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Celtic Thunder is a new group and concert special featuring five Celtic male vocalists: Paul Byrom (age 28, Dublin, Ireland), George Donaldson (age 39, Glasgow, Scotland), Keith Harkin (age 20, Derry, Northern Ireland), Ryan Kelly (age 28, Moy in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland) and Damian McGinty (age 14, Derry, Northern Ireland). Taped August 2007 at the Helix in Dublin, the group’s debut performance is a celebration of Celtic heritage and men—their loves, attitudes, individuality, power and strength, throughout life’s journey. Celtic Thunder premieres nationwide on public television March 2008 (check local listings) and is distributed by WLIW New York.
From rousing ensemble numbers to solos showcasing each members’ vocal style and personality, Celtic Thunder performs powerful ballads, popular hits, and heartwarming songs of love and loss from across the Celtic music spectrum—Irish, Scottish, traditional and contemporary. Celtic Thunder creator/producer Sharon Browne teamed up with legendary Irish composer Phil Coulter (Elvis Presley’s “My Boy,” Sandie Shaw’s “Puppet on a String,” the now-classic Irish ballad “The Town I Loved So Well”), to audition men all over Ireland and Scotland for the group, and craft a representative set list. The eclectic mix of music includes traditional songs (“Mountains of Mourne,” “Come by the Hills,” “Love Thee Dearest”), pop classics (Paul Anka’s “Puppy Love,” the Eagles’ “Desperado,” The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin”) and Coulter originals (Irish Rugby Football Union anthem “Ireland’s Call,” “The Old Man,” “Steal Away”), accompanied by The Celtic Concert Orchestra, a full band, bagpipes and monks. Choreography, dramatic lighting, visual effects, and a set resembling ancient stone steps and paths enhance the musical production.
Song List
“Heartland” – Celtic Thunder (written by Phil Coulter)
“Mountains of Mourne” – Keith Harkin (traditional)
“Raggle Taggle Gypsy” – Celtic Thunder (traditional)
“Ride On” – Ryan Kelly (written by Jimmy MacCarthy)
“The Old Man” – George Donaldson (written by Phil Coulter)
“Love Thee Dearest” – Paul Byrom (traditional)
“Heartbreaker” – Ryan Kelly (written by Phil Coulter)
“Nights in White Satin” – Paul Byrom (written by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues)
“Come by the Hills” – Damian McGinty (traditional)
“The Voyage” – George Donaldson (written by Johnny Duhan)
“The Island” – Keith Harkin (written by Paul Brady)
“Mull of Kintyre” – Celtic Thunder (written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine of Wings)
“Puppy Love” – Damian McGinty (written by Paul Anka)
“Lauren & I” – Keith Harkin (written by Keith Harkin)
“Steal Away” – Celtic Thunder (written by Phil Coulter)
“My Boy” – George Donaldson (written by Phil Coulter)
“Desperado” – Ryan Kelly (written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley of the Eagles)
“Ireland’s Call” – Celtic Thunder (written by Phil Coulter)
“That’s A Woman” – Paul Byrom, Ryan Kelly and Zara Curtis (written by Phil Coulter)
“She” – Paul Byrom (written by Charles Aznavour and Herbert Kretzmer)
“Remember Me, Recuerde Me” – Paul Byrom (written by Phil Coulter)
“I Want to Know What Love Is” – Keith Harkin (written by Mick Jones of Foreigner)
“Caledonia” – Celtic Thunder (written by Dougie MacLean)
About Celtic Thunder
Paul Byrom – Born 1979 and raised in Dublin, Ireland, the tenor has been singing professionally since his teens, recording as a boy soprano at the age of 14. Byrom released his first solo album “Velvet,” a collection of songs from the American Matinee era in 2005, and has performed all over the world.
George Donaldson – A well-established singer in the vibrant Glasgow and West of Scotland folk scene, the Scotsman has performed in folk sessions for BBC Scotland, Glasgow’s own Celtic Connections, the Glasgow West End Festival and at the famed Glasgow Barrowlands. A self-taught musician, Donaldson plays guitar, flute, mandolin, bodhrán and banjo, and has played alongside folk artists including Jim McCann and the Dubliners, across Europe, America and Canada.
Keith Harkin – The singer/songwriter/guitarist from Derry, Northern Ireland has been singing since he was 4 years old. Harkin played the lead in BBC’s “Dhá Theanga” (2006) and also composed and recorded songs for the show, and has supported John Martyn and David Kitt in concert. Harkin is has his own album in the works and plays frequently in London.
Ryan Kelly – Hailing from the Moy village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Kelly began singing at the age of seven in choirs. Actively involved in amateur dramatics, he played the lead in a production of “Blood Brothers” and Judas Iscariot in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Kelly performed alongside Simply Red in the BBC televised “Children in Need” charity concert at the Odyssey in Belfast, and finished second in the BBC television “Country Cool” competition in 2003.
Damian McGinty – The youngest member of the group at age 14, McGinty lives and attends grammar school in Derry, Northern Ireland. Winning his first singing competition at the age of six, McGinty recently recorded a gospel CD, and performs in the City of Derry Choir, his local church choir, and the drama society. He has recorded a 14-track charity CD and performed at concerts for the Red Cross.
Additional Performers: Phil Coulter (conductor); Zara Curtis (dancer); Megan Sherwood (cello); Brendan Monaghan (whistles, pipes, guitar, bodhrán); Dave Cooke (keyboards); Neil Byrne (guitar, backing vocals); Nigel Wheatley (bass, backing vocals); Rory McCarron (drums); Audrey Bridgeman (percussion); The Celtic Concert Orchestra led by Niccola Sweeney; Bagpipes/Drums: Andrew Carlisle, Shane Culleton, Chris Mc Nicholl, David Stone, Mark Wilson; Monks: Alex Browne, Ian McKinley, Greg Howie, Killian Buckley, Andy Lawler.
Producer: Sharon Browne. Composer/Musical Director: Phil Coulter. Director: Julia Knowles. Musical Arrangement: Phil Coulter, Dave Gold and Michael Keeney. Presented nationally by WLIW New York. ST and CC.
Hi, Damian, Ryan, Paul, George, and Keith my name is Alyssa I saw you on t.v. before but never in person. When I heard you sing I fell in love with Celtic Thunder. You were amazing I was wondering if you guys could come down to Sebring or somewhere close to Sebring. I will try to go to St. Pete Florida. OK, Bye!
would appreciate knowing if Celtic Thunder has plans to tour Southern Alberta either Calgary or Lethbridge. If so wouild like to the dates and times..Thank-you for this considertion.
My whole family loves your singing!! We missed you last year in Tulsa, but will see you this time around in Texas or wherever we have to go!! We enjoy you adding Neil Byrne, since my Grandmothers Grandparents came here from Ireland and His name was Byrne. We also enjoy his talents whatever his name!! We can’t tell you how much we love you guys!! Our 4year old Grandson will sing every word to 500 miles, he is fasinated with your group!! We look forward to seeing you and have every DVD and CD. Of course we have been Phil Coulter fans for years!! Keep singing we love you!!
My Mom is totally in love with your group and watches ever time you are on T. V. She suffers from a severe heart problem and was recently hospitalized for a week. She wants to see your concert in the worst way, but is afraid she will not make it till you come to California in November. Please let us know if the will be any live performances in our area prior to November. You are her dying wish!
Attention Celtic “Thunderheads:” watch and support UNC-TV, the Statewide North Carolina Public Television Station, during CELTIC THUNDER: IT’S ENTERTAINMENT, Saturday, June 5, at 9:30 PM! And get ready to rumble during our Celtic Thunder Twitter Party (#unctvthunder) as you watch these classy Celts enthrall us all with their fresh takes on over six decades of song, ranging from nostalgic classics to contemporary hits.
when I first heard the lads on PBS I was hooked. YES! I love the Irish music BIG TIME! I can’t get enough of their music. like all FANS I will do my best to be PATIENT as I waite for the upcoming tour and tickets to be available. (Hamilton/Rama & Rochester NY) GOD BLESS ALL & KEEP THEM SAFE AS THEY TRAVEL ACCROSS THE POND & NORTH AMERICA. as they say on Broadway BREAK A LEG! tm
I have recorded Celtic thunder from PBS twice now and I have worn it out listening to it. I truly think Paul steals the show with the do wacka do and the powerful voice he has. Keith is good. I loved the way Paul kept Damian from stepping down the stairs before he was suppose to. I found that totally charming and sweet. I kept noticing that Damian began watching all the rest to make sure he was doing the right thing.
I found it odd that their accents did not really show up in the singing; except for George. I loved all the winking and slight flirtateous ways each of you exhibited. Loved the little winking alot of you did and you could tell the audience responded with great approval. You should always do that.
I LOVE CELTIC THUNDER. IT REMINDS ME OF MY MOTHER WITH HER LOVE FOR HR HOMELAND SCOTLAND. SHE LOVED ALL THINGS IRISH AND CELTIC. SHE WENT HOME TO HEAVEN WAY TOO YOUNG. BUT SHE IS LOOKING DOWN FROM HER PIANO SEAT ENJOYING YOUR MUSIC. I RECORDED IT FROM BPS AND PLYA IT EVERYDAY AND WHEN I FEEL BLUE. NEVER FAILS TO CHEER ME UP. YOU ARE ALL HANDSOME, TALTENTED YOUNG LADS. KEEP ON SINGING. GEORGE I HOPE THEY GIVE YOU MORE SONGS TO SING. YOU SHOW THE OTHERS HOW IT IS DONE.
You need to come to Newfoundland. the Irish loop on the Irish Southen Shore would come in droves to see you at the Mile one stadiium in St.John’s. Many of us speak with the original Irish broague, which can’t be claimed by venues located in Detroit and other Canadian spots yo which you’ve traveled. I’ve turned others into fans just here in little Bay Bulls. Great music, great talent, great fun. Consider it. I’ll even introduce you to my two newfloundland Dogs who will great you like the fantastic musicians you are. If you give Leo of Unicorn Productions a call, he would be sure to book you. He already handles other Irish acts from Ireland. They all get a warm welcome from thier cousins in Titanic Country.
I love this group they are the best I’ve ever heard.I love them all.
Nina Toombs says it all ! (June 6)
This is the same show I saw via the computer..(“Its Entertainment)
Wrote in then..was so taken with The song Doo wackie doo ..as well as the other great songs and chorography. Wrote in then, using name PRETRIB.
Have The dvd (Its Entertainment)..and 2 other cd’s..been lending them out..Everyone entralled with each and every ones performance. All top grade tallent !
I’m watching you..(G)
Doris Biondi
hey guys,
i am a 74 yr old widow woman who absolutely loves and adores each and every one of you! i first “found” you on my local pbs station and have since bought every CD and DVD that i have been able to find. are there any others available in addition to “Entertainment”; “take me home”; “the show” DVDS? IS THERE A DVD OR EVEN VHS TAPE OF THE SHOW FROM WHICH THE TWO SCENES ARE TAKEN SHOWING ON ONE OF THE DVD IN WHICH GEORGE IS SINGING ABOUT ‘THE OLD MAN’ AND DAMIEN SINGS TO KEITH and they are in midevil dress? IF THERE IS ANY SUCH DVD OR CD, I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHERE IT IS AVIALABLE. I also have in CDs the following: ACT TWO; IT’S ENTERTAINMENT; TAKE ME HOME. AE THERE ANY OTHERS? ALSO IS THERE A VD WHERE YOU ARE SIGING “CELTIC THUNDER” THAT APPEARS ON THE “ITS ENTERTAINMENT”? I LOVE THAT AND HAVE PLAYEDIT OVER AND OVER UNTIL IT SKIPS BUT STILL PLAYS. where can i get a list of your show dates in USA? i would drive 500 miles to see your live show.
I am 76 years young, widowed for 26 years. I first saw you guys on PBS in March, I believe. Since then I have purchased every CD & DVD there is. I alternate every night in playing the music while I fall asleeo. I can’t say enough good things about you gentlemen. I dearly love each one so much, especally Keith. I keep updated on where you’re performing and all that good stuff. I will see you perform in Gramd Prairie. Texas on Nov. 12, CAN’T WAIT. Take care and god be with you in your travels.
Have every cd and can’t wait for the next to come out. Play it in the car every day going and coming from work.
Need morecd’s to come out.
My husband (of 55 years) and I have completely fell in love with your group. We have all the DVD,s and sit down in the late afternoon, have a drink, and sit back and listen. We know you all will be here in Nov. 20th,2010 at the Fox theatre and we hope we can see you but with our ages and health problems it might not be possible.
There,s nothin i could say that you have not heard before. just wanna let you know i say a prayer for all of you daily.your all so beautiful. please don’t get lost along the way. Guess i worry about Kieth the most. wish i could see you all when you come to Phx. A Z . but will be waitn tables instead. i am 33 an never been to a concert. would love yours to be the first.
I first caught the show on PBS. Have gone to every concert in our area for thelast couple of years. We will be attending the concert in Pittsburg on the 29th of September. One day I hope to make the meet & greet. It would truely be a wonderful experience. Keep the wonderful music coming. Your group in inspirational and very refreshing. Take care and God bless all.
Hey!
My name is Agata (Poland). I just want to say I love your songs. There’s lots of people that enjoy music like this. I hope you’ll someday come to my country. I’d like to be on your concert.
You are the best. Agata D.
Hi Guys…
I’m 60 yrs old and from Fairless Hills ,Pennsylvania . Which is only cross the river from Trenton NJ where you were at on NJN…I just want to say that I love your mucic…Keith, I just wanted to tell you that you remind me of a young Paul McCartney with blonde hair.. I was just wondering if you ever met him?
I hope to get tickets to your show either in NJ or here in Pennsylvania …
Take care guys and don’t over do…Charlotte P.
I absolutely love your songs. I saw you for the first time on PBS and fell in love with you guys. I know you are coming to the Fox Theatre in November. Hope to see you in person.
I love you guys, when might you visit Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Im Celtic on both sides, Scottish, and im quite proud of it and you guys really bring it to the surface
I was amazed when I saw your show on PBS. St. Louis Mo. You all have wonderful voices and great sex appeaI. I have never been a goupie or even close to it, but I would see all your shows if that were possible.
I love all the songs on the PBS special, but a very favorite was Ryan Kelly’s “Leroy Brown”. No one ever did that song that great.
Good luck to all in your long career.
Looking forward to seeing you in St. Louis
Just want to say Hi from Ohio. Would love to see you in Columbus but just can’t afford it this year. Sure hope you will be back next year! Listen to you everyday! I would love to see your Christmas show. Can’t wait to get the cd and dvd. Take care and God bless all of you! Thank you for bringing such joy to everyone’s lives.
Seen Celtic Thunder – the show on our SBS station in Australia. I found the songs so moving especially Ireland, it really stirred my heart My paternal great grandfather came from Atholone. Are you considering ever coming to Australia (Sydney). I would love to go and see you in person. This is your first show that I have seen and will b e going to buy some more of your work. Gives me so much joy to hear the pipes and the songs. Best wishes
Hope to see you soon down under.