Singer Amy Macdonald has opened up about the complexities of maintaining a long-distance relationship with her husband, former footballer Richard Foster, admitting it can be “overwhelming” but affirming their ability to make it work. Macdonald, originally from Bishopbriggs near Glasgow, frequently faces extensive studio hours and months of international touring. Richard Foster, 40, a former player for clubs like Aberdeen and Rangers, has had a varied career that included stints in Scotland and America, and now serves as assistant manager for League of Ireland Premier Division side Waterford.

Macdonald, 38, is accustomed to their arrangement, explaining, “I’ve been used to this. Throughout his playing career he’s moved about, whether it was Inverness or Ross County or America. It’s something you get used to.” She draws parallels to other professions requiring long-distance commitments, such as offshore workers or military personnel, highlighting the resilience required. The couple, who married in 2018, reside in a five-bedroom home near Glasgow with their dog, Vinny. They have known each other since 2009, with their relationship blossoming when Foster played for Ross County, followed by moves to St Johnstone and Detroit City before he retired from playing.

Despite her prominent spot on the bill at TRNSMT this summer, second only to Lewis Capaldi, Macdonald isn’t expecting her husband to be present pitch-side. She notes, “He comes over when he can. He’ll have to see what is happening and their fixture but it’s all great. He’ll probably try and come over to watch TRNSMT because he’ll get FOMO.” For Macdonald, who has performed countless gigs, having family present is not a necessity; it feels like going to work and doing her job.

Amy Macdonald's musical journey began with aspirations sparked by seeing Travis at T in the Park in 2000, leading her to perform in Glasgow venues as a young teenager. Her debut album, This Is The Life, soared to No.1 in early 2008, just before her 21st birthday. Next year will mark both the 20th anniversary of her album's release and her 40th birthday. While she has no specific plans to commemorate the year, Macdonald is content with her achievements and doesn’t envision herself emulating the lengthy careers of rock legends like Bruce Springsteen or Iggy Pop. “I’ve still got a bit of gas in the tank but I won’t be going on for decades. I think I’ll know when the time comes,” she stated.

With 12 million records sold, a string of top 10 albums, and over a billion streams, Macdonald feels she has fulfilled her childhood dreams. She shares a similar perspective with her sister, a consultant neuroradiologist in the NHS, both of whom believe in enjoying life after achieving their ambitious goals. “You have to realise you’ve done what you dreamed of doing and now you might as well enjoy it,” Macdonald reflected.

Recently, Macdonald participated in Record Store Day for the first time, releasing a limited edition of Can You Hear Me? The Remixes, which features a dance version by George Bowie’s GBX. While she has been in the studio, she offers no timeline for a new album, emphasizing the importance of balancing work with home life, friends, and family. Following a secret acoustic gig at TRNSMT last year, she returns to the Glasgow Green festival, which runs from June 19 to 21, acknowledging Lewis Capaldi’s well-deserved headliner status, recalling his early career support for her in Germany.

A passionate football fan, Macdonald has already marked Scotland’s first two games in her tour schedule, planning to watch them on her phone from her tour bus. She intends to travel to Miami to see Scotland play Brazil after her TRNSMT performance, despite acknowledging potential global travel disruptions. If the trip doesn’t materialize, she plans to enjoy the rest of the TRNSMT night with friends before watching the game at home days later. Can You Hear Me? The Remixes was released on Record Store Day, and Amy Macdonald is scheduled to perform at TRNSMT on June 21.