Now That’s What I Call Music: Travis, Fratellis, Echo and the Bunnymen, Andy Rourke, Alphabeat, Sergeant – and more live!

Check this line up for the The Scottish Sun St Andrews Day Concert, in support of Versus Cancer November 28 gig – The Fratellis, Travis, Alphabeat, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Attic Lights, Sergeant, Peter Hook from New Order and Andy Rourke from The Smiths all coming together for a major concert to raise funds and awareness for Scottish cancer charities at the SECC, Glasgow. There’s going to be more acts, but I’m sworn to secrecy.

(yes this is a shameless plug)

It’s the brainchild of Versus Cancer and top Scottish music producer John McLaughlin. This is Versus first Scottish event but the cancer charity has raised hundreds of thousands south of the border with festivals including the likes of Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Ian Brown and The Charlatans.

All of the acts taking part are donating their time free of charge and they’re looking forward to getting involved.

Travis bass guitarist Dougie Payne said: “During our recent UK tour we got the chance to meet and talk with a number of young people affected by cancer.

“We were all incredibly moved and impressed by the people we met and immediately started discussing how we could do something to help. This show is the perfect opportunity to do a little, and hopefully will be just the start of our relationship with Versus”.

Jon Fratelli said: “We were fortunate enough to see the first two Versus Cancer shows and delighted to be asked to perform at the third, so we’re even more delighted to be involved with their first Scottish event.

“It’s fantastic news that they are now getting involved in Scotland with the money raised from the show going to Scottish cancer charities.

“We can’t wait, it’s going to be a fantastic night.”

John McLaughlin, who has written songs for some of Britain’s top performers and worked with contestants in the BBC’s Fame Academy series, said: “This is going to be a fantastic event and one I am proud to be a part of, not just because of the fundraising, but because the cream of Scottish talent has got together and said they will do this without being paid because it’s something they believe in.

“A lot of the artists involved have known people affected by cancer and it’s touching to see them give their time to help raise funds so that others may not have to go through the losses that they have suffered.

“But the concert will also be a celebration of life, of those who have beaten cancer and, given the date, It’s also a fantastic way to celebrate St Andrew’s Day.”

Versus Cancer charity was set up in 2005 by ex-Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and Nova Rehman after Nova’s father and sister were diagnosed with cancer.

Nova said: “Government statistics are frightening. Scotland has a high level of cancer and what we aim to do is not only provide funds for those currently battling cancer and supporting sufferers, but to raise awareness of cancer and how you can combat it and detect it early enough.

“Raising awareness is a vital part of the work we carry out – we want everyone to be aware of what cancer is and what they can do to prevent cancer taking another life. For example, if more people self-examined that would help to prevent more cancers developing. Literally every person can do their bit to battle cancer.

“The money raised in Scotland will stay in Scotland, going to various charities, some of whom don’t receive any central funding. One of our strengths is that as well as funding research activities, we give money to the likes of palliative care centres.

“I can’t thank John McLaughlin enough for being able to bring this Scottish event together so quickly and it’s fair to say that the event wouldn’t be going ahead without his help and contacts. And we’re now doing all we can to make sure it’s a St Andrew’s party with a difference.”

Last year, approximately 15,000 people died from cancer in Scotland. According to the latest statistics, one in three people in Scotland will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime – one in nine males, and one in seven females will develop some form of cancer before the age of 65. After 65, the risk rises to 1 in 3 for males, and 1 in 4 for females.

Tickets, starting from £30 go on sale 9am Tuesday 21st October at the SECC, Glasgow and can be bought in person or via the SECC ticket line on 0870 040 4000 or www.secctickets.com.

Some more details can be found over at The Scottish Sun.