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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Carroll

TRNSMT revellers enjoy free pints after Beautiful South frontman puts money behind bar at five Glasgow pubs

TRNSMT revellers have been enjoying free pints ahead of the festival after the former frontman of Beautiful South put money behind the bar at five Glasgow pubs.

Paul Heaton, who was also a founding member of the Housemartins, pledged the cash amid what he called "the cost of greed crisis".

The 61-year-old joins Pulp, The View and George Ezra as one of the big-name acts appearing at Glasgow Green for the festival's first day this afternoon.

And delighted fans were raising a glass to him ahead of the appearance as they guzzled free drinks en route to the park.

It's understood Heaton put £1,000 behind each 226 Gallowgate, The Old Burnt Barns, The Braemar Bar, The Tollbooth Bar and Whistler on the Green.

A post on his official Twitter page said: "Glasgow, as a thank you, and a small amount of help during the cost of greed crisis, Paul is leaving some money behind the bar at a few local pubs near to TRNSMT festival so that some of you can have a drink on him tomorrow afternoon (until the money runs out, or the bar runs dry!).

Old Burnt Barns owner Susan Lynch (Daily Record)

Susan Lynch, 50, who owns The Old Burnt Barns, Lynch's Bar, on London Road overlooking the park, says she was stunned to receive a Facebook message from Heaton's management on Wednesday - admitting that she thought it was a hoax.

Speaking to the Record, Susan said: "I looked up the mobile number and saw it was legit. I gave them a call and they sent the money straight into our bank the following day. We were couldn't believe it.

"Everyone is getting a token for their first drink free on Peter. Most of our customers came in today already knowing about it and then they are staying for more. Usually we are quite quiet on the first day of TRNSMT so it's been a big boost for the pubs."

It's not the first time the popular singer has made such a generous gesture. Last May he put £1,000 behind the bar of 60 pubs across the UK so people could celebrate his 60th birthday with him.

The beer garden at The Old Burnt Barns was buzzing as happy punters sipped on their free bevvy before heading into the festival.

Misha Sutherland and Ronnie Russell (Daily Record)

Heaton super-fan Ronnie Russell, 62, has travelled up and down the country seeing the Beautiful South star and was delighted to get a free drink from his hero.

The chef, from Edinburgh, said: "It was a total surprise - unbelievable. I knew that Paul done this for his 60th birthday party, but it's amazing.

"I've been a super-fan right through to the Housemartins. For me it's not so much that times are tough just now, that's a bonus - it's just to get a pint bought from Paul Heaton, it's brilliant."

Norma Pickett, a nurse from Greenock, travelled from Greenock to attend the festival with her pal Hazel O'Brien.

Norma Pickett & Hazel O'Brien (Daily Record)

Sipping on her free bottle of Heineken in the beer garden, Norma, 57, said: "I think it's fantastic. When you think about how much it is for the tickets, and then he goes ahead and does something like this, out his own pocket - amazing."

Hazel, 60, from Gourock, added: "I thought it was great. I don't even drink, I'm alcohol free - but it's so kind of him. Cheers Paul!"

Meanwhile, Michael Morrice and his pals travelled from Aberdeen to snap up a freeby.

Holding up his pint of Tennents, the 40-year-old engineer said: "Times are tough so it's amazing. What a sound guy. He is a man of the people.

Michael Morris, Johnny Esson, Shannon Coults and Barry Henderson (Daily Record)

"It just feels so good to have a drink that he bought for us. It's the best pint ever."

Harry Snowdon is originally from Belfast but now lives in Linlithgow.

The 62-year-old retired civil servant appreciated the gesture during tough times.

He said: "We knew that he does things like this all time so we thought we'd pop across for a drink. It's so nice that he does that, he's a really generous guy.

"He's very socially conscious. Everything is going up in price. Going to a gig is expensive - life is expensive. It's even expensive for a pint these days.

"But you have to have a bit of fun, you have to try and enjoy yourself -so thank you Paul!"

Harry Snowden and Christina Lawrie (Daily Record)

Heaton rose to fame in the early 1980s with the Housemartins, whose line-up included Dave Hemingway. The pair went on to form the Beautiful South together. Norman Cook, who found worldwide fame as the DJ and producer Fatboy Slim, was the band's bass player.

The Beautiful South released 10 studio albums and had a string of hit singles over 17 years, before disbanding amicably in 2007.

Paul Heaton and a mystery secret guest are set to take to the stage at 4.20pm this afternoon.

Ross Sims, 38, from Aberdeen, added: "We were coming here anyway but to get a free pint is a bonus. It was a lovely surprise.

"I've never had a drink that tasted so good. We were looking forward to seeing him today anyway - but I think now when he comes on stage we will be going mental!"

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