The Saints are coming

Details of a tribute to Dunfermline music idol Stuart Adamson at East End Park.

Adamson with Big Country at East End Park in the early Eighties

The Saints are coming - Article from Kenny's Music

Stuart Adamson was the driving force behind the Skids and Big Country but East End Park was only one place where Stuart Adamson wanted to be on a match day, as anyone who knew him will testify. On what would have been Stuart's 51st birthday, Saturday 11th April, a permanent Tribute has been arranged for East End Park to recognise Stuart's devotion to the club.

Colin Gourlay, fans representative stated. "For some time now there has been a strong desire amongst friends and fans to permanently express the warm affection and respect we all have for Stuart Adamson ".

"Many wish to honour his memory and articulate the high esteem in which Stuart's legacy is held amongst his personal friends and fiercely loyal fans. From Dunfermline to the most remote corners of the globe his words and music touched souls, lifted hearts and entertained millions ".

"Having contacted Stuart's estate last year, It was agreed, with Jim Leishman's input, that East End Park was the most suitable place for Stuart to be honoured, and his work celebrated. Dunfermline Athletic still run on to the park to the Skids "Into the Valley" blasting out from the tannoy system ".

Rab Walker, Head of Art at Dunfermline High and Liz Walker Head of Art at Queen Anne High have been overseeing 3 artistic works undertaken by pupils from both schools, with additional input from Stuart's daughter Kirsten. Representative of the fans are Allan Smith and Colin Gourlay.

Ian Grant, (Stuart's manager) said "Stuart would have been a footballer for sure, had he not picked up a guitar, or at least, would have had involvement in the game ".

"A few memories that remain with me most, were when we were in Pristina, Kosovo. The hall was arena sized and prior to sound-check, a ball was produced and a makeshift goal area formed. Dozens of boys orphaned by the war came in. It was something else to see him passing, heading and tackling with these young guys. Also, Sir Alex Ferguson made a bee line for him, at Goodison Park, to ask how he was, and have a quick chat ".

"Wherever he was in the world, given a chance to kick a ball around or watch a match, Stuart would ".

In addition to the events of the day, details of auctions will be updated on this site, so keep looking in. Kirsten Adamson (Stuart's daughter) has put up for auction, The Edge of U2's own Music Rising Epiphone guitar, which he gave to her to help raise funds for Music Rising, a charity co-founded by him to help musicians struggling in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina In 2005. Greenday music video "The Saints are Coming" was released to raise awareness and generate funds to replace instruments and help the residents of New Orleans affected by the disaster. The music was written by Stuart in the late 1970's when he was in the Skids.

Callum Adamson, Stuart's son and spokesperson for his estate said, "I know that my dad would have been extremely honoured by this gesture. He was lucky enough to have worked with some of the best musicians, and industry professionals from all over the world. He was a working class man with a burning ambition to become a successful musician. His devotion to Pars was as strong as the urge to make music at times"

"His friendship with his football team mates never wavered, no matter how much stick he got or gave, and he got quite a bit!   When he was away from home, the phone would always ring at 5pm for a full match report. When he was at home, the players got it from section D in the home end terrace".

Contributors:
Jim Leishman
Colin Gourlay and Allan Smith
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club
Rab and Liz Walker, all the pupils involved at Dunfermline and Queen Anne High Schools
Kenny Graham and all the staff at Kennys Music
To everyone who donated to the auction
Last but the most important of all, thanks to all the people who support DAFC, and still enjoy Stuarts music