Tommy Mackay

The Daily Reckless with Tommy Mackay

“The man who’s become a cult hero with his daily dose of musical satire” – Total Politics

The Daily Reckless is run by Tommy Mackay (“a national treasure” – James Millar, Political Yeti) who used to play in punk bands back in the 70s and 80s, but then resurrected his career to become a popular entertainer on the Scottish comedy circuit. He has been described as “The Scots Half Man Half Biscuit” (History of Scottish Music) and praised for his pop sensibility and witty lyrics. He won Fife Comedian Of The Year 2011.

As The Sensational Alex Salmond Gastric Band he has played in comedy clubs across the UK. He was once a regular on SW1 radio in London, as well as appearing in several Edinburgh Fringe shows.

In 2012, he performed a one man musical at the Edinburgh Fringe, Oliver Pissed and wrote the soundtrack for the zombie comedy film, Wraith Rovers.

Collaborations include his work with Armando Iannucci, Adam & Joe and journalist Robert McNeil, whose reviews of Scottish MSPs Tommy shaped into a collection of songs about our political leaders. He was also half of the short-lived phenomenon that was Whyte & Mackay and the public art agitpoppers The Tam Tam Club.

Tommy also produced the Throbbing Thistle albums which include contributions from Stewart Lee, Ted Chippington and many others. He also produced an EP for Coronation Street’s 50th Anniversary.

His other guises include stramash-up tart, The Plagiarist, The Fall tribute band, The Foul, They Might Be Gannets, Phineas Freak & The Smooth Perturbations, The Artist Formerly Known As Tinsel, The Dish-Faced Camerons, The Jung Ones, Black Paternoster, Defunkt Boy Three, George Flambé, Half Bam Half Whisky , Supertrump and Borrissey.

In March 2016, Tommy was No.1 in the BBC’s Week In Politics chart, with Ziggy Sturgeon and the Spiders From Katie Melua’s Ears.