Irish Folk Nights - SKERRYVORE - 20th Anniversary Tour (Part 1)
The sound of Skerryvore is as breathtaking as the island of Tiree in the west of Scotland, from which the band members originate. Their high-energy Scot Rock featuring fiddle, accordion, pipes, flutes, whistles, guitar, and bagpipe crashes like the wild spray against the cliffs. Bass, keyboards, and drums add funky accents. But the beauty of the Scottish Highlands is also clearly recognizable in Skerryvore's music, embodied by the wonderful voice of frontman Alec Dalglish, who is also responsible for most of the songs.
This mix has earned the guys several awards since 2011: Best CD and Best Singer/Songwriter (SNMA 2011). 2 x Live Act of the Year (STMA 2011 + 2016). In 2017, Skerryvore even became the face of the worldwide “Visit Scotland” campaign.
Since their founding in 2005, the band has played over 1,000 concerts in 24 countries, released 5 albums, and gained countless fans. Festivals like T in the Park (GB), Poyenberg Irish Open Air, Blacksheep Festival, Celtic European Festival, Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA), or Tonder Festival (DK) – just to name a few references – have celebrated the band. With their last album “Evo,” the “Skerries,” as the fans lovingly call the band, went on a world tour in 2019 with concerts including stops in the USA and Australia.
In mid-2020, the octet celebrated its 15th anniversary with a brand-new live album. In December 2020, the guys made it to No. 1 on the Scottish charts with their single. Then the spark jumped over to England, and the BBC featured them in Powerplay A. In June 2025, Skerryvore will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a big open-air concert at Floors Castle in Kelso (SCO). To mark this anniversary tour, Skerryvore will return for the 5th time to the Irish Folk Nights in Zaisersweiher, presenting their best songs.
The event will kick off with the band Dallahan from Ireland. The term “Dullahan” comes from Irish mythology and stands for fallen heroes who continue to live as ghostly apparitions in the form of a headless rider. They often carry their head under their arm. Armed with armor, shield, and sword, the Dullahan is interpreted as an omen of death. However, since the sound of Dallahan bursts forth with banjo, fiddle, accordion, and guitar in a lively manner, the “u” has been replaced with an “a.” The quartet rearranges tradition in a similar manner. A traditional riff is continually reworked step by step, giving it a completely new life of its own. An ostinato is woven further, developing its own dynamics. Jack Badcock, Bennedict Morris, Ciaran Ryan, and Andrew Waite are architects who frequently block the flow of their music with a dam. They hold back the musical waters until the dam gives way, and the music breaks through violently. Their compositions contain explosive power that evokes something entirely liberating. Listeners can look forward to a musical fireworks display that also features highlights of Balkan music and American roots. Jazz, funk, and pop merge organically with traditional themes. For a contemplative atmosphere, there are songs penned by Jack Badcock. This voice touches the soul. The quality of this band underscores that both Benedict, Andrew, and Ciaran have been awarded as the “best young traditional musician of the year” in Scotland.
Dallahan celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2023. They look back on 4 CDs and concerts around the globe. Among them are the most important festivals for Celtic music in the USA, UK, IRL, DK, and even Nepal. They were nominated for the German Record Critics' Award and awarded in Scotland in the category “live band of the year” in 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2023. They participated in the Irish Folk Festival Tour in Germany and Switzerland in 2023 and played in 28 cities, leaving fans and journalists dizzy. After celebrating over 20,000 fans during this tour, they are now very eager to follow up with solo concerts.
Ladies and Gentlemen, beware! Here come the “dark horsemen of tradition”!
Copyright: Skerryvore
Entry: 19:00