Clannad are going on their biggest North American tour since 1979.
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
Later this month Clannad embark on their most extensive North American tour since 1979 and they are hoping to bring a little bit of home to the many Donegal natives living abroad.
This upcoming tour is part of an extensive schedule for the next tour years which will see the world renowned band tour all over the globe.
With a brand new album set for release in the new year, Clannad are actually trying out some of the new material while they are on tour, a first for the band.
Leon Brennan, who has been part of his family band’s management team from the very beginning, said they are all very much looking forward to this tour.
“We have toured all over the world and still, forty years on, we are getting the opportunity to visit brand new places on this tour,” said Leon.
The North American tour begins on September 16 in Halifax, Nova Scotia before the band pays a visit to St John’s in Newfoundland for the very first time.
Leon said: “We are all dying to go to St John’s, we’ve heard so much about the place and how people there still have Waterford accents after several generations.”
Clannad will then perform in the larger Canadian cities of Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto before they get to a date that caused the whole band some heartache.
“We play in Toronto on September 22 and have decided to hit the road straight after the concert for our next location, Buffalo, New York, so we will be there on time to watch the All Ireland final at 10.30 in the morning said Leon.
“The whole band is heart-broken that they won’t be in Croke Park for the final, Leon said. “We are all very proud of the achievements of Gaoth Dobhair’s McGee brothers – Eamon, Neil and Peter – which adds to the misery of bit being able to attend the final.”
Clannad will be playing all over the States from the end of September and for the full month of October playing everywhere from Philadelphia, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Milwaukee, Chicago, Denver and newly added dates in Reno and Los Angeles.
“With some many people from Donegal living in the States, especially young people having moved there in recent years, we would love to meet many of them at our concerts.
“Moya and myself were speaking about emigration when we were at home for Christmas and met some of the many young people living all over the world, which is quite sad in a way and we’d love to bring a little bit of home to them,” said Leon.
Clannad will be performing 27 dates all over North America, so be sure to let any family members or friends know and tell them to check out the band’s website and find them on Facebook.
Leon said: “It’s always a real shame when someone finds out we were playing just down the road, after we’ve been there so do let your friends and family know.”