Deacon Blue star Ricky Ross on Dundee gig for injured friend

Deacon Blue star Ricky Ross has told of his shock after a musician friend suffered a horrific injury.

Keith Matheson, from Dundee, almost died last April after an industrial accident which saw his left arm “hanging by a thread” after his fleece was caught in a circular saw while working at a primary school in the city.

Staff gave the 58-year-old first aid, before he was rushed to hospital where surgeons battled to reattach his arm which had been severed below the elbow.

Incredibly, the musician was able to move two fingers almost immediately after an 18-hour operation, but the accident has left him struggling to play.

As well as working as a solo artist, Keith was a founder of bands like Swiss Family Orbison and Kekker.

Ross said: “I’ve known Keith for 30 years. You would be shocked to hear this had happened to anyone, but when it’s someone who is a musician and writes all his songs on guitar, it’s just awful.

“The band decided to do something for Keith, and to ask some friends along as well.”

© Supplied by Keith Matheson

Ricky and his band will be joined by Young At Heart favourites The Bluebells and Danny Wilson frontman Gary Clark at fundraiser at Dundee’s Caird Hall on 19 May.

Inde favourites like Andrew Wasylyk, of the Hazy Janes, and Kathryn Joseph will also take part along with Keith’s band Swiss Family Orbison. Deacon Blue will perform an acoustic set ahead of a UK tour this winter, at the night dubbed Songs For Keith.

Ross added: “Nothing will stop Keith from continuing to make music but the way he has done it up until now is not possible. I’m glad we’re able to do something to help.”

Tickets for Songs for Keith on May 19 at Caird Hall, Dundee, are on sale via deaconblue.com . Donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gregor-philp