CLAYMORE

It has been a number of years since Celtic rockers Claymore performed at the Brunswick Ballroom, pre-pandemic in fact, they packed the house, brought audiences to their feet and, in true Claymore style, delivered a dynamic show complete with bagpipes, Celtic dancers, and ‘rock with a kick-ass feel’. Now, they are returning to Brunswick for a special show that will mark their last show in Australia before lead singer William Hutton embarks on a whirlwind European promotional tour.

When it comes to Celtic rock, Claymore has written itself into festival folklore in Australia. They will be taking to the stage at the National Celtic Festival in Portarlington in June, which is a highlight on the Celtic music calendar. Internationally, Claymore is a familiar face on the line-up of the revered Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France, the world’s largest Celtic festival.

As multi-instrumentalists, Claymore not only manages to combine traditional elements of Celtic music, but they take that passion and soul and rock it right into the 21st century in a way that makes all their performances an unforgettable experience.

Few bands can pull off the sensitive task of melding traditional and modern melodies, but that’s something of a specialty for Claymore. Not only that, but they manage to pen beautiful original Celtic compositions and even lend their style to some power rock classics, all with an Irish and Scottish twist.

For William Hutton, returning to The Brunswick Music Hall on the eve of heading overseas is an exciting opportunity to celebrate with long-time music fans and friends. “It is certainly great to be back in front of live audiences again and doing what we love, especially at the newly renovated Brunswick Music Hall,” he says. “It sure to be a great night with loads of friendly faces, so it makes it feel like home.”

The European promotional visit has been in the works for a couple of years now with postponements due to COVID, and William can’t wait to get underway to share Claymore’s music with the greater world. “We’ve been nervous like all other touring acts to get the first one booked and underway, and deservedly so since the last one was put on hold a couple of times,” he says. “But now is the time. I’m heading off first on a pre-tour promotion trip, firstly to France for Interceltique de Lorient, and then across to Scotland for Fringe, and hopefully Ireland. Then back to Denmark to start working on a few things for later in the year.”

Before the whirlwind European trip, Claymore has a busy month back at home, and being back on stage is the band’s favourite place to be. “Claymore are always at their best when in front of a huge audience of their home crowd,” says William. “To see people enjoying themselves once again just fills our hearts to the brim, especially if they are coming to see us. As always Claymore love to keep a little surprise of two in reserve for each and every show, who will our special guest be? You might have to wait and see. Rest assured, it will be worth attending just for the ‘Craic’, no doubt there will be a Claymore super band onstage at the end of the night!”

Feedback/Comments