Frightened Rabbit bandleader Scott Hutchison knew that he was sinking into an abyss—mentally, emotionally, even spiritually—after the 2013 release of Pedestrian Verse, the Scottish group’s breakthrough album. But he couldn’t gauge the true depth of his situation until he began seeing his followers in a dreary new light. But the singer finally got help, from some rather unusual sources. All of which led to the fifth Frightened Rabbit epistle—the aptly dubbed Painting Of A Panic Attack, produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner. Hutchison and his bandmates—Grant Hutchison, Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan and Simon Liddell—will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new feature.
Grant Hutchison: I first saw Alan down on the Saltmarket hanging from a bar about seven feet off the ground. It was love at first sight, and I knew then that our relationship was going to be a special one. There were others who tried to court my affection and I gave them a chance, but from the moment I slung my leg over Alan, there was no looking back.
Our first few trips were out South of Glasgow around East Ayrshire, where we spent all our time roaming around the hills there visiting Harelaw Dam, Whitelee Windfarm and the Fenwick Arms. It was on one of these trips I found out his name. Needing inspiration and encouragement, I called out and there he was … Alan!! Letting me know he’ll be by my side (or under my backside) whenever I need him.
We’ve since been through a lot together. Visiting places like Buckingham Palace, the Guinness Factory and even the world famous Gibbet in Northumberland after visiting the Impromptu Tea Room. The decision to take Alan on tour was an easy one and one I wish I had made earlier. Having that extra time away with him really makes all the difference when you’re having a tough day or you just need to get off that fucking bus and away from those fucking people!! I love my bandmates and crew dearly, but having the time with Alan to chat things over and get a bit of space has a huge effect on my mental state. I think he prefers being out in the U.S. where he really gets to show off. Making our way along the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia, visiting Folsom Prison and ambling along the Mississippi River out of New Orleans are highlights, and I’m sure there will be many more.
He has made a lot of his own friends on these adventures, too. Mainly the nine other folk he toured the U.K. with back in 2014, when he really earned his stripes. Day after day, town after town, macaroni pie after macaroni pie, he was there with me for every mile. For that reason he’ll be with me forever. When his joints start creaking, they’ll creak with mine, and when we start losing speed, we’ll keep gaining miles. So here’s to me and Alan, to Alan and I.
