From Heavy Metal Legend to Local Theatre
In the 1970s and 80s, Neil Murray established himself as a heavy metal guitar legend, playing bass with some of the most renowned rock bands worldwide.
He performed with Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, and the Peter Green Splinter Group, appearing at iconic venues across the globe.
Now 75 years old and retired from full-time recording and touring, Murray has picked up his guitars once again to participate in Selkirk Musical Theatre Group's latest production, We Will Rock You.
Murray, who relocated back to his hometown in the Scottish Borders during the pandemic, stated:
"My career was fizzling out so this was sort of me giving something back to the area I'm from."
Early Career and Breakthrough
During the late 1960s and early 70s, Murray played in several semi-successful progressive rock and jazz fusion bands.
His major breakthrough came in 1978 when he joined Whitesnake, with whom he recorded eight highly successful albums and performed at sold-out festivals and arenas worldwide.
Throughout the 1990s, he remained in demand, playing with Black Sabbath, the Peter Green Splinter Group, and The Brian May Band.
More recently, Murray toured with the Paul Rodgers-fronted Queen and became a permanent member of the West End production of the Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You, which ran for over a decade at the Dominion Theatre.
Connection to We Will Rock You and Selkirk Musical Theatre Group
Murray reflected on his involvement with the musical:
"It is something of a coincidence that We Will Rock You is the only musical I've ever done - and that it was so successful and ran for such a long time that I know it inside out.
It would be ridiculous to expect Selkirk Musical Theatre Group to be the same as a West End or Broadway show but it's getting up there in many respects - in terms of abilities and production values they have done an amazing job."
In May of the previous year, Selkirk Musical Theatre Group announced they had secured the rights to perform We Will Rock You. Shortly after this announcement, Murray reached out to the company.
Amanda Black, president of the group and performer of Killer Queen, said:
"After Neil contacted us we did a wee bit research and discovered what an amazing career he's had - and that he also knew the show as well as anyone.
Shows like We Will Rock You don't come around very often for a small amateur group like ourselves and to have Neil added into the mix is just incredible.
The stories and experiences Neil has been able to share with us are insane."
Audience Reception and Cast Reactions
Even without promoting Murray's involvement, the week-long run of the show was nearly sold out before opening night on Tuesday.
The early audience response has exceeded expectations, surprising even the most optimistic cast members.
Graham Coulson, who has been involved with the musical company for 60 years and whose group will celebrate its centenary in 2027, commented:
"The reaction after our first night has blown us all away.
The whole audience were joining in - there is a group of ladies in their 80s who come every year and I saw them all punching the air along with everyone else.
Having Neil with us this year has been great - we of a certain age all know who he is and what he's done, and we're thrilled that he offered to come along and help."
Returning Home and Life in the Borders
Originally from Gattonside, near Melrose, Murray moved to London in his teenage years for education and remained there for most of his adult life.
It was only during the pandemic that he chose to return to the Scottish Borders to join his siblings, eventually settling in Selkirk.
Although recognized occasionally by rock fans, Murray appreciates the area's privacy and atmosphere.
He remarked:
"People in the Borders are fairly reserved and they don't show their excitement, unless it's rugby."
