THE RISE AND RISE AGAIN OF RED RUM CLUB AND SCOUSE AMERICANA
It only feels right to grab one of Liverpool’s most recognisable faces in front of one of Liverpool’s most important venues. As The Jacaranda Club is awarded World Origin Site status, we catch up with Red Rum Club’s leading man, Fran Doran. Amidst flurries of fans, we talk about the past, the future and Elton John.
“The first place we played in town was the Zanzibar,” he tells us, motioning around the corner to the Seel Street site, “but we’d always end up in the Jac.” And whilst so much has changed for the six-piece, there’s clearly still a gravitational pull to this musical mecca. But that comes with its own issues. The place where they could once enjoy a drink unbothered is now the site of a revolving door of people asking for photos and an interview quickly becoming a photoshoot. What a way they’ve come from those days when they’d “worry no one would turn up” to a gig.
For those of us, unlike Fran, who aren’t practiced in the art of fan worship, the exchanges appear superficial, with photos taken rather than compliments offered. But for Fran, he understands that sometimes words need not be exchanged. “Liverpool gives you support from day dot,” he shrugs, with most of those who come up to him having been “there from the start,” continuing to champion these six lads. (Even if they do walk past Tom and Mike, much to the pair’s relief.)
“We hold it a bit more dear, music, the passion and the history,” nodding to the crowd that flows out of The Jac and into the street, carrying The Zutons’ Valerie with them. We’re all “out on the ale whilst the sun’s still up”, celebrating the city’s biggest export in style. There’s a clear pride here, not only of the past but of the next wave of musicians coming through the city. It’s what spaces like this are for after all.
It was Phase One, The Jacaranda’s late sister site, that hosted the Matador album launch in 2019. Fran recalls family and friends coming together to celebrate the momentous occasion, and worrying if anyone outside that circle would attend. He needn’t have, it sold out. And as they’ve grown, this success has followed them around the country; “we go to festivals all over… and people turn up.” And now, when they return home, they sell out the arena.
“There’s progression every year,” Fran shakes his head, “it’s been a massive 6 months… a Top 10 Album… charting on US Radio Stations… sell-out shows in New York and Chicago.” And how have they celebrated? Well, by the sound of things, they forgot to. Instead, they just “did it and haven’t spoke about it.” Swept up in their determination to do the next thing bigger and better. But even the most determined of people have their pause point, a moment to look at how far you’ve come, and for Fran, that came in the form of Sir Elton John.
“‘Yes, the Elton John’ the email said… he heard the album and was a fan.” Having praised the likes of Dua Lipa, Yard Act and Sabrina Carpenter, the band are definitely in good company. The legend’s love of Liverpool poured through in his Rocket Hour podcast released in March; “I played at Anfield and it was one of the greatest nights of my life.” Referencing the all-important musical exports of Merseyside, “Liverpool’s music has obviously always been very important,” he nods to the likes of Red Rum Club to continue on the tradition. The calm and collected Fran we have tonight just about holds his composure as he’s calmly told he’s “a great singer” who has “a fantastic voice.” Even now, words don’t come as easy as he attempts to describe the moment. After all, it’s not every day that one of the greatest performers of all time compliments you.
Instead, we’re onto the next thing. Moving forward at full speed. “Maybe the racecourse,” Fran ponders when asked where he wants this journey to take him, “another homecoming.” Whilst it’s not necessarily The Grand National Fran is angling for, that’s what we picture. After all, after the famed Red Rum’s historic treble win in the 70s, perhaps it’s the band’s turn to bag first place.
Maybe they’d bring some new stuff with them, for that we’ll have to wait and see, as “maybe” was as far as we got before they’re ushered into the crowded Jacaranda. And as E-L-E-A-N-O-R is screamed into the street, it’s pretty clear that they’ve come pretty far from where they started… just a few doors down.
Catch them on tour with Blossoms (all dates except Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin), throughout October and November 2024. And if you’re lucky, sinking a pint at The Jac.
Written by Megan Walder / @m_l_writes
