Bouzouki • Mandolin • Vocals • Multi-Instrumentalist
Fred Wilkinson has been a key part of the Iron Broo sound for many years and is Charlie’s regular musical partner in the popular Iron Broo Duo.
His bouzouki and mandolin playing provides the rhythmic drive behind the accordion, helping the two-piece line-up produce a surprisingly big sound.
From Punk to Folk
Fred’s route into traditional music was anything but conventional.
Originally destined, apparently, for a glittering career in biochemistry, things began to go wrong somewhere between electrocuting flies, racing snails, watching mould grow on damp bread and being encouraged to sing Harry Lauder songs with his grandmother.
Then punk rock arrived.
Six weeks after buying an old guitar for £1, Fred emerged from his bedroom, renamed himself “Inspector Blake” and started his first band.
Some things are probably best left in the past.
Fred later played with Toxik Ephex, while also studying electronics and experimenting with an increasingly alarming collection of musical instruments and inventions.
Discovering Traditional Music
The emergence of The Pogues in the 1980s encouraged Fred to explore mandolin, tin whistle and traditional folk music.
He subsequently became singer and mandolin player with folk-rock band Frantik Zimmer, developing the mixture of folk, rock and sheer musical mischief that still characterises his playing today.
Over the years he has played guitar, bass, mandolin, bouzouki, tenor banjo, dulcimer, balalaika, ukulele and assorted other stringed instruments.
His philosophy remains:
“If it’s stringit, Ah’ll ping it!”
Although we still recommend keeping unattended fiddles at a safe distance.
The Iron Broo Duo
Fred’s bouzouki is an important part of the sound of the Iron Broo Duo, alongside Charlie Abel on accordion.
The combination allows two musicians to create a remarkably full sound while retaining the spontaneity and interaction of live ceilidh music.
Fred also joins the larger Iron Broo line-ups when required and is equally at home accompanying traditional Scottish dance music, songs and some of the less predictable moments that have become part of an Iron Broo ceilidh.
Fred the Voice
Fred has never been particularly inclined to turn down a musical challenge.
Over the years this has resulted in everything from traditional songs to considerably less traditional performances, including the occasional unexpected vocal contribution during a Strip the Willow.
His willingness to have a go at almost anything, together with his musicianship and sense of humour, has made him an important part of the character of Iron Broo.
Fred is also a Burgess of the City of Aberdeen, reflecting his long-standing connection with the city and its cultural life.
Music, Humour and a Lot of Strings
Traditional musician, former punk, multi-instrumentalist and undoubtedly one of Iron Broo’s most persistent joke tellers, Fred brings something distinctive to every performance.
And after all these years playing alongside Charlie, he still seems remarkably happy about it.
