The One Show heading to Glasgow for BBC Music Day broadcast

Ken Bruce reckons the Commonwealth Games put Scotland on the musical as well as sporting map.

Friday sees the inaugural BBC Music Day, a nationwide celebration featuring live events and performances.

Glasgow is right at the heart of it with TV’s The One Show being broadcast from Pacific Quay.

Earlier, Ken will present his hugely popular Radio 2 show from there, before hosting the final highlight in the evening a concert from Glasgow City Halls.

“During the Games, everyone saw what a great place Glasgow is,” Ken told The Sunday Post.

“You couldn’t help but get caught up in the whole thing and the friendliness really stood out.

“It showed the city in such a great light and we were keen to capitalise.

“I know it certainly helped as far as the Friday concert with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra was concerned.

“That went so well last year that we thought we must do it again as part of this Music Day. I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic night.”

Ken will be hosting alongside Katie Derham, with the concert cutting across the musical genres. Jamie Cullum and Deacon Blue are among those featuring.

It’s just part of a jam-packed day of musical involvement that runs from dawn until dusk.

It all kicks off with Hadrian’s Wall of Sound, a spectacular musical relay from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend.

Hundreds of musicians will journey along the route of the ancient Roman barrier on bikes, buses, horses and unicycles, starting at daybreak and finishing 14 hours later, 73 miles away.

Lulu, Tom Jones and Ricky Wilson are among the big names acting as ambassadors for the Music Day.

“We had a brilliant time at the Quay in 2014,” enthused Ken, 64.

“The audiences were so enthusiastic and we have some great live acts on my show this time including Midge Ure and James Bay.”

Broadcasting from the Games saw Ken spend more time in his native city than he had for many a long year.

And he admits the patch he once knew so well is a lot different now.

“It has changed so much. When I was heading out to the opening ceremony at Celtic Park I found that side of Glasgow just about unrecognisable.

“I really couldn’t pinpoint where we were until I saw the stadium.

“So parts of it have changed beyond belief. But the heart of it is still there and the people are the same. The friendliness and wit were wonderful.

“I’ve never met so many stand-up comedians who were driving taxis. Honestly, every taxi driver is a comic yet to be discovered.”

Ken has his own musical pastime, playing drums in a little band called No Direction with some pals.

“We haven’t had a call for BBC Music Day yet, but we do have a very full diary,” laughs Ken.

“Well we do have a few parties to play at this summer and we also have a very steep fee all the beer we can drink so maybe the BBC can’t afford us.”

Ken’s mid-morning Radio 2 show continues to pull in millions and he’s very much taking an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach.

“Things are all very positive and it has never been bigger,” says Ken.

“I’ve probably dodged a few bullets in my time but I think that when things are going well and everybody’s happy, what’s the point in changing?

“I’m happy to stay as long as the British public listening to Radio 2 are happy to have me and I think we’re good for a wee while yet.”

Family is the one thing that would make Ken step away from the microphone. He has three kids, Murray, Verity and Charlie with wife Kerith and three from previous marriages.

“If I couldn’t manage the family properly I’d immediately say I couldn’t do it any more,” says Ken.

“I don’t really take on any jobs that affect family life. Glasgow last year was something so special that I just had to do it.

“But I’m never usually away that long. It takes a very big event for me to spend time away and if it’s a straight choice then it’s usually home that wins.

“I actually spend most of my weekends taxi-ing the kids about. But that’s what dads do and it’s never a hardship.”