A Hamilton band that enjoyed success in the 90s are back after not playing together for 26 years.
The Gilhoolys have the daughter of frontman Paul Devlin to thank for the reunion after she began sharing old footage of the band which was loved by a new generation of fans.
Less than a year later, the six-piece were back in the studio and no sooner released a brand new single, titled Star, which became a number one hit overnight on Amazon.
It was an emotional moment, admits Paul, who thought the band's time had been and gone, but the reunion has earned them a record deal
Now, the indie rock outfit, made up of Paul Devlin (lead vocals/lead guitar); Stevie McBride (drums); James Clifford (Bass); Paul Fitzpatrick (acoustic guitar); Tommy Shaw (keyboard); and John McPartlin (backing vocals) look forward to their new album releasing in September, as well as an upcoming host of live shows all over Scotland.
"It's been absolutely mad the way it's all happened", Paul told Lanarkshire Live.
"We all went for a pint and it was the first time we'd all been in the same room in about 20-odd years.
"Initially, it was about getting into rehearsals and playing the songs but when we got in the studio the guys asked if I'd written any songs and I said yeah. Before we knew it we had sent songs to Mainstreet Records, they signed us up and it just went absolutely mental.
"We released Star and it all just went beyond our wildest dreams."
The Hamilton Advertiser actually reported on The Gilhoolys when they were first on the scene this picture appearing in the paper in 1994.
Paul's daughter Charlotte helped breathe new life into the Gilhoolys, attracting a new generation of listeners which gave the band the confidence to get back on stage.
Paul added: "Charlotte listened to all the old stuff and let her pals hear it and that's what prompted everything. We put it on YouTube and people started contacting us to see if we did anything else. It's really taken us by surprise.
"The very first song we played when we got back was a song called You Bring Out The Devil In Me which was our biggest song back in the day and after we just all stopped and looked at each other, all smiling.
"It was very emotional. We never expected to be back in the same room again together and we didn't think we'd sound as good as we did either. If anything the songs sound better this time round."
The Gilhoolys were active between 1990 and 1995, selling out King Tuts in Glasgow numerous times, whilst enjoying plenty of radio plays and TV appearances. Many had touted the Hamilton lads to be the next big thing after sharing studios with the likes of Travis and Teenage Fanclub.
"It was great times", Paul explained. "Our management at the time used to use the analogy that we hit the crossbar, we were nearly there but not quite.
"But if this album is as successful as the single was then we'll be over the moon with that. We always get good gigs but this time around it's all about the music.
"Still young at heart"
"Before, we were just young guys, the same as everyone else but now we're just embracing the opportunity.
"This has all happened by absolute coincidence and speaking to people at the right place at the right time.
"We're a lot older and a lot wiser but we're still young at heart. We don't see ourselves as that being a handicap, we just get on the stage, tank it up and get on with it."
The Gilhoolys latest single Star is out now and you can watch the music video here along with the band's older tunes.
For all upcoming gigs, visit their Facebook page.
