Old Blind Dogs

Old Blind Dogs

Old Blind Dogs are a folk group from Aberdeen, formed in 1990. The band plays Celtic folk and traditional Scottish folk music, and their sound also draws on rock, reggae and Middle Eastern rhythmic influences.

Formation and early lineup

The group begins with three founding members: Ian F. Benzie, Buzzby McMillan and Jonny Hardie. They meet during a summer busking trip in the Scottish Highlands in 1990 and decide to continue as a band under the name Old Blind Dogs. Dave Francis and Carmen Higgins join soon afterwards, but both leave in 1992 before the recording of the first album, New Tricks.

Lineup changes

The membership changes frequently over time, with Jonny Hardie the only original member to remain from the early group. Other members associated with the band include Davy Cattanach, Fraser Fifield, Rory Campbell, Paul Jennings, Jim Malcolm, Aaron Jones, Ali Hutton and Fraser Stone. Ian F. Benzie and Buzzby McMillan also remain among the named members of the group.

Releases and recognition

In 2001, the UK’s Association of Independent Music names the album Fit? a finalist for Celtic Album of the Year. In 2004, the band wins Folk Band of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards, while Jim Malcolm is named Songwriter of the Year at the same event.

Touring

Old Blind Dogs tour widely, with performances in Britain, the United States, Denmark, Germany and Spain. The band also tours in Russia and Italy.