Where are you on Hogmanay? Got any major plans? I have, and then some… Last year, I hosted the Waverley Stage as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations – one of the most respected and well-loved street parties in all the world. This year, I’m back… but on the mainstage!

The Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, directly below and in front of Edinburgh Castle, has been the centre-piece for the huge annual shindig, and I’ve often dreamt of being able to MC the stage and play records between the bands. Nerve-wracking sure, but what a thrill!

Well, it’s a reality this year and what makes it particularly special for me is that my good friends Biffy Clyro are headliners. I’ve been playing and supporting these guys on radio and TV now for many years, as they’ve progressed from an unsigned, fledgling band cutting their teeth on the UK’s live scene, to the Top 10 rock titans that they are today.

Not only that, but as I write this they may well have had a Christmas No.1 single, courtesy of that cheesy, karaoke X-Factor malarkey… anyway, it couldn’t happen to a nicer, more hardworking band! I may even have a tear in my eye as I introduce them onstage to play a phenomenal set of modern rock anthems and progressive curveballs, which is their stock-in trade.

With a supporting cast of Madchester legends The Charlatans and iconic, agit-pop, protest singer Billy Bragg, this promises to be one hell of a night for audience, bands and myself. Maybe I’ll see a few of you down the front with a wee tipple in your hand and a smile on your face.

Wherever you are, have a blast and have a dram on me. Here’s to 2011 – have wonderful year one and all!

Check out Vic on BBC Radio every week:
Monday Night 8.05pm-10pm, BBC Radio Scotland

Best of the Sessions 2010

Wednesday Night Midnight-2am, BBC Radio 1 in Scotland
Admiral Fallow in Session (Rpt)

Listen to Vic’s epic last show here. (You’ll need Expat Surfer)

Follow Vic on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vicgalloway and at www.myspace.com/vicgallowayr1

See Vic’s best gig of 2009 here and his top 75 albums of 2010 here.

Download Biffy Clyro in the Dear Scotland Shop:

Biffy Clyro – Many Of Horror – T in the Park 2010

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvFgj-LfMgo

Biffy Clyro – Reading 2010 (1 of 3)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSwtX3zZS54

Biffy Clyro – Reading 2010 (2 of 3)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q51ryDOwuV4

Biffy Clyro – Reading 2010 (3 of 3)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4xnXosZTFY

Photo Credit: Guy Eppel