Who is Paul Rhodes? Has he ever written anything interesting?

His review of the Runrig concert at the Grand Opera House was complete rubbish. Mr Rhodes is obviously totally "out of tune" with Runrig's music and the message they are trying to convey. He couldn't even get the names of the songs right.

It's called "Pride Of The Summer" including the words "beat the drum" Mr Rhodes - you go and bang your drum somewhere else.

And how is "On The Edge" a Gaelic song? It has an English name and it's an instrumental!

There can't be much wrong with Runrig and their music if the tickets sold out within two weeks of going on sale last February.

Calum and Rory MacDonald are two of the most talented songwriters to come out of Scotland. Their lyrics are pure poetry; the fast tunes wonderfully catchy, the slow ones hauntingly beautiful.

In complete contrast to Mr Rhodes, I wonder how they continue to write such original songs with such varying tunes.

In Bruce Guthro, Runrig have one of the finest singers in popular music today - his interpretation of some of their songs is sublime. Malcolm Jones is a supremely talented musician - his guitar-playing is second to none, not to mention his prowess on the accordion, pipes and drums.

What does it matter what people wear, or what their haircuts are like? Runrig's music speaks to the heart of the fans, and there are thousands upon thousands of us, Mr Rhodes - they have a huge following in Germany and Scandinavia, as well as here.

Next time, York Press, send a proper reviewer - someone like Richard Foster - who can express a more balanced and less sneering view.

Teresa Turner, Whin Road, Dringhouses, York.

  • I am writing in connection with the review by Paul Rhodes of the Runrig concert last week.

My husband and I enjoyed it so much, the whole atmosphere was great. I wondered exactly what Paul expected - I got the impression from the review that he certainly was not a fan of this type of concert. Good heavens, people clapping and singing along - whatever next? It may not have ended soon enough for him, but for us the time simply flew and we were impressed by the musical skills of the entire group.

Do not let this poor review put anybody off seeing Runrig, it was a fabulous night.

Linda Skilbeck, Hill View, Stockton Lane, York.