The Ceilidh King
Glasgow University Ossianic society of which he was a member of course, had him playing at all their ceilidhs and dances. The band became resident in the famous Highlanders Institute in Glasgow where 500 gaels danced every Saturday night. Performing in theaters and dance halls all over Scotland, particularly the Hebrides, the band soon graduated to radio, television, and albums.
On B.B.C radio, Scottish dance music was really big in the sixties- still is of course. The problem was that to pass the strict audition, Scottish country dance music was the required format i.e strict tempo, coupled with dance music designed for country dances. Having passed the audition Fergie?s band didn?t last long! After a few broadcasts, there distinct brand of ceilidh music was not acceptable, and the band was told not to re-apply for another audition till they complied with the rules i.e no more ceilidh music! Fergie did not give up. He produced more albums than ever of ceilidh music.
The general public loved this carefree music, and soon dance bands worldwide were playing ceilidh music. "The Ceilidh King" shall we say, put it ?on the map?. It became so popular that B.B.C Scotland invited Fergie, after nearly 30 years, to play on their very popular "Take The Floor" broadcasts.
There you have it. Ceilidh music would never have got off the ground were it not for the dedication and perseverance by Fergie. Celildh music is now played worldwide. Musicians owe Fergie a big "Thank you". The beautiful news is that so many musicians realize this and just think so highly of Fergie. So many young musicians make a livelihood out of ceilidh music - wonderful.
Composing reels, jigs, marches, hornpipes, waltz tunes, and mouth music. "The Jig Runrig" to name but one, has been recorded by over 300 musicians. Pipers, bands, groups, individuals etc.
Fergies friend and devoted fan is Phil Cunningham. Fergie, like a lot of us, hit a low patch in his life. Without going into it, the operative word was "whisky". In 1994, Phil Cunningham took a grip of Fergie - got him back playing the button box, and pushed him towards a comeback with his ceilidh band, leading to what he is today i.e television, radio, albums, tours, and the list goes on. The bond is tight. Fergie regards Phil as his very close friend and pal. Phil?s regard for Fergie is high. Fergie stories have become such a feature of Aly and Phil concerts that the pair receive more requests for "Fergie" tales than they do tunes.
Yes the "Ceilidh King". The man who gave the world Ceilidh music.
