a result of demand from those who witnessed his sold-out show in Shetland a couple of years ago, not to mention those who missed out  last time around due to the high demand for tickets.

Jason first came to international prominence in the mid 1980’s with his band The Scorchers, marrying original country influences to a fierce, out and out, rock n’ roll attitude. Albums such as ‘Fervour’, ‘Lost and Found’ and ‘Still Standing’ blazed a path for the band across the USA, Europe and the UK, bringing country music to a whole new and younger audience, although it was probably their exciting live act that really got the band noticed.

 Jason disbanded the group in the early 90’s, and since then has been working as a solo artist, although he still retains much of his dynamic, some might even say wild, live approach to this day. He has released a number of albums under his own name, the latest of which ‘Empire Builder’s, has been lauded by fans and music critics alike as his best to date.

Shetland Arts Trust Music Development Officer Davie Gardner said “Luckily for us Jason fell in love with Shetland the last time he was here, so it didn’t prove difficult to persuade him to return. His performance last time around was nothing short of incredible. Almost everyone who managed to get tickets for that gig thought it was one of the most exciting, entertaining and simply good fun gigs they had been to in a long time. Marry that to great quality country-rock music and I suppose that just about says it all”.

 Jason will be joined by acclaimed guitarist Iain Barbour from Edinburgh, who also accompanied him on his last visit to the islands.

The Shetland gigs are in the British Legion, Lerwick on Friday the 6th May and the following evening in the back bar of the Mid Yell hall. “Jason prefers to do smaller gigs where he can really interact with the audience” Davie said “So these two events will certainly address that requirement. You are guaranteed a ring-side seat for this one”. 

Tickets for the gigs, priced £8 and £5 go on sale today from High Level Music and the British Legion in Lerwick and Tulloch’s shop in Mid Yell. Ticket numbers are extremely limited so you are advised to buy early to avoid disappointment.

For further information contact Davie Gardner on (01595) 697550.