I was deeply saddened this week to hear about the sudden, untimely passing of Colin "Riot" McQullian, vocalist of the seminal Belfast Punk/Oi! band RUNNIN' RIOT.
RUNNIN' RIOT started in 1996 and for a generation of kids in the Belfast scene, they were local legends. Beyond their hometown, RUNNIN' RIOT has toured extensively in Europe and North America and shared the stage with classic bands like U.K. SUBS, the OPPRESSED, RED ALERT, the MEMBERS, DEMOB, MENACE, the CRACK, ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE, G.B.H., SHAM 69 and ANGELIC UPSTARTS. They also gigged heavily with their contemporaries in the modern STREET PUNK scene, including OXYMORON, SKINT, HARDSKIN, BEERZONE, DEADLINE, BLOOD & WHISKEY, RANCID and DROPKICK MURPHYS. Through their many tours, festival appearances and releases, RUNNIN' RIOT won a loyal following of friends and fans around the globe.
It was through DROPKICK MURPHYS their FLAT RECORDS (DKM's imprint with TKO) that we had the pleasure of meeting and working with Colin and his band. In 2000, FLAT did the North America issue of RUNNIN' RIOT's debut "Reclaim The Streets" CD and the band toured the USA to support. RUNNIN' RIOT's continued friendship with DROPKICKS resulted in MANY tour dates together across the USA and Europe over the years.
I'll always remember Colin as a friendly, sweet guy that seemed happiest when he was with friends, enjoying a drink and some live Punk Rock. I've been trying to find some sort of solace in the fact that Colin died on the road, touring with his band and doing what he loved the most, but the fact of the matter is that he died way before his time.
Our thoughts are with Colin's family, his girlfriend Nikki, his band mates and Runnin' Riot fans everywhere, ALSO to CONTROL and our friends OLD FIRM CASUALS who are currently on the road in the UK with RUNNIN' RIOT. Hang in there fellas.
RIOT IN PEACE, COLIN!!
-Mark / TKO Records
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