WITH more than half a dozen single releases to their name, PRIMES are one of the hardest-working bands in the Scottish music scene.

The trio came together a little more than two years ago and have pursued a relentless write, record and release schedule.

In 2018, they put out Breathe, Together Forever, Haunted and Bodies followed by the anthemic Don't Forget Your Memories, the infectious Nine Lives and Dreamer And I in 2019, and Moment a few months ago.

The Falkirk three-piece have been gigging around the country for years, whether as PRIMES, in other bands or as solo performers.

Music lovers through and through, singer and bass player Ollie Kitchen looks back on his major milestone gigs, both as a fan and an artist.

The first gig I ever went to was...

Biffy Clyro at the Barrowlands in Glasgow. I was about 15 and I went with my bandmates at the time. It was the first time I ever had alcohol and it was scooped in the flat closes across from the venue, trying not to get caught. It was absolutely mental and still one of the best gigs of my life. I always remember one of the girls that was with us passed out with the heat from the pit. The whole night was class.

The first gig I ever played was...

At a local community centre and it was me and a drummer. I was just the singer at the time. We had two songs prepared but we only played one song because the second song was called Mexico and it was a direct rip of 99 Red Balloons but different lyrics. The song we did play was called 18+ which was ironic because I was only 14 at the time and it was about an older woman treating me like a child, even though I was still a child. 

The last gig I went to was...

My friend Aaron Smith's gig at SWG3; it was a great night. Who knew it was going to be the last gig before the world went into lockdown?

The last gig I played was…

Audio in Glasgow. We played with another local band. It was a bit of a drama as our minibus actually broke down and everyone just ended up staying out in Glasgow having drinks. We got our driver a McDonald's and left him looking after the bus outside the venue. We hope he’s OK; we’ve not heard from him since...

The last gig I played was…

The best gig I have ever been to was The Rolling Stones at Murrayfield. I honestly didn’t think I would get to see them before they died. They are one of my biggest influences and one of the reasons I even picked up a guitar In the first place. Mick has still got the moves. Legend.

The best gig I ever played was...

Party at the Palace last year. It was absolutely packed for us on the second stage and it was a phenomenal feeling to walk out to! Our fans had even made some PRIMES banners and flags which really made the day even more special, it was great. Of course, it’s hard to choose cause I’ve had some pretty special gigs over the years, but that has to be number one, so far...

LISTEN: PRIMES on Spotify...