Beat The Drum – The Runrig Experience (Tribute Band)

Background: Beat The Drum – The Runrig Experience is a professional tribute band that pays homage to the legendary Scottish Celtic rock group Runrig. Founded by passionate fans in the wake of the original band’s 2018 farewell, Beat The Drum set out to keep Runrig’s music alive and bring its spirit to audiences across Europe. From the very start, the team behind Beat The Drum took a unique approach to being a tribute act. “We didn’t want to be a look‑a‑like type tribute band. We wanted the show to be a celebration of Runrig’s music… Yes, we wanted it to sound authentic and represent what Runrig was about, but this isn’t about replacing them. It’s about celebrating their music and their incredible contribution,” explains band manager Ben Marshall. This philosophy of authenticity over imitation shines through in every performance. The band focuses on capturing the sound and soul of Runrig – powerful vocals, soaring guitar and fiddle melodies, and those anthemic choruses (often sung in both English and Gaelic) that defined Runrig’s catalogue – rather than simply dressing up like the original members. For longtime Runrig devotees, Beat The Drum’s concerts feel like coming home to the music they love.

‍

Authentic Concert Experience: Over the past few years, Beat The Drum has evolved into a full-fledged touring production renowned for its high production value and immersive concert atmosphere. Far from a pub circuit cover band, they headline proper theatres and concert halls, complete with professional lighting, crystal-clear sound, and even multimedia backdrops that celebrate Runrig’s Celtic heritage. The setlists are lovingly curated to include all of Runrig’s greatest hits – from crowd favorites like “Loch Lomond”, “Every River”, and “Hearts of Olden Glory” to deeper cuts that die-hard fans cherish. Audiences can expect to sing along, wave their hands, and even shed a tear during the more emotional ballads. A signature moment is the finale: just as Runrig often did, Beat The Drum closes each show with the iconic “Loch Lomond,” creating an electric atmosphere as the entire crowd joins in chorus. Fans often remark on the emotional authenticity of the experience – it feels “just like the real thing,” rekindling memories and forging new ones. The bandmembers, being devoted followers of Runrig themselves, engage warmly with the audience, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about the songs. This builds a sense of camaraderie in the venue, as the crowd recognizes that the performance comes from a place of genuine love and respect for the source material.

‍

Growth, Touring and Artist Republic’s Role: Beat The Drum’s journey from local tribute act to an international touring sensation has been propelled by the support of Artist Republic. Organizing a multi-country theatre tour is a complex undertaking – and this is where Artist Republic’s expertise in logistical management has been invaluable. In 2024, Beat The Drum embarked on an ambitious European tour that saw them play over 50 shows across several countries, with an extraordinary run of sold-out performances. Venues ranged from intimate Scottish arts centres to large concert halls in Denmark and Germany – reflecting Runrig’s broad fanbase, which the tribute band successfully tapped into. Artist Republic coordinated the entire operation: scheduling tour dates in a sensible route, liaising with local promoters abroad, handling travel arrangements (flights, ferries, tour bus, equipment transport), and ensuring all permits and technical requirements were in place. Thanks to AR’s meticulous planning, the band could concentrate on delivering their best show each night without worrying about the countless moving parts behind the scenes.

Beyond logistics, Artist Republic also boosted Beat The Drum’s promotion and fan engagement. AR’s marketing team helped craft a strong brand identity for The Runrig Experience, emphasizing the celebratory, community feel of the show. They secured press coverage in music blogs and regional media ahead of key tour stops, and managed a vibrant social media campaign that kept fans updated and excited. The payoff was evident: many shows sold out well in advance, and the band’s social pages swelled with an active community of followers sharing concert memories and favourite songs. Ina remarkable milestone, the band’s success even caught the attention of broadcasters – a behind-the-scenes documentary titled “Beat the Drum: Dìleab Runrig” premiered on BBC ALBA, giving viewers a glimpse of the band’s European tour and growing phenomenon. This media exposure further cemented Beat The Drum’s status as more than just a tribute act; they became torch-bearers for Runrig’s legacy.

‍

Results and Ongoing Success: Today, Beat The Drum – The Runrig Experience is recognised as one of Europe’s premier tribute shows. With Artist Republic’s support, they have managed to honour a beloved band’s legacy while also forging their own identity. The logistical finesse of AR’s team meant that even cross-border challenges (like moving a full band and crew between the UK and mainland Europe post-Brexit, or navigating varying local regulations) were handled smoothly, keeping tours on track. Promoters consistently praise the professionalism of the operation – from punctual load-ins to the band’s enthusiastic cooperation with venue staff. Most importantly, audiences every where respond with overwhelming enthusiasm. Concerts often end in standing ovations and calls for multiple encores. Fans travel from far and wide to attend, with some devotees catching the show on several stops. One promoter in Germany noted that the tribute “sparked the same energy and emotion as when Runrig themselves played here years ago.” Such feedback validates the band’s mission.

‍

Looking ahead, Beat The Drum continues to thrive. They are set to return to some of their most beloved venues (by popular demand) and also break new ground in others with an upcoming tour aptly titled “The Legendary Tour.” Each year, the production grows more ambitious – the band continually adds new song arrangements and visual elements to keep the experience fresh. Yet at its core, the heart of the show remains the music and the fans. Artist Republic remains a crucial partner in this evolution, from negotiating Thea recontracts in new cities to planning merchandise and live recordings to further engage the fanbase. It’s a partnership built on a shared belief: that Runrig’s music is worth celebrating far and wide. And judging by Beat The Drum’s sold-out shows and devoted following, that belief is ringing true.