Communique set for reunion gig to celebrate 40 years as a band

A CAITHNESS band is to stage a reunion to mark their 40th anniversary and to raise funds for a local diabetes support group.

Communique, featuring the original line-up of Willie Oliphant (keyboards); Allan Farquhar (rhythm and lead guitar); Harry Coghill (vocals); Thomas Mackay (bass) and Callum Reid on drums, will be playing at the Norseman Hotel in Wick on Saturday, October 1.

The band formed in 1982 and took its name from the title of a Dire Straits album. They performed at venues all over Caithness and various parts of the Highlands, playing music from the 1980s by artistes such as The Police, Big Country, Bryan Adams, U2, Queen, Roxy Music, The Cars and Fleetwood Mac.

But after a few years Willie Oliphant wanted to make music his profession and enrolled at the music college in Perth.

That was not the end of the band, though, as Callum explained. He said: "We just scaled things back coming together to play some gigs like Live Aid (Wick) 1986 and Local Aid 1987 and other concerts in the south."

However, due to work commitments the band later decided to take a break. Willie pursued his solo career and moved to Inverness and other members played gigs with local bands in and around Wick.

Then in 1999 the Team MCC motorcycle club held a rally in John O’ Groats and wanted Communique to be the headline band. The members jumped at the chance and got together but that one-off gig resulted in the band playing again for more than 10 years.

Communique played the Waterfront night club in Wick and at venues in different parts of the country, including at a friend's wedding in Borthwick Castle in Midlothian.

Callum said: "The nice part is that even with different personalities and musical influences the guys have always remained friends. The band has never split up, it’s always been scaled back when one or more members have been busy doing other things.

"During lockdown it was realised that our 40th anniversary was coming up so when restrictions were lifted in May this year the band started rehearsing again. We put in a lot of hard work and long hours but have really enjoyed it." Our set list includes a whole range of music from throughout the years."

The band played an unadvertised gig in The Camps bar in Wick during Gala Week and it proved very popular with with the invited guests.

"If you remember the band or not we'd be delighted if you can join us to celebrate 40 years of Communique. Tickets are available from the hotel at £5 each and all money raised is going to the Caithness diabetes support group in memory of friends of the band," added Callum.

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