This past weekend, at McChuills, it was more than just the music. The iconic Glasgow venue played host to Dylan Jack Moran, but the night carried a weight that reached far beyond the stage — rooted in both purpose and personal experience.
Framed as a charity gig in support of kidney charities, the evening wasn’t just about gathering a crowd; it was about rallying one. For Moran, the cause is not distant or abstract. It’s something he’s lived through, a reality shaped by his own health battle, and that undercurrent gave the performance a quiet but undeniable gravity.
So first off tonight’s gig is obviously very personal to you, given your health journey, how does it feel to be turning that experience into something that’s positive, and using your music to support local kidney charities and connect with others through similar challenges and experiences?
Moran: “It’s massively important to me because of what I’ve been through. In a somewhat selfish way, it’s a chance to show myself that I can still do this, but I also like that it can show other people that there’s more to life than white coats and lab results. When you’re sitting there sick, it’s hard to imagine getting back to any kind of normality — but I’m living proof that you can.
“I may have tremors from some of the medication, and it’s quite cold out here [laughs], but I want to show that I can still do this. I hope people can take away hope, that they can return to a normal life after a big procedure. That doesn’t have to be just for kidney patients — I’m supporting kidney charities because that’s what I understand, but there are people doing this for anyone with chronic illness, and that’s beautiful in its own way.”
And, when you’re on stage tonight, in front of a sol out crowd, what do you hope people take away from tonight, beyond the music?
Moran: “I just want people to feel the message of resilience against overwhelming odds. Not long ago, I was lying in a hospital bed, and it was 50/50 whether I’d make it. Now, to be standing here at a sold-out McChuills for a headline show, with my two pals’ bands who are absolutely brilliant, it’s just surreal. I’m really looking forward to everyone having a good night and enjoying the atmosphere.”
We of course have to mention McChuills, a venue with such a strong reputation in Glasgow’s live music scene. What made you know that this was the right venue for this show?
Moran: “McChuills was always next on my bucket list for my solo project. When I reached out to them, they offered to host it for free because of the cause, and they really got behind it. They even covered the sound engineer and general hire costs. Seeing them put so much support behind this — and continue to promote it — made it a no-brainer.”
And I have to ask, fans are always on the lookout for some new music, is there any chance that we might get a wee sneak peek at some new music tonight?
Moran: “I wasn’t planning to release any more singles, but due to high demand, we might. Hopefully, you’ll see it this summer — it’s a more summery kind of tune.”
Finally, before we let you go get ready for tonight, you’re being supported by two local bands, Fat Salami and Cosmic Empire, other than these two amazing bands, is there anyone in the local Glasgow music scene that we should be on the lookout for?
Moran: “Woeful Idle — definitely Woeful Idle. They’re great! Joe is a brilliant songwriter, and Jimmy’s an excellent producer. Great pals — go check them out!”
Interview by Rachel Bissett
