First Foot Soldiers
Based in Shetland, Scotland
Roles covers band · live performers
First Foot Soldiers are a Shetland-based rock and pop covers band formed in 2010 by Arthur Nicholson and Chris Thomson, with Robert Balfour joining on drums and vocals. Original bassist Joe Watt was succeeded by Shaun Strachan, who joined in late 2013. Known for their close arrangements of familiar songs and vocal harmonies, the band made their live debut on Boxing Day 2010. They have appeared at the Shetland Folk Festival, Mareel and the Clickimin Leisure Complex, including a major headline concert in December 2024. Their repertoire draws on artists such as Queen, The Beatles, Electric Light Orchestra and Dire Straits. In December 2025 they staged another festive concert at Clickimin with guests including The Revellers and The Bashies.
Early career
- Arthur Nicholson and Chris Thomson formed the band after returning to Shetland; Robert Balfour joined on drums and Joe Watt was the original bassist.
- First live performance, on Boxing Day.
- Shaun Strachan joined as bassist in late 2013.
Related artists
- Arthur Nicholson — founding member; lead guitar and vocals
- Chris Thomson — founding member; keyboards, guitar and vocals
- Robert Balfour — member; drums and vocals
- Shaun Strachan — member; bass since late 2013
- Joe Watt — original bassist
- The Revellers — shared concerts and guest collaboration
- The Bashies — shared 2025 festive concert
Festival appearances
- Shetland Folk Festival · 2012
- Shetland Folk Festival · 2014
- Shetland Folk Festival · 2022
- Tall Ships Races, Shetland · 2023
Labels and affiliations
- Shetland Folk Festival — festival performer
Club nights and gigs
- 2018-06-23 · Mareel · Lerwick, Shetland
- 2024-12-14 · Clickimin Leisure Complex · Lerwick, Shetland
- 2025-12-13 · Clickimin Leisure Complex · Lerwick, Shetland