With their trail-blazing fusion of folk, progressive rock, blues, classical and jazz, Horslips were among Ireland’s biggest bands, at home and abroad, throughout the 1970s.
In parallel with Fairport and Steeleye, Horslips relocated native traditional sounds into the thick of their generation’s popular culture. “They invented for us a way of being both Irish and modern,” recalled leading cultural commentator Fintan O’Toole, after Horslips announced their original two reunion gigs in 2009.
Like January 18th’s performance, those shows featured original members Barry Devlin, Jim Lockhart, John Fean and Charles O’Connor – and they certainly didn’t disappoint. “The intervening years have not withered the power of Horslips’ back catalogue,” declared the Irish Times, nor the “extraordinary musical range on view”. While popular demand has prompted a few more appearances, the band have said they’re by way of a brief last hurrah, not a protracted comeback, so relive the moment while you can.
Tue 18 January, 8pm
£16
Old Fruitmarket
Recordings available:
- In North America: Book of Invasions, Tain, Aliens, Happy to Meet Sorry to Part, Man Who Built America, Dancehall Sweethearts, Live at the O2, Belfast Gigs, Drive the Cold Winter Away
- In Europe: Book of Invasions: A Celtic Symphony, Treasury, Tain, Happy to Meet Sorry to Part, Live, Dancehall Sweethearts, Unfortunate Cup of Tea, Aliens, Belfast Gigs, Man Who Built America
Celtic Connections tickets are available at:
Online www.celticconnections.com
By phone 0141 353 8000
In person Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
2 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow, G2 3NY
City Halls and Old Fruitmarket
Candleriggs
Glasgow, G1 1NQ
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
