By james art And he’s bringing his new show back to his home county, with a performance at Irvine’s Harbor Arts Center on Sunday, November 3.
Tim has worked full-time as a musician, actor, creative tour de force and songwriter since graduating from Glasgow School of Art in 1982.
Born in Ayr, the family name and connection to the town continues through the well-known family tobacco business of TH Dalling in Burns Statue Square, which was established in 1902 and has built a loyal clientele selling quality cigars internationally.
A regular on the UK panto circuit, his sharp wit and ability to deliver one-liners are so well honed that Tim actually made a name for himself as a performer, particularly on the European folk festival circuit, where The New Rope Stringband became one of the biggest draws.
When they finally stopped touring in 2015, three thousand fans snapped up tickets for their final show, a two-and-a-half-hour spectacular at the Tyne Theater and Opera House in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Tim, who lives in the North East of England and is considered a local Geordies hero, is organizing a short – and rare – Scottish dates that will take him to some more intimate venues with his popular one-man show.
And he was determined to make sure one of them returned to his home turf.
Fondly remembered by many for his immense creative contributions, he writes and records as a highly observant singer-songwriter (Billy Connolly is a fan) and is ranked by critics alongside the likes of Ivor Cutler and Randy Newman.
Firmly established as one of Tyneside’s most treasured artists, it was there that he recorded the ‘Blossom’ album. It became a top ten album pick in The Guardian newspaper.
Reviewing his follow-up album, Eve’s Bonie Squad, which featured many songs focusing on his time growing up in Ayr, RNR magazine described him as a “genius”.
The Unthanks sought him out to open the show every night of their ‘Mount The Air’ tour and he went on to play major festival events such as Underneath The Stars and Celtic Connections.
Tickets are on sale now from the Harbor Arts Center box office.