FEATURE
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Ever since it fi rst launched back in 1985, The List has tried to discover and celebrate outstanding creative talent from Scotland and beyond. Over the years, we like to think we’ve helped launch the careers of a host of singers, performers, writers, fi lmmakers and others who have shaped contemporary culture. To mark our 750th issue, Robin Hodge has trawled through the archives and selected a few of our more memorable cover stars
BILLY CONNOLLY 1985 | ISSUE 2 The comedian tells us: ‘I tend to sound a bit belligerent sometimes but I really feel very strongly about my humour and my Scottishness.’ (Interview by Nigel Billen) ANNIE LENNOX 1986 | ISSUE 30 She tells us: ‘Success to me is what I feel when I’ve written a song I like and which the audience likes to the extent of buying the record and coming to our [Eurythmics] concerts. Money . . . fame . . . these things are around you, but you have to keep doing what you want. Never fall into the obvious traps.’ (Interview by Pierre Perrone)
LIZ LOCHHEAD 1986 | ISSUE 8 The Glasgow-born poet explains how she writes: ‘I can‘t control poems. I’d hate to think they would stop coming but I can’t write them to order.’ Some of her poetry just arrives: ‘It has to be said and all I have to do is write it down. I suppose the unconscious has already cooked it pretty thoroughly.’ (Interview by Nigel Billen) ROBBIE COLTRANE AND TUTTI FRUTTI 1987 | ISSUE 35 Like Coltrane himself, Danny McGlone (his character in the cult series) is supposed to have gone to Glasgow School of Art where he meets Suzi Kettles (Emma Thompson). ‘I actually found my initials carved in the wall in a scene where she was supposed to i nd hers. Quite extraordinary.’ (Interview by Stephanie Billen)
1 Sep–31 Oct 2018 THE LIST 19