Gary Robertson performs as the celebrated Dundee Street Poet and is also a founder member of Shimmy-loving musical maestros The Cundeez.
How did the Cundeez come into being?
The whole Cundeez idea was concieved possibly around 2005/06. During that period I was writing a lot of the street poetry when I was meant to be working on the line at the NCR. The toilets although pure honking were very therapeutic and thought provoking and much of the poems were born there. Anyway, Stevie McCall (Cundeez bass player) was working on the line with me and he was in a band at the time called PSV. Stevie's been in a load of bands, mostly punk and is a creative genius! We'd spoken about putting music to the poetry, a bit like John Cooper Clarke but at the time it was only an idea and we didn't do much about it. This was when Stevie com up with The Cundeez - simply because it was a great 'Dundee' word! I did a kind of pre-Cundeez gig and tried out some poetry with the PSV guys (Alex the Derry boy played lead guitar for them) but The Cundeez really came about around September 2007. I had been writing a collection of United poems and the idea came to write a new United 'song' as me and Stevie felt the old 'It's United' etc needed a little freshening up. I wrote Totally United, Stevie come up with a tune and off we went. Alex (Blue Nose) got involved (Christ knows how but he's an excellent guitarist!), Stevie knew Tez (drummer) to speak to and asked him in the 4Js if he'd like to be involved. Hooly had a megaphone and was invited in to supply some nonsense at the start of the song. We recorded it in October 07 and did a version with Dundee band The Discokingz. These two versions were put onto a disc with the United poems and was released in December as 'Totally United'. (Still available at Tannadice and Groucho's - now only £5!) Totally United was played at Tannadice 3 times (half volume as well) which was quite disappointing. The whole idea was to get something to stir the fans and team up!
Is there any Cundeez masterplan and what's coming up next?
There was no masterplan. We all enjoyed the experience so I decided to write another song - 'If The Shed Are United' borrowed from the classic Sham 69 song 'If The Kids Are United'. Hooly and young Hooly (Lloyd) wrote the now classic 'Jimmy Gomis' whilst cleaning windows just as a terrace sing-a-long. I reckoned I might be able to play the tune on the pipes so we gave it a try with the band - it worked! The original version was scrapped after the POTY 08 do as it wasn't politically correct. We didn't want to offend anyone and certainly not Jimmy! After McCurry's infamous Gers-induced Ibrox debacle Hooly wrote the words to 'Levein Fought The Ref'. We now had four rough tunes but still didn't really plan on taking it much further. We then did a wee stint at Piperdam POTY 08 and the place went nuts. Another wee stint followed at The Friary for the 83 celebrations and again, the place went nuts. I think it was there that we realised people really enjoyed what we were doing and what followed was just pure mental. I went on a bit of a writing frenzy re-writing some of the classic punk songs and Hooly weighed in with a few as well. The result was we were churning them out quicker than we could learn them. When we did our first proper gig in The Doghouse in August 08 we were literally still learning the stuff we were about to play. It was crazy! We were a bit worried leading up to the gig as a large portion of the tickets still weren't sold. I suppose people didn't know what they were going to get. The gig coincided with the release of 'Cundee United' - a CD which included the songs already mentioned plus 'Shimmy Rule'. The disc also included the now legendary video which we shot in the Shed, thanks to United. Our fears subsided when the gig sold out and we took to the stage wearing Clockwork Orange gear a-la tangerine! Shed Boy Bop, Sound o The Cundeez, Dighted Don, Ivir Fallen In Love Wi United, No Particular Place To Go and Glory Glory were unleashed. The place went bonkers - we were absolutely buzzing and there was no going back!
At the time of writing we've just recorded an EP of our own work called Firivir United and will be out very soon for the bargain price of £3. This will have 'Firivir United', '83' and 'Massacre o 65' plus the two Hall o Fame poems. This EP's gona blow people away! We've begun recording for a big album to coincide with the Club's centenary which will have 10 belters on it - watch this space. Also, we have a gig at POTY 09 Piperdam and a massive gig for the Centenary in Fat Sam's Live August 21st - details to follow soon. We're also working on non-United material and are in the process of building up an alternative set, mostly using the street poetry. Some of you may already have heard 'Gangs o Dundee' and 'Skeem Life'. In November we are supporting Sham 69 at Fat Sam's Live! I'm not just saying this but we must be one of the most industrious bands as the writing has been phenomenal - the backburner is literally full to the gunnels with new stuff so be prepared!
Is there any Cundeez masterplan and what's coming up next?
There was no masterplan. We all enjoyed the experience so I decided to write another song - 'If The Shed Are United' borrowed from the classic Sham 69 song 'If The Kids Are United'. Hooly and young Hooly (Lloyd) wrote the now classic 'Jimmy Gomis' whilst cleaning windows just as a terrace sing-a-long. I reckoned I might be able to play the tune on the pipes so we gave it a try with the band - it worked! The original version was scrapped after the POTY 08 do as it wasn't politically correct. We didn't want to offend anyone and certainly not Jimmy! After McCurry's infamous Gers-induced Ibrox debacle Hooly wrote the words to 'Levein Fought The Ref'. We now had four rough tunes but still didn't really plan on taking it much further. We then did a wee stint at Piperdam POTY 08 and the place went nuts. Another wee stint followed at The Friary for the 83 celebrations and again, the place went nuts. I think it was there that we realised people really enjoyed what we were doing and what followed was just pure mental. I went on a bit of a writing frenzy re-writing some of the classic punk songs and Hooly weighed in with a few as well. The result was we were churning them out quicker than we could learn them. When we did our first proper gig in The Doghouse in August 08 we were literally still learning the stuff we were about to play. It was crazy! We were a bit worried leading up to the gig as a large portion of the tickets still weren't sold. I suppose people didn't know what they were going to get. The gig coincided with the release of 'Cundee United' - a CD which included the songs already mentioned plus 'Shimmy Rule'. The disc also included the now legendary video which we shot in the Shed, thanks to United. Our fears subsided when the gig sold out and we took to the stage wearing Clockwork Orange gear a-la tangerine! Shed Boy Bop, Sound o The Cundeez, Dighted Don, Ivir Fallen In Love Wi United, No Particular Place To Go and Glory Glory were unleashed. The place went bonkers - we were absolutely buzzing and there was no going back!
At the time of writing we've just recorded an EP of our own work called Firivir United and will be out very soon for the bargain price of £3. This will have 'Firivir United', '83' and 'Massacre o 65' plus the two Hall o Fame poems. This EP's gona blow people away! We've begun recording for a big album to coincide with the Club's centenary which will have 10 belters on it - watch this space. Also, we have a gig at POTY 09 Piperdam and a massive gig for the Centenary in Fat Sam's Live August 21st - details to follow soon. We're also working on non-United material and are in the process of building up an alternative set, mostly using the street poetry. Some of you may already have heard 'Gangs o Dundee' and 'Skeem Life'. In November we are supporting Sham 69 at Fat Sam's Live! I'm not just saying this but we must be one of the most industrious bands as the writing has been phenomenal - the backburner is literally full to the gunnels with new stuff so be prepared!
Have you had any feedback from Jimmy Gomis about his tribute?
No, haven't heard any feedback from Jimmy concerning his legendary song!
No, haven't heard any feedback from Jimmy concerning his legendary song!
Favourite United memories?
Favourite United memories? I'd need a dozen rolls of wallpaper. OK, here goes both League Cup wins, Scottish Cup run and win, Scottish Cup day when the butcher got knocked at Kilsyth! 14th may 1983, all the European ties - great nights, especially Eamonn's goal against Borussia, the sways in The Shed and getting near trampled to death when Fergie hit that 45 yarder against Hearts! Also near crushed to death on the Shed wall against Rapid and Roma but well worth it! Jackson's equaliser in the 91 Cup Final. Could go on all day but most recent one has got to be Plymouth 08 - best ever!
Favourite United memories? I'd need a dozen rolls of wallpaper. OK, here goes both League Cup wins, Scottish Cup run and win, Scottish Cup day when the butcher got knocked at Kilsyth! 14th may 1983, all the European ties - great nights, especially Eamonn's goal against Borussia, the sways in The Shed and getting near trampled to death when Fergie hit that 45 yarder against Hearts! Also near crushed to death on the Shed wall against Rapid and Roma but well worth it! Jackson's equaliser in the 91 Cup Final. Could go on all day but most recent one has got to be Plymouth 08 - best ever!
Will we make Europe next season and have the chance to use our Dens car-park once again?
Always positive - yes, Europe get ready! The Tangerine Army are marching!
Always positive - yes, Europe get ready! The Tangerine Army are marching!
Who's the better fitbaw player...you or Hooly?
The better futba player me or Hooly? Eh wid say me coz Hooly comes fae mair o a croquet backgroond - jessie!
The better futba player me or Hooly? Eh wid say me coz Hooly comes fae mair o a croquet backgroond - jessie!
The Shed...a state of mind?
The Shed psyche is embedded in the coupon (as Hooly would say). Wish we could still stand there. However, I love the fact that its still referred to by all Shed Boys and Shed Girls!
United heroes over the years?
Again its a roll o wahpaper job. All the obvious ones late 70s-late 80s. Stand outs for me, Narey, Sturrock, Hamish, Ralphy, Davie Bowman, Brewster and Walter Rojas ha ha!
Who is going to be the next United player immortalised in song?
Tough one! Someone's gonna have to do something exceptional to justify the treatment! The gauntlet's thrown down!
The Shed psyche is embedded in the coupon (as Hooly would say). Wish we could still stand there. However, I love the fact that its still referred to by all Shed Boys and Shed Girls!
United heroes over the years?
Again its a roll o wahpaper job. All the obvious ones late 70s-late 80s. Stand outs for me, Narey, Sturrock, Hamish, Ralphy, Davie Bowman, Brewster and Walter Rojas ha ha!
Who is going to be the next United player immortalised in song?
Tough one! Someone's gonna have to do something exceptional to justify the treatment! The gauntlet's thrown down!
Can we expect a fitting poem for our next cup win?
If (I mean when) we win our next silverware, I'm sure I can produce the necessary rhymes to do the team some justice.
If (I mean when) we win our next silverware, I'm sure I can produce the necessary rhymes to do the team some justice.
If the Cundeez could be likened to any United player (past or present) who would it be and why?
Hmm, I would have to say Ralphy Milne - poetry in motion, something out of the ordinary, mischievous, but above all an entertainer! On behalf of The Cundeez I'd just like to thank the whole of the Shed Army for their support and coming along to the gigs. For the doubters out there, we are and always will be Totally United. Any rumours regarding alleged profiteering, Piperdam rip off etc don't believe it! Rumours are just that rumours - poison! The horse's mouth is the best place for truth and the horses can be approached in the 4Js every home game.
Hmm, I would have to say Ralphy Milne - poetry in motion, something out of the ordinary, mischievous, but above all an entertainer! On behalf of The Cundeez I'd just like to thank the whole of the Shed Army for their support and coming along to the gigs. For the doubters out there, we are and always will be Totally United. Any rumours regarding alleged profiteering, Piperdam rip off etc don't believe it! Rumours are just that rumours - poison! The horse's mouth is the best place for truth and the horses can be approached in the 4Js every home game.