In Conversation with Graeme Duffin: Faith, Fame, and an Invitation

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10 Oct, 2024

By Lyndsay Cameron-Ross

As the longtime guitarist for the iconic Scottish band Wet Wet Wet, Graeme Duffin has enjoyed international success, but his journey has been deeply shaped by his faith.  After a recent event at Dumfries Baptist Church Centre, Graeme is inviting churches across Scotland to host *‘An Evening with Graeme Duffin’*—a night of music, stories, and inspiration, offering a unique opportunity to connect faith and artistry with a message of hope. 

Lyndsay caught up with both Graeme and Alan Cameron, (from Dumfries Baptist Church and long-time friend and music maestro!) to find out more…

L: Hey guys, it’s great to get some of your time today. I’ve heard there’s an exciting new tour in the pipeline after the success of an event you recently played at Dumfries Baptist Church Centre; Al Purss has been singing your praises! We’d love to hear more about what this means for churches across our network, but before we launch into the details it would be great to hear a bit about your journey and get to know you a little…

Now Graeme, you’re still playing guitar with the legendary band Wet Wet Wet and have been doing so for the past 40 years (I literally grew up singing your albums into a hairbrush!), but what part did your faith play in navigating the pop music landscape, especially when you were part of a such an internationally successful pop band?

G: ..Interesting question! Got me thinking how to put into words something which is inseparable from who I am. I reckon if I’d been relying on ‘my faith’ to sustain and protect me from the myriad blatant temptations that exist in the entertainment sector then I might not be here to tell the tale. One aspect which was and remains crucial is accountability to those I trust, and being open and totally honest with those around me.

I have been so conscious over the years of the prayers of support of so many people, as well as practical support on the road. I think it can lead to trouble if you see faith as a ‘thing’ in itself. It’s all about putting in the work of learning to follow Jesus in totality, and trusting that God will take care of the things you cannot.   

L: What inspired you both to create this tour?

G: The opportunity to share music, stories and meet interesting people.

A:  In September 2023, Graeme shared his music and stories at an evening event we hosted in Dumfries Baptist Church Centre. As the evening was enjoyed by so many friends from the church and local community that night, Graeme, I and others thought the idea of sharing similar events across Scotland might be a good one! 

L: Can you tell us what audiences can expect from the event?

G: We’d love to see people from all demographic sectors, from those interested in music and, finding out more about my story, to the curious who may wish to engage in an open Q&A!

A:  The format of the evening will have myself interview Graeme in chat show style. We will cover many aspects of his life including his musical career, his challenge with a speech stammer and his faith. Graeme will perform a selection of songs and instrumental music.

L: Are there any particular songs or stories from your upcoming setlist that have a special meaning for you that you’d like to share? 

G: Songs for me are usually associated with memories of a time and place, and the Wet Wet Wet songs are etched into my mind and cover a vast span of time, memories and emotions. I’ll sing a song by ‘Ashton Lane’ (a band with my daughter Esther and her husband Tim) which was a project very dear to me for nearly 20 years. The jazz tunes cover both memories from the time just before teaming up with Wet Wet Wet and re commencing in 2020 when I used the opportunity of lock down to revive my love of jazz, and record the ‘Spain’ album.

L: How do you see these events fitting into the wider programmes of church communities?

A:  This type of event can be seen as a good opportunity to invite someone along who might not normally attend church.

L: Why do you feel music is such a powerful way to communicate with people?

G: It reaches parts that nothing else can reach (to paraphrase an old TV ad!) I cried when I heard Jeff Beck play ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ at a gig in Glasgow, which seems such a hackneyed tune, but in his hands it became sublime, and transcended the familiarity. 

L: What would you say to church leaders who are considering hosting one of your events and how can churches best partner with you to make these events meaningful and impactful?

G: We’d love to be a part of what churches are already doing, and this event may be seen as an opportunity to branch into something a bit different, being both meaningful and entertaining. 

A: Through discussion and planning we would seek to put on an event in partnership with the local church that complements an existing programme of events and activities. Let’s have a chat about it and see how it could work well in your setting. Any thoughts or questions, please get in touch!

 

L: Thanks so much for your time and openness in sharing with us, we look forward to hearing how this tour creates space for people to be inspired through the music, story-telling and experience you both bring.

For details of how your church can get involved in hosting an evening of music, testimony and excellent chat with Graham and Alan, please contact Alan at alanhcameron@icloud.com // Mobile 07557 395568.

Download Event Flyer: An Evening with Graeme Duffin

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