Former Drug Trafficker Turned Musician Allan McCarthy Shoots Latest Video in Glasgow

From Drug Trafficking to music fame: Allan McCarthy’s Remarkable Musical Journey

In the heart of Glasgow, amidst its bustling streets and historic architecture, a unique musical event recently unfolded that blends raw talent with a turbulent past. Allan McCarthy, a former drug trafficker turned musician, has captured the spotlight once more, shooting his latest video for the song “Runaway”

The Birth of Berlin90

Allan McCarthy’s journey to musical acclaim began in the unlikeliest of places: Murcia prison in Spain. Convicted of drug trafficking, McCarthy was handed a six-and-a-half-year sentence and a staggering €65 million fine. Despite these grim circumstances, McCarthy’s passion for music persisted. Along with fellow inmates, he formed Berlin90, a band that would soon defy all odds.

“Runaway,” written by McCarthy, became a beacon of hope and resilience within the prison walls. The song was entered into a national music competition organized by Spanish radio, where it surprisingly clinched victory. This triumph granted the band a rare opportunity: an escorted visit to a professional recording studio under armed guard, to lay down tracks for their burgeoning album.

Rising From the Depths

One of the standout tracks recorded during this extraordinary studio session was “Stormy Waters,” which earned its place as the opening track on “A Year of Rock,” a double album compilation. The band’s future seemed promising, yet fate had other plans. McCarthy was soon transferred to Madrid’s infamous Carabanchel prison, notorious for being Europe’s most dangerous correctional facility and a pivotal locale in the TV series “Narcos.”

This move effectively disbanded Berlin90, as the harsh environment and separation stifled their creative collaboration. However, their story was far from over.

A Resurgence of Interest

Fast forward to recent years, and Berlin90 experienced a revival in public interest, thanks in part to Spanish DJ, writer, and presenter Angel Sopena. Celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of his radio show “Musica de Contrabando” (Smuggler’s Music), Sopena reminisced about his early coverage of Berlin90. His show, which had become a staple in Spain’s prisons, brought McCarthy and Berlin90 back into the limelight, sparking a wave of nostalgia and curiosity.

Their story, now shared across dozens of media outlets, captivated an audience of over thirty million. This renewed attention paved the way for McCarthy to reconnect with his musical roots and set the stage for Berlin90’s next chapter.

The Glasgow Comeback

In Glasgow, McCarthy’s tale of redemption and resilience culminated in the shooting of the music video for “Runaway.” Directed by BAFTA Award-winning director Iain Henderson, the video promises to be a poignant representation of McCarthy’s journey from the depths of crime to the heights of artistic expression.

The choice of Glasgow as the backdrop for this video is fitting. The city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant music scene provide a perfect canvas for McCarthy’s comeback. As the cameras rolled, capturing the essence of “Runaway,” McCarthy’s transformation from a convicted drug trafficker to a celebrated musician became evident.

PHOTO - BRIAN ANDERSON

A Story of Redemption

Allan McCarthy’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the human spirit’s resilience. From the confines of Europe’s most dangerous prison to the creative freedom of a recording studio, his story is one of hope, redemption, and the enduring power of art.

As Berlin90’s latest video reaches audiences worldwide, it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, creativity can light the way to a brighter future. McCarthy’s past may be marred by crime, but his future is undoubtedly filled with promise and potential, all thanks to the unifying power of music.