Gaelic Storm: coming this month to The Birchmere. Photo by Kevin Gilbert.
Gaelic Storm, an Irish folk rock band, has been the source of rumpus in Celtic music circles since shortly after it stormed Hollywood with an appearance in the film “Titanic.” In the twelve years following their big-screen debut, the band hasn’t looked back, continuing to create a stir with seven successful albums, and now nearing the release of an eighth.
The once part-time pub band catapulted from the bar to the Billboards, returning to the top of music charts with each new album release. Gaelic Storm has had 20 different members since their musical journey began, but one thing remains constant: their drive to keep the band’s essence the same. The group maintains its ability to infect listeners with laughter, ambition to move, the desire to sing and be jolly — the desire to have fun.
Early on, the band decided that they had enough of the serious aspects of the industry and wanted to keep their music lighthearted and interesting. “We’re gonna have a few beers and a few laughs and enjoy ourselves,” said founding member Steve Twigger on keeping the band culture relaxed. “The day it stops being fun we won’t do it anymore.” And the band celebrates its cheery chemistry on and off stage by maintaining strong friendships outside of performing.
Their most recent album, “What’s The Rumpus,” was released July 2008 and peaked at the number one spot on the Billboard World Music Charts. Current band members include Steve Twigger on vocals, mandolin, bouzouki, and guitar; Patrick Murphy on vocals, harmonica, spoons, and accordion; Ryan Lacey on drums; Pete Purvis playing the bagpipes; and Jessie Burns playing the fiddle.
Gaelic Storm is Irish folk music at its best. Photo by Kevin Gilbert.
The band has its own St. Patrick’s Day Hallmark musical greeting card featuring their hit “Kiss Me I’m Irish,” and has also been featured in two EA Games Sims video games, even recording a translated version of their song “Scalliwag” into Simlish, the official Sims video game language. Currently, the band is working on finishing the last of the mixes for their upcoming album, entitled “Cabbage,” which is expected to debut by the end of July. The album follows the band’s standard recipe of mesmerizingly merry music infused with tradition and thrilling tales of characters the band has met on the road.
“Raised on Black and Tans,” a single from the new album, is already becoming a must-hear song for fans. According to Twigger, the song exemplifies pride in Irish heritage and their connection to Ireland. It explores the strength of Irish culture and its influence in the lives of people — even those who have never traveled to Ireland. “What’s The Rumpus?” and “Me and the Moon” are also crowd favorites the band usually invites the audience to sing-along to.
While on the road, the band has had its share of adventures. According to Twigger, touring is a tiring life, so the sadness of missing home and the joys of returning are themes that will always be revisited in their music.
Most of the band’s lyrics are based on true stories, but they aren’t afraid of embellishing things for the sake of the song, admitted Twigger. “You got to know how to pick the facts from fiction,” he said. “The crazier moments are the true moments — we don’t make that stuff up.”
“The Night I Punched Russell Crowe,” is a popular reality-based song that recalls one of the crazier moments in band lore — a bar altercation involving band member Patrick Murphy and the famous actor Russell Crowe. “A few beers and a few hours into the evening and things happen,” Twigger said. “Patrick’s been telling that story for 10 years now — I had to put it down on paper.”
A lot of band members have moved on over the course of the years, but for Twigger, change is an opportunity and chance to look at things in a fresh way. “Each player has enhanced the band and made it what it is today,” he said. “The show must go on.”
For Gaelic Storm, music is about helping listeners along in their journey on Earth. “I hope it takes them away from their worries — there’s plenty to worry about today,” Twigger said, adding that for the band, it’s a privilege to perform and have everybody walk out with a smile on their face.
The band will be offering a free download on their website beginning in March and graces the stage at the Birchmere in Virginia for back-to-back shows March 3rd and 4th.
For more information about Gaelic Storm, visit www.gaelicstorm.musiccitynetworks.com.
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com.
[googleMap name="The Birchmere" width="770" height="235" mousewheel="false"]3701 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA[/googleMap]
