After almost ten years traditional favourites Clannad return to the stage for a special concert at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall on Friday 19. While on February 1, they will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards live from the Point Theatre, Dublin.
Clannad were formed back in the late 60's and hit the headlines by winning the Letterkenny International Folk Festival followed by the release of their debut album 'Clannad' for the Phillips label in 1973. They toured Europe extensively during the 70's and made the British top five best sellers with the single 'Theme from Harry's Game' in 1982 followed by 'Robin the Hooded Man'. They won every major accolade including a Grammy in the New Age category for their studio album 'Landmarks', released in 1997. In a glittering career spanning some thirty-five plus years, Clannad have sold in excess of fifteen million recordsand it's good to see them returning in style.
HAL ON TOUR
That popular country music hotshot Hal Ketchum returns for a major fourteen date nationwide, tour from February 22 until March 11. Signed to Curb Records, Hal's nine albums and twenty-one singles have sold in excess of seven million copies. a composer he has penned songs for hit makers Trisha Yearwood, Leanne Rimes and the famed Mavericks and his forthcoming album for Curb Records will feature all of his own self-composed material. However, Hal's real passion lies in his live performances and he is really looking forward to his Irish tour and he promises to give his country friends a night to remember. The gentleman of country music was honoured as the 65th member of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville some years back.
The multi award winner Hal Ketchum and his band will be accompanied on stage by his special guests Mike Denver and Country Harmony when he appears at St Josephs Hall, Omagh on February 24.
CHARTWATCH – DVD'S
Live at Wembley............Westlife
U218 .....................................U2
Live at Dolans...Sharon Shannon
MOVING HEARTS REFORM
The legendary Moving Hearts will reform once more to perform at two sell out concerts at Dublin's Vicar Street on February 8 and 9. The 2007 line-up will feature the musical talents of Donal Lunny, Davy Spillane, Eoghan O'Neill, Keith Donald, Matt Kelleghan, Noel Eccles, Anto Drennan and Graham Henderson. Moving Hearts uccessfully explored the fusion of traditional Irish roots music with rock'n'roll. With their mighty rhythm section Moving Hearts took a no holds barred approach to music rooted in Celtic tradition, with a potent brew of folk, rock, jazz and traditional. Their reunion performances at Vicar Street will celebrate their ground breaking and genre defying, album 'The Storm'and the reunion concerts are a must for Celtic musical fans.
NEWSROUND
Brian Kennedy says last year was his best year in his showbiz career, his 'George Best Tribute' CD hit the number four spot in the UK chart and he represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Greece.
Congratulations to panto queen and comedian May McFettridge (John Linehan) who received knighthood an MBE in the New Years honours list.
Daniel O'Donnell made the coveted number one spot in the British DVD Chart with 'The Best of Daniel O'Donnell on Film' and was awarded a Platinum Disc. Daniel is currently enjoying a holiday before returning in mid-March with two concerts at the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran.
Tommy Fleming signed a new recording contract with Universal Records Ireland.
