If you are looking for a Christmas celebration with a difference, then acclaimed singer-songwriter Damien Leith and international Celtic rock festival favourites Claymore have the solution – A Celtic Christmas. Teaming up in Melbourne for one night only, Damien and Claymore will share the stage for a Celtic extravaganza, featuring a host of classic songs, dance and even a Christmas track or two. There will even be some very special guests on hand to help make the night a true celebration!
Claymore are a band that turn Celtic rock on its head. The multi-instrumentalists not only manage to combine traditional elements of Celtic music, but they take that passion and soul and rock it right into the 21st century. Few bands can pull off the sensitive task of re-educating the traditional realm into the modern day, but that’s something of a specialty for Claymore. Not only that, but they manage to write beautiful original Celtic compositions, and even lend their style to some power rock classics, all with an Irish and Scottish twist. They have a host of impressive album releases under their belt and a long list of festival performances to their name, including headlining position at Australia’s largest folk event. Since the band’s inception more than two decades ago, they’ve toured everywhere, with gigs in New York, Scotland and New Zealand, to several headline appearances at the reputed Festival Interceltique De Lorient France. Combine this with performances at the biggest festivals on the Australian circuit such as the Queenscliff Music Festival, Big Blues Day Out, Perth International Arts Festival and Brunswick Music Festival to name a few, and you’ve got an impressive musical resume.
Damien Leith needs little introduction to Australian audiences. There is little he hasn’t done in his career – from winning the coveted accolade of Australian Idol over a decade ago (2016), Damien has earned a solid reputation as one of the country’s best songwriters. He has enjoyed platinum selling albums, and multiple awards, including ARIAs, MTV Video Music Awards and Helpmann Awards. In addition to his incredible musical successes, he has also hosted and co-hosted multiple television shows and penned two novels. His one-man show The Parting Glass earned him acclaim around the country and re-introduced audiences to some classic Irish tunes.
Claymore frontman William Hutton says the A Celtic Christmas show was a natural progression after multiple times sharing the same stage for one-off appearances – or jumping in at each other’s shows. “From the moment we shared the stage together at the Melbourne Myer Music Bowl, there has always been a great connection between the two bands,” he says. “We’ve had so many requests over the years from fans to combine forces and create the ultimate Celtic concert – and here we are.”
Both Claymore and Damien Leith are known for their great live shows, and the upcoming Melbourne A Celtic Christmas will be no exception – creating something of a Celtic supergroup. “The roof of The Palms at Crown is going to be lifted with thunderous Irish and Scottish anthems,” says William. “There will be bagpipes and highland dancers, Irish fiddlers, and tribal drums. This is a show not to be missed.”
Gearing up for a Christmas extravaganza Celtic style is going to be nothing but fun – for the musicians and audiences alike! William says you never know what to expect and anything could happen on stage, and probably will. “A Celtic concert is nothing without a bit of fun,” he says. “The Celts are famous for their sing-a-longs and cheeky sense of humour. There’s going to be a huge amount of shenanigans intermingled between great Celt songs.”
Tickets for A Celtic Christmas with Damien Leith and Claymore are on sale now.
Saturday 23rd December 2017 | 7.30pm
The Palms at Crown, MELBOURNE VIC
www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, please visit www.damienleith.com.au and www.claymore.org
