A CLYDEBANK singer has lived the dream after his band headlined the world famous Barrowlands for the first time.

The LaFontaines played to thousands of fans in the landmark gig earlier this month.
John McGinley, 29, is a singer and bassist for the band, while rapper Kerr Okan takes the role of frontman.

“Honestly, the gig couldn’t have gone any better,” said John. “Nothing got broken, I didn’t fall over, the crew were all amazing and a fan even made us cake. It was all very sweaty and intense. The gig I mean, not the cake.”

The LaFontaines were supported by Eliza and the Bear, Model Aeroplanes and Emma Milligan.

It was a defining moment for John, who is known as John Gerard in music circles. 
He continued: “It was a bit of a bucket-list moment for me personally. The Barrowlands has been my favourite venue for as long as I can remember, it’s got an atmosphere unlike any other venue I’ve ever played in.
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I feel very lucky every time I think about it, I was able to play my own songs to about 2,000 people that knew all the words — it still feels a bit surreal.”

The band also consists of Motherwell men: Kerr Okan, 25, frontman rapper; Darren McCaughey, 24, guitarist; Iain Findlay, 28, guitarist and Wishaw drummer Jamie Keenan, 24.

Signed to 889 Records, the band has been taking the Scottish music scene by storm this year, with a main stage opening slot at T in the Park in July.

Formed in 2009, the five-piece merges hip-hop with rock, creating a sound which has been welcomed by music fans across the country.

John says the band has been like “one big party” over the last few years.

He told the Post: “We’ve been going pretty non-stop over the last few years, playing with artists such as Example, The Ting Tings and Twin Atlantic.

“It’s been a great way to see new places too — we’ve played all through the UK and Europe, been paraded through New York and even filmed one of our latest music videos in Morocco.

“It doesn’t feel like hard work at any point, it’s all one big party... especially when you’re jumping about on the main stage at T in the Park.”

Follow The LaFontaines online at thelafontaines.co.uk, facebook.com/thelafontaines music and on Twitter @TheL aFontaines


Photographs were provided by Ryan Johnston, and you can visit the online page at ryanjohnston.co for more.