Callum Beattie is preparing for the biggest gig of his life at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, a milestone that was nearly derailed by a spontaneous, all-night celebration with Scotland’s World Cup-bound football team.
The singer-songwriter from Edinburgh, who boasts two consecutive number-one albums in Scotland, is candid about the anxiety and emotion surrounding his upcoming performance. “I’m going to cry on the stage,” he admits, acknowledging the long journey that brought him here—a path marked by battles with depression, alcohol, and self-doubt.
That journey took an unexpected turn this week. After watching Scotland’s qualifying victory in a pub, Beattie was walking home when the team bus pulled up. “The boys jumped off the bus and I know a couple of them,” he recalls. “So, that was me till seven in the morning.” What began with a intention to stay out of the way quickly turned into a raucous celebration. “After like three drinks – it was a free bar – you start relaxing and the next thing we’re all jumping and dancing on the tables together.”
Despite the legendary detour, his focus has returned to the Hydro. The gig represents more than just professional success; it’s a testament to his resilience. This hard-won perspective fuels a deep desire to give back, distinguishing him in a competitive industry.
His ambition doesn’t stop here. With the Hydro dream within reach, he’s already set his sights on an even grander stage. “I’m just visualising Hampden Park,” he said. “I’m going to die a happy man now anyway, right, but that would be beyond my wildest dreams.”
By James Kisoo
