Submitted by BonnieColleen on Sun, 02/13/2011 - 21:28.
Well I agree with the last comment there is only one CELTIC THUNDER.
The name should be something else., Maybe if you keep the venue the same just change the name..
just saying
There is only one Celtic Thunder group!!! Hate the thought of anyone leaving..... Phil Coulter has been a favorite of mine for a long time and I trust he will keep them all together if possible, Sharon too. There are still people in the US that has not been introduced to them. I took several to the concerts in Oct. and Nov. and they were shocked at how great they were. Hope to see them many more times!!!!
Huge Oklahoma fan!!!
Submitted by historybuffessay on Fri, 01/07/2011 - 02:45.
If we all remember, at the end of the very first Celtic Thunder DVD, I believe it was Paul who said, We are not a band. They all do their own songs and interweave group songs. Honestly, with Paul leaving, I feel this gives us a great chance to become enamoured with Emmet. I was sad when I heard the news, but I know that I will follow his solo career. We must be naive if we think that all of them will stay together just because we want them to. That would be destroying their dreams. While it has been nice to have the original crew for a little while, we must remember that we did indeed have them, and that cant be taken away from us. I have a feeling the Emmet will fit in quite well with the lads and that the Thunderheads will welcome him to the family with welcome arms.
(and sorry if I spelt Emmet wrong)
Boy, how I wish I had taken the time yesterday to look back to the May blogs...we all should do that before we "panic". I am understanding it as, the new guys will be more like "understudies", all big shows have them. At this point I retract my pleas from yesterdays comments...seems they were not founded. I think it is great that they are finding men to fill in for the others should someone need to miss a show..after all, every one has emergencies or gets sick at some time or other and, as much as I love these guys, I hate the thought of them up there on stage feeling terrible, yet still putting everything out there just so we can be happy. I am also a performer and recently did a Christmas show in which I was in very much pain, but I did my show and no one knew how badly I felt...that was just one night, these guys do so many shows...let's give them a break. When I saw Celtic Thunder in Durham I did have the chance to meet the guys after the show and I remember thinking that Paul looked like he felt so bad..which made me feel bad for him. Sharon and Phil picked an amazing combo when they picked George, Paul, Ryan, Keith and Damian...and now, Neil...I have total faith that they will pick as equally wonderful new performers. Just look at the success of Celtic Women and Celtic Thunder, these two are very good at what they do, and I am so glad that they do it. So, please check the history of this blog before getting upset, I wish I had...I feel rather foolish, but then, like everyone else, I am human. Hmmm, this will teach me to check the blogs more often, eh? But, isn't it a relief to know we'll still have the original guys (minus Paul)...for now!
Why? The Celtic Thunder group you have now is what you should keep! They are the best you are going to get!DO NOT DO THIS. I LOVE THE GUYS! If you choose to get rid of them you will realise what you lost. Damian, Paul, Ryan, Keith, George, and Neil are great singers and not to mention HOT! Do NOT do this!
I have read a lot of comments about this being a business, so if a business is going great, why change it? If all the guys are going their own way, well then, I suppose there's not a choice. I only learned of Celtic Thunder a year ago (this month)...I fell in the love with the group. I understand Paul is leaving, but (and as much as I love his voice and humor, and will probably follow his solo career)...he can be replaced. My family and I were watching the Christmas DVD yesterday and we were talking about the comradery between the performers. If you replace all the singers, you may have a group called "Celtic Thunder", but...you will NOT have "CELTIC THUNDER"! I always assumed that the men would slowly move along to try and fly solo (who wouldn't want a solo career?) and replacing one or two individuals at a time would be an adjustment, but it could be made...by the way...I love Neil. My whole family enjoys the group, even my husband (at age 58) said he was glad I found out about the group, my daughters (age 15 and 10 1/2) love the group...but that group is THIS Celtic Thunder, not some new guys...they will never be able to fill those shoes, in my oppinion, if you completely change the group Celtic Thunder will cease to exist...very sad. They have brought so much joy into our lives. I am 49 years old, I have been to so many concerts that I can't remember them all, concerts ranging from Johnny Cash to Bob Segar, from Waylon Jennings to Heart, and I can honestly say that Celtic Thunder was the best I have ever had been to. My daughters and I went to see Celtic Thunder this November in Durham, NC. We'd wanted front row tickets, but the morning the tickets went on sale they went so fast...fortunately, we were able to get row 4. We travelled all day to get there, between the cost of tickets, gas, lodging and of course suveniers we spent right about $400, we were hoping they would be coming near NC again, we've already started our "Celtic Thunder concert fund"...but, if it is not the Celtic Thunder we know and love, that $400 (or more) will go to other uses. I've never spent that kind of money for one nights entertainment and would only do it again to see these guys perform. It's sad to say, but I feel that a whole new line up of singers will not be greeted well. I know that you all have to do what is best for you and for the performers we have come to know and love, I just hope it's not such a drastic change. I am, though, so thankful that I had the chance to see them this year...I realize now...this may have been my only chance. Although, I feel that completely repacing the singers is a huge mistake, I do wish you well...and the new singers who will have a VERY tough act to follow!
Lisa A.
Submitted by michelle dudley on Sun, 11/28/2010 - 09:22.
While I know change is inevitable, to have a Celtic "Menudo" is insulting to the artists and the fans. The success of Celtic Thunder was based on both the talent and the chemistry between the mates. While they may not "chatter" with the audience, they do still connect with them. I go to the concerts for music, not conversation. I suspect its all about turning a profit. How sad.
and by the way, its hardly outragious that a business (and it is a business, like ALL shows) be financially orientated. i honestly dont understand how people percieve these things work. global touring shows is gambling with massive sums of money. contingency plans and expansion are essential for that gamble to pay off. last time i looked, sentimentality wasnt a leading business plan.
when you fall in the entertainment business, you fall hard and fast, so it is important to swim with all your might to be successful. that is why there are things happening such as:
1. a second production being put together to meet demand.
2. understudies being put in place. (paul resigned over the weekend and will be leaving the touring company at the end of the tour)
Submitted by pogmothoinkm on Fri, 11/26/2010 - 23:40.
i haven't read all of the previous posts, but a few I did read suggest that Celtic Thunder is a show, and not a group. I think thousands upon thousands of fans would tell you that they are a group of talented individuals, who put on a show. If even one member were to leave, it would hurt the chemestry of the group dramatically. I was not real happy about adding Neal to the group, but he has gelled nicely with the rest of the guys. As far as them eventually going on to pursue individual careers, they are doing that already. But having the group to fall back on is a deffinate plus. I'm not sure any of them, with the exception of Paul, could be a sucessful solo act. It's the chemestry of the group that makes them what they are.
Submitted by MerryFaerie on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 17:45.
Honey all this crap that they are not a singing group but a "SHOW" is all dispelled when you watch the top video on this page. You know, the one with them standing outside the barn door.....AND they say in unison WE ARE CELTIC THUNDER! Of course without PAUL, they might as well change their name the CELTIC BREEZE.
If someone fills in for paul they will prob do the same message, just with a different guy in there. or if there are two productions, maybe there will be a message from each troupe. so the video doesnt make them a band.
they also seem to all have their own solo careers on the go. another reason they are not a band.
Submitted by nclarkjourney on Tue, 11/23/2010 - 12:25.
I hope this does not mean that the original group is going to be leaving. They are awesome. Hands down I'm 18 and when i first saw this the thing that drew me was that there was a boy my age. and I still am drawn to this day. In fact I just saw them Sunday (21, Nov) in Jacksonville, Florida.
IT WOULD BE HOWEVER!!! **AWESOME** if they started a second tour of Celtic Thunder. With new guys. putting on a production of BOTH the original and a "new" group.
I hope this doesn't mean the original five will be dissolved. They appeal to a wide range of ages. Celtic Thunder is the best thing that has happened. Thank you Sharon and Phil for creating Celtic Thunder. What are your intentions with more auditions?
Submitted by redhead500 on Mon, 10/25/2010 - 09:49.
Don't change them. I fell in love with all the ones that are in Celtic Thunder the first time I saw them on PBS TV. It is the ones that are in it now that made me buy the tickets to see them in Roanoke and looking to whereelse I can see them. If it is perfect why change it. Without George and the rest of them I doubt I would be interested anymore. PLEASE DON'T CHANGE THEM.
Submitted by iravdidenko on Thu, 10/28/2010 - 19:24.
it does not say "to replace' it says they need them for another touring production of CT.
this group is for the rest of the world that has yet to see CT, while the original guys are for the US.
they may act as understudies or something, but that's it.
At least, that's what i have heard.
ask HobbyT for more info--she can answer pretty much everything.
He's the reason I became hooked on Celtic Thunder. I saw the concert on PBS, and liked them all and their music. But Keith just drew me in. Then I looked him up and found this crazy surfer boy/musician. He's the only one of the group who really is a musician and writes his own music. Not to take anything away from the great voices of the other guys. I know one day Keith is going to leave the group to go out on his own. But for now, I'll love the whole Celtic Thunder experience.
I saw them at the Warner in Erie, Pa., last week. The venue is small and they didn't get to do the songs that need a larger stage, but they were still great. (I missed Caroline Torti's Jesse James.) I just was so thankful to be seeing them in person. When they first came out, I couldn't find Keith. I was so afraid he was missing this performance. Then I realized, he had changed his hair. Once the kid opened his mouth, there was no mistaking it. He's amazing. Hallelujah. He makes that song happen. Can you guess? I'm a Keith Harkin fan. Kick up you heels kid. You are going places.
Submitted by MissStarStealer on Sun, 10/17/2010 - 22:55.
Just because they are casting more members does not really mean anything if you are a true fan. The guys are going to go their own ways eventually and become solo artists. I think that we should respect that decision. I am not saying we have to like it, I am just saying change is inevitable. Because they are a show and not a band means there will be change. Even when you go to a Broadway play they do not have the same actors for the length of their run usually. Would that mean you wouldn't go see a play because there are cast changes? I mean I certainly wouldn't, but to each their own. I am not saying I am happy about it or even that I would like to see this happen, but from the last show I went to it seems to me like some of the chemistry is just not there anymore. Some of the guys seem moody and kind of like they don't want to be there. Maybe it was just our show, but I kinda got that feel from watching them. Not to mention we paid for the meet and greet and only met half the guys. I just think we should embrace the change if there even is one. We might just like some new members as well. I mean if we didn't like there being new singers in the group we would have never embraced Neil....and to tell you the truth he is fast becoming my favorite. So let's not jump to conclusions yet, let's just enjoy the group and show as it is for now and we can talk about taking that next step when we start to see the change.
Submitted by scottgriest on Tue, 10/12/2010 - 07:09.
I am not sure what you mean by adult choices, but CT has grown in the 3 years since they started and I can only see it getting better as they get more exposure. There are numerous groups that have existed for years with no changes. What ever happened to "don't fix it if it isn't broke. People like a sound and a group and when you play with the formula you have a tendancy to destroy what they became known for.
I read one of the reviews (its on the site somewhere) of the current tour done by a local american paper and they were somewhat confused as to why the guys never talk to the crowd during the show and why there is no "spontaneity" and everything is so tightly choreographed. i know why.... because they are not a group. its a show. and no matter how many times it has been pointed out, some people are not aknowledging it, but i have a feeling they will have to after next year.
aside from that, what did i mean by adult decisions?. If economics has thought us anything, its that nothing goes up and up and up. it eventually falls. imo, if CT dont revamp the show, it will get stale and run aground much sooner than if they develop it. Its also worth keeping in mind that big bands like the rolling stones can fly around the world in 12 months and cover all their fan base, but thats the rolling stones. its a different kind of gig. they play to tens of thousands, play a handful of cities per country (or sometimes just one) and are also paid sums of money that allow them to jet set the production around the globe. it seems that celtic thunder is a road trip tour for the most part that plays to smaller venues and more of them per country, and so the time involved and the workload required would mean they would be 3 years non stop touring before they even rached some parts of the world for the first time. and by that time, demand may have wained. we may all want things to stay the same, but with a bit of insight and logistics, it seems clear that if they keep it the same way, they will not meet global demand. and they can put together a second production because, once again, it is a show, not a group.
lastly, ( sorry this post is a bit long), just how terrible is it to have 10 celtic thunder guys instead of five? if the quality is the same, and sharon and phil do the same as they did the first time round, isnt that twice as good? im looking forward to hearing some new voices with the old ones, some new personalities.
Submitted by MerryFaerie on Wed, 10/13/2010 - 19:19.
I agree with the American newspaper! CT is a singing group, not a stage play and it doesn't benefit them to be so scripted! I have seen several plays in L.A. and even in these professional plays/musicals leads have broken character to start talking to the audience. It really endears the performers to the audience.
The thing that has made me a HUGE fan of Canadian Tenors is that in their PBS special, they interact adorably with the audience. Something I wish that CT would do.
no it isnt a stage play youre right. but it aint a group. its a show. i do like a bit of interaction if im being honest, but with that said, i think the existance of the second auditions clearly indicates that it is indeed, a show. but a show can have interaction as well.
Submitted by Nancy Gregg on Tue, 10/05/2010 - 11:53.
Change is inevitable. Sometimes it's good as in Keith Harkin's new hair style. Love the new look, Keith. I also like the insertion of Neil Byrne into some of the songs. But sometimes it's unnerving as in a new group of singers, a sort of generic Celtic Thunder. Still, although I like the present chemistry of the group, I wouldn't mind a couple of replacements ... as long as Keith remains in the group.
So, for me personally, I might watch a new PBS production void of the current men, but I would not attend a Celtic Thunder concert or purchase a CD or DVD without Keith Harkin in the mix. In fact, when I saw "It's Entertainment" at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh -- I've seen every concert; the first twice -- I disappointedly thought there was a fill-in for Keith. Until, of course, I heard his voice.
His voice, his style resonates with me and my husband, who can pick it out on a CD in the group numbers. Even my daughter, who has attended two shows with me, loves his voice. And we simply loved his surfer medley along with his guitar.
But I'm sure other fans have their favorites. The young girl next to me adored Damian and her friend swooned over Ryan. So, please understand that even though American's have an affinity for Ireland and Irish music, Celtic Thunder fans associate the five guys, now six, with "Celtic Thunder."
A final note: As far as any decline in ticket sales, the second production for PBS "Take Me Home," paled in comparison to the first. Damian's voice change, which is fine now, may have contributed to some of that. Nevertheless, "It's Entertainment" made-up for it.
I also was at the concert in Pittsburgh and I thought it was wonderful. I think those five guys suit each other well and are amazing and I would not be happy with any replacements, although some may decide to pursue single projects, I hope they remain a group for a long long time. I am not sure about a decline in ticket sales I see this year several concert venues have actually added afternoon matinees. Seems like an increase to me. They are #3 on the world Bill board chart as of yesterday. I love George and would hate to see him leave. Keith is down on my list but he is extremely talented and that is what makes these five guys CT they compliment each other I would not go see a second company that is for sure. While everyone has there favorites, these 5 guys and Neil make them Celtic Thunder!!!!
i think people need to realise that a ADULT choice needs to be made:
a) the existing celtic thunder keeps going for another few years, playing in smaller and smaller venues as time goes on with less money behind it each time or
b) the show is allowed to develop on a worldwide scale by taking on a few new members. its a few new people... big deal. why all the fuss. noone being replaced, just an expansion and it insures the longevity of CT.
maybe some people dont want to go see a new production. fine. dont go. the world is a big place and this is an opportunity for other people around the world to have a similar experience to the one you have had over the last two years. same people? no. same show? yes. Worse or better? noone knows because NOONE HAS SEEN THE SECOND PRODUCTION YET!
i know there are many young fans who might struggle to understand this and thats fine, but i cant understand how some of us grown ups dont get this.
p.s. nothing lasts forever. not even life itself. everything ends, but around every corner is something new and wonderful to discover.
I am not sure what you mean by adult choices, but CT has grown in the 3 years since they started and I can only see it getting better as they get more exposure. There are numerous groups that have existed for years with no changes. What ever happened to "don't fix it if it isn't broke. People like a sound and a group and when you play with the formula you have a tendancy to destroy what they became known for.
The second production may be great but people have the right to express ther opinions as to why they do not think so. I can see maybe having back up for illnesses or major problems or a second company for touring places the first company has not been to yet. As far as I am concerned these guys are CT and always will be. I am an adult and I do get it!!
sorry donna, maybe what i said came across as patronising, thats not what i meant. my point is that these things change for a reason, and the reason is for the financial growth of the show. by "adult" i mean we have to think with heads rather than hearts. sure we want things to stay them same but a show must adapt or else it goes stale. it has grown for 2-3 years but it wont keep doing that. it will get repetitious suprisingly quickly in a couple of years and grind to a halt, and so it is important to adapt it and give it a shake up/ expansion. in order for it to keep growing this is what it needs. the people who put this show togther know what they are doing.
i have always enjoyed the guys but i never thought of them as a band. how can they be? its a show! people deciding to see it as a band doesnt make it a band, as the above recruitment points out. jean butler and michael flatley were great together and were recogniseable, but they werent a band/ group whatever you want to call it. if CT WAS a band, and one of them left, should it end there? if a member leaves a group it should break up right? not in this case thankfully. they would be replaced and we'd all be the happier for it. so im personally glad it IS a show and NOT a band.
Submitted by joan mcdermott on Sat, 10/02/2010 - 14:13.
Dear Phil Coulter:
I am upset that you are looking to cast another production of Celtic Thunder. As far as I'm concerned, there is only ONE Celtic Thunder, and that is the one we have now. I will never pay to see a different cast in Celtic Thunder.
I am very upset by this audition poster. To me Celtic Thunder are these current men and no one else. These guys are wonderful and extremely talented and fit perfectly together. Why do people always mess with what is working. I hope this second touring company never comes to the USA. I just watched these guys last evening in a show in Pittsburgh. I was impressed as this is the first "live show" I have seen. They were even better than on TV I will go again and every time they decide to come here.But the first time I go and five different guys walk out on stage I am done. I will get up and walk out. How can you present a group and then change it totally. I can see if someone leaves they need replaced. but come on now...... Why not just start a new group and promote them. What are you people thinking. I do respect what has bben done with them as a group but I don't know what Sahron and Phil could possibly be thinking. These guys are CT don't mess with what is good. They can pursue individual projects and still remain a group.
i think the fact that its a "second" touring production is what i find reassuring. if there is a second production, that means there is also a first. so its very unlikely that you will turn up to a show and 5 new guys (or 6 for that matter) will walk out on stage. not unless all existing members chose to leave. there is nothing to be gained by forced replacement of any members, it makes no sense at all, and there is also no suggestion that this is going to happen so i dont think there is anything to worry about. the only way a "replacement" would happen that sharon mentioned in her posts was a. someone decides to leave, or b. someone is out sick and needs to be temporarily replaced. sharon also said that the second production was for another part of the world, so it suggests the 6 existing guys will remain the darlings of the US. if you havent read sharons posts have a root through this thread, they are there someowhere and are comprehensive explanations.
neither the ad above or sharons posts suggested anyone was getting the boot or leaving. from what i have read, that idea that there was shinanigans afoot all stemmed from a few early posts by people who got the wrong idea and the whole thing ran away with itself.
Exactly! Because of this and I quote you, "sharon also said that the second production was for another part of the world, so it suggests the 6 existing guys will remain the darlings of the US", I am NOT happy about it. I am from another part of the world and a fan of THESE guys since the start in March 2008... But I am sure you are happy since "they will remain the darlings of the US".
Innocent wench of the MSGs! THANKS FOR RCMH 8th, YOU ARE F A N T A S T I C !!!
[c
look i dont know, to be honest this show is huge, and is not taken lightly considering the money it must draw. whatever the plan is for next year, sharon will let us all know in due course. she has already put her cards on the table more than any other producer ive ever heard of. its actually extraordinarily unique and a bit of a priveledged insight for fans. perhaps if its a new team going to your part of the world they will be introduced to you through new dvd's, and you can decide what you want to do. maybe they'll be great. maybe you'll love them, maybe not. maybe you'll have to travel stateside to see the existing guys, maybe you can go to the two shows and like them near equally. you wont know till you see it. i understand people being attached to the current guys, but lord knows we've all come out of a relationship thinking "ill never meet someone like that again", and most of the time you do better.
the reality is, as sharon says, when a certain part of the world is ready, you go. its a tough, demanding market out there and it must be met in order for the show to thrive.
something is coming anyway, thats for sure, and rather than worry my tiny head about it and conjour up all kinds of terrible scenario's, im going to look forward to it. sharon and phil got it right so far, who says they wont do it again.
Well I hope that this is the case. These guys are fantastic as is and it would be a shame to change anything just to change it. So often what people think is an improvement turns out to be a huge mistake.
I would think Sharon and Phil were smarter than that. CT show in Pittsburgh on the 29th just made me love them even more. TV does not do them justice they are even more impressive "live". Voices are so strong. AlthoughI would like to see Geore showcased slightly more. He has an amazing talent just like the others. Thanks.
there you are donna, i was just about to post this link for you. if you read through it carefully it gives a good indication of what is coming up for CT. there's a few loose ends to be had but all in all i found this post from sharon reassuring. quite frankly i am intrigued to see people added to the CT fold. it will bring a new dimension to the whole thing. and if they recruit new guys of the same quality as the existing guys then i dont think anyone will have any reason to complain.!
maybe its the fact that the world is seeing hard times but people seem to be more inclined to expect the worst rather than the best. trust sharon and phil to do as good a job as they did the first time round. their track record certainly warrants it. celtic thunder is growing, thats great news!!!
Submitted by Celtic_Warrior on Sat, 09/25/2010 - 13:40.
Hmmm, well as far as I know none of them have been auditioning for other career paths. Paul was already a well-established soloist before his CT days, and both Keith and Ryan have written a few of their own songs, but to my knowledge that's about it. In the here and now, it appears that CT is their primary focus. That seems to be the case for Damian, George, and Neil as well. So there really is no double standard there, or at least not yet. But if at some point any of the guys wanted to pursue or "re-pursue" if you will a full-fledged solo career, I would support them 110% and most certainly buy their music.
I am well aware of the new tour, as my family and I will be in attendance at their stop in my hometown of Buffalo, New York this very evening.
As for the whole "band vs. show" thing it seems we have reached an impasse here, but hear me out: The concept may have started out as "just a show" (along the lines of, say, Phantom of the Opera or Riverdance) but I think it's kind of stupid for the brains behind CT to refer to it that way three years later. Why? Because during the course of those years, we have all come to recognize them as "a band," each member having their own personality and bringing something entirely different to the table. If it really were a show in the truest sense of the word, none of that would matter much because there would be a script to strictly adhere to. (I'm not talking about choreography, which obviously CT relies on heavily; I'm talking about acts and lines and such.) I've seen Phantom on three separate occasions, and I hadn't a clue as to who played any of the characters each time, nor did I care. It didn't matter because the material was exactly the same throughout each minute of every performance. Not one thing different, with the exception of how a particular actor's voice sounded from one performance to another. That's a show, when the material stays consistent from instance to instance. Celtic Woman started out as "a show" nearly seven years ago, and look at them now. They have evolved into and are now recognized as one of the best world music BANDS across the globe, the handful of lineup changes therein notwithstanding. (The trio of Lisa, Chloe, and Mairead have been around since day one.)
Also, exactly what material are these new Celtic guys going to perform anyway? Some have said that they are going to start way back with the material from the first DVD. Great, just what the audiences in Asia want to hear; a retread of songs done across North America three years prior! Guess we had better brace ourselves for a Damian sound-alike doing Puppy Love all over again!
Maybe I "just don't get it" or what have you, but I'm not entirely sold on this idea and think it's nothing more than a cash grab on the part of Sharon and Phil. But hey, as Lord Beckett said in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, "I'm afraid currency is the currency of the realm."
When they are not on the road they are all usually pretty busy with solo work of some kind.
Don't forget that Damian did audition for Glee and was in the top 25. They may not share publicly what they are doing with their careers, but I am fairly certain that they are working on solo stuff privately. Keith, when he is home is usually quite busy working with his new record label and recording either his stuff or his sister's. I know Keith has been working on one of his own, but it isn't ready yet. He can also be found gigging around his home town. I believe Ryan and George do much the same thing. Ryan is just finishing up his own CD and Neil just released an EP. I believe Paul has another Solo CD coming out too.
--Staci --
"You can always tell where the lamplighter went by the trail he/she left behind." Unknown
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Submitted by Celtic_Warrior on Tue, 09/28/2010 - 23:49.
Damn...shows what I know, lol. I've checked out some of Neil's solo stuff on his MySpace. VERY different from his work in CT, but at the same time VERY cool! Though I couldn't find a link to purchase the EP. Any ideas?
*Edit: Nevermind...seems to only be available on iTunes. Grrrr.
--Staci --
"You can always tell where the lamplighter went by the trail he/she left behind." Unknown
[=85][=#400080]Moderator for the Pub forum, Area forums, Photo forum and the Q&A forum.
Feel free to contact me w
it was good to talk to you about it anyway. enjoy the show. and may the future be bright for those in celtic thunder now, the new arrivals, and the fans alike.
fair enough on the alternative names comment, but you can see how easy it was to misinterpret that one.
I still dont understand why you think they are being shafted. Neither myself or yourself (unless youre not telling me something) have any idea what is in store for the future. Yes they have worked their arses off to get where they are and there is nothing to suggest they wont still be involved for years to come.... unless they choose to pursue their own careers of course. someone else on this thread made the point that everyone seems to be having a go at sharon and phil for potentially "replacing" the guys, and yet noone is having a go at the guys for going to auditions for other career paths? bit of a double standard that.
With all that aside, the guys are out on a new tour, and judging by their tweets and peoples reviews of their first few shows, they seem to be happy and excited about it. there's no indication of any unrest. So im guessing people are just concerned that the format might change in the future, even though there is no indication that that will happen either. no-one likes to see their favourite band break up, but it seems the show is growing and why shouldnt it. By the way, they are not a band, no matter how much people want to see it that way, im just using the term for convenience. They are not U2, Aerosmith etc. Its a show, whether people like to see it or not, and maybe if people realise that, then the second production being put together would make more sense.
Submitted by Celtic_Warrior on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 23:02.
Sorry, but the idea of Celtic Thunder Mach 2 is, to me, a horrible one. As so many others here have said, when we fans hear the name of the group we immediately think "Ryan, Paul, Keith, George, Damian, and Neil." Not "Bob, Larry, Joe, Rick, Dave, and Simon." (For lack of better examples.) Yes, CT may have started out as "just a show, not a band" but over the last 2 1/2 years the fan-base has increasingly come to view it as just that: a band comprised of six extraordinarily talented singers. The way they feed off of one another in the ensemble numbers is amazing, and you can tell there is a special chemistry/camaraderie there. These aren't just six guys getting together to put on a play every so often, like Phantom of the Opera or Cats. I can certainly understand the need for understudies; for instance, George gets sick and *insert random guy's name here* fills in for a few nights. But to form an entirely new group of the same name is a disgrace and an insult to these six guys who have worked their tails off to entertain us these last couple years.
Some comparisons have been made here to Celtic Woman and the changes made therein. While I do enjoy some of their music and also find them to be very beautiful and talented ladies, I heartily agree with those who have said they are a more generic group than CT. It is often hard to tell who is singing what unless you know by watching the performance or from reading a track list. Even with the lineup changes that were made in that group, I haven't noticed much of an overall difference in sound and said changes hardly constitute a "second touring production."
Others have said that (the real) CT can't tour North America and the rest of the world all in the course of a year for health/personal reasons, and I agree. But why can't they switch off? Example: Do a North American tour for four months, take four months off, then do a European or Asian tour. How hard is that? I know I'm probably oversimplifying this because I don't know much about the music business, but it doesn't seem too complex.
As far as solo careers are concerned, these are six very talented guys and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that any of them would do an amazing job at solo work. Paul has already established himself, and to a lesser extent Keith has as well. I don't know about the others, but I have every bit of faith in the world that they could write/perform some great material that I would definitely pay for.
Sharon and Phil, I respect the hell out of both of you for what you have done with CT. But as much as it pains me to say this, I do hope the two of you have experienced and continue to experience a huge amount of backlash from CT fans outside of this forum. It will only serve you right. Go ahead, form another group of talented guys and send them around the world, give them my blessings. Call them whatever you want...Celtic Tsunami, Celtic Wave, Celtic Earthquake, whatever you like. But they are not going to be Celtic Thunder, now or ever. End of statement.
i dont think its right for people to make jokes about diasters that happened in asia where people lost their lives.
i have watched this site on and off but never posted. it has always been a great site for positivity and appreciation for all the hard work everyone in celtic thunder has done over the years. but this thread seems to have brought about a very dark side to people, and it doesnt seem to be in the spirit of "thunderheads" at all.
i cant understand why people cant understand the following, because this was my interpretation: a second production for asia is set up, so two groups are touring at the same time or the tours overlap. the asian tour im guessing will take a while to put together (auditions only a few months ago) and with all involved focused on the existing tour, the second troop wouldnt see daylight until next year at some point. meaning the existing tour will have all the original members. come next year, seeing as the existing lads are predominantly popular in america they will continue to tour america. the other troup will be in asia, so why does anyone in america care who is singing in asia? it doesnt affect you.
as for thinking the existing lads are getting shafted, where on earth did that come from? totally plucked from thin air.
stay with me: from the auditions that were held, which was a few months ago by all accounts, they use that troop to cover for the existing line up. just like sharon posted. why do people have a problem with that?
lastly, i think having a go at the two people who brought us CT is ridiculous and i think it is also unfair to judge the second troop when we havent even seen them! if you think they should be called a different name then thats fine, but some people are being rude, unrealistic and unfair.
all the best to the CT team 1 on their new tour, and all the best to the new team, cant wait to see you...... in asia of course.
Submitted by Celtic_Warrior on Wed, 09/22/2010 - 23:12.
"i dont think its right for people to make jokes about diasters that happened in asia where people lost their lives."
What, pray tell, are you talking about? Are you assuming that because I used such words as "tsunami" and "earthquake" that I was somehow mocking the terrible things that happened to those in foreign lands? Certainly not! How's about you stay with me on this one: Those, much like "thunder," "storm," and other such words are nature and weather-related terms. THAT is why I suggested them, as potential alternatives to "thunder." Get it? My name isn't Fred Phelps, okay? I didn't do it to poke fun at anything or anyone, and for you to assume that is preposterous. I'm not THAT horrible of a person.
As far as the original CT guys getting "shafted" (not a word I used) or what have you, I believe they are. Why? They have busted their tails these last three or so years, and their hard work has become synonymous with the name Celtic Thunder. Not the work of five or six completely different people. All I'm really saying is that these new guys, whoever they may be, should not adopt the CT name. Just like there is only one group we can call The Beatles, one Metallica, one Black Sabbath, and one U2, there is and can only be ONE Celtic Thunder. It isn't too complicated, dear friend. Suggesting that they be given a different moniker is neither rude, unrealistic, or unfair.
And as for Sharon and Phil, again, much as I respect what they have done for CT up to this point, I think this to be a bad business decision. Who knows, maybe it will turn out to be a great one? I'm not clairvoyant. But I stand by my original statement, to wit, if it blows up in their faces they have only themselves to blame.
Submitted by frankthecarguy on Sat, 09/04/2010 - 21:41.
I have to agree with the majority of feedback - when you think Celtic Thunder you think these guys. They've become so familiar to those who follow CT that it wouldn't be the same with other vocalists.
Also, I think they should go back to their Celtic roots in music. They are certainly talented enough to perform other venues but they are Celtic Thunder, not American Thunder. Our favorite CD and concert was the first.
Submitted by juliahuertas1 on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 23:15.
This is soo unfair to everyone except maybe miss sharon. If she wants another irish show then make one but don't try to call it Celtic Thunder. I am sure it would be sucessful but please leave CT as it is.
Comments
second celtic thunder
Well I agree with the last comment there is only one CELTIC THUNDER.
The name should be something else., Maybe if you keep the venue the same just change the name..
just saying
Please stay together!!!
There is only one Celtic Thunder group!!! Hate the thought of anyone leaving..... Phil Coulter has been a favorite of mine for a long time and I trust he will keep them all together if possible, Sharon too. There are still people in the US that has not been introduced to them. I took several to the concerts in Oct. and Nov. and they were shocked at how great they were. Hope to see them many more times!!!!
Huge Oklahoma fan!!!
If we all remember, at the
If we all remember, at the end of the very first Celtic Thunder DVD, I believe it was Paul who said, We are not a band. They all do their own songs and interweave group songs. Honestly, with Paul leaving, I feel this gives us a great chance to become enamoured with Emmet. I was sad when I heard the news, but I know that I will follow his solo career. We must be naive if we think that all of them will stay together just because we want them to. That would be destroying their dreams. While it has been nice to have the original crew for a little while, we must remember that we did indeed have them, and that cant be taken away from us. I have a feeling the Emmet will fit in quite well with the lads and that the Thunderheads will welcome him to the family with welcome arms.
(and sorry if I spelt Emmet wrong)
new group
Boy, how I wish I had taken the time yesterday to look back to the May blogs...we all should do that before we "panic". I am understanding it as, the new guys will be more like "understudies", all big shows have them. At this point I retract my pleas from yesterdays comments...seems they were not founded. I think it is great that they are finding men to fill in for the others should someone need to miss a show..after all, every one has emergencies or gets sick at some time or other and, as much as I love these guys, I hate the thought of them up there on stage feeling terrible, yet still putting everything out there just so we can be happy. I am also a performer and recently did a Christmas show in which I was in very much pain, but I did my show and no one knew how badly I felt...that was just one night, these guys do so many shows...let's give them a break. When I saw Celtic Thunder in Durham I did have the chance to meet the guys after the show and I remember thinking that Paul looked like he felt so bad..which made me feel bad for him. Sharon and Phil picked an amazing combo when they picked George, Paul, Ryan, Keith and Damian...and now, Neil...I have total faith that they will pick as equally wonderful new performers. Just look at the success of Celtic Women and Celtic Thunder, these two are very good at what they do, and I am so glad that they do it. So, please check the history of this blog before getting upset, I wish I had...I feel rather foolish, but then, like everyone else, I am human. Hmmm, this will teach me to check the blogs more often, eh? But, isn't it a relief to know we'll still have the original guys (minus Paul)...for now!
new people
Why? The Celtic Thunder group you have now is what you should keep! They are the best you are going to get!DO NOT DO THIS. I LOVE THE GUYS! If you choose to get rid of them you will realise what you lost. Damian, Paul, Ryan, Keith, George, and Neil are great singers and not to mention HOT! Do NOT do this!
no more "Celtic Thunder"?
I have read a lot of comments about this being a business, so if a business is going great, why change it? If all the guys are going their own way, well then, I suppose there's not a choice. I only learned of Celtic Thunder a year ago (this month)...I fell in the love with the group. I understand Paul is leaving, but (and as much as I love his voice and humor, and will probably follow his solo career)...he can be replaced. My family and I were watching the Christmas DVD yesterday and we were talking about the comradery between the performers. If you replace all the singers, you may have a group called "Celtic Thunder", but...you will NOT have "CELTIC THUNDER"! I always assumed that the men would slowly move along to try and fly solo (who wouldn't want a solo career?) and replacing one or two individuals at a time would be an adjustment, but it could be made...by the way...I love Neil. My whole family enjoys the group, even my husband (at age 58) said he was glad I found out about the group, my daughters (age 15 and 10 1/2) love the group...but that group is THIS Celtic Thunder, not some new guys...they will never be able to fill those shoes, in my oppinion, if you completely change the group Celtic Thunder will cease to exist...very sad. They have brought so much joy into our lives. I am 49 years old, I have been to so many concerts that I can't remember them all, concerts ranging from Johnny Cash to Bob Segar, from Waylon Jennings to Heart, and I can honestly say that Celtic Thunder was the best I have ever had been to. My daughters and I went to see Celtic Thunder this November in Durham, NC. We'd wanted front row tickets, but the morning the tickets went on sale they went so fast...fortunately, we were able to get row 4. We travelled all day to get there, between the cost of tickets, gas, lodging and of course suveniers we spent right about $400, we were hoping they would be coming near NC again, we've already started our "Celtic Thunder concert fund"...but, if it is not the Celtic Thunder we know and love, that $400 (or more) will go to other uses. I've never spent that kind of money for one nights entertainment and would only do it again to see these guys perform. It's sad to say, but I feel that a whole new line up of singers will not be greeted well. I know that you all have to do what is best for you and for the performers we have come to know and love, I just hope it's not such a drastic change. I am, though, so thankful that I had the chance to see them this year...I realize now...this may have been my only chance. Although, I feel that completely repacing the singers is a huge mistake, I do wish you well...and the new singers who will have a VERY tough act to follow!
Lisa A.
How about Celtic
How about Celtic Lightening...a GIRLS group!!! I have three sisters and we all sing!! wink wink cough cough......wink.
you mean like....Celtic
you mean like....Celtic Woman....produced by Sharon Browne?
Change
While I know change is inevitable, to have a Celtic "Menudo" is insulting to the artists and the fans. The success of Celtic Thunder was based on both the talent and the chemistry between the mates. While they may not "chatter" with the audience, they do still connect with them. I go to the concerts for music, not conversation. I suspect its all about turning a profit. How sad.
cant have it both ways
and if someone leaves? is that ok?
and by the way, its hardly outragious that a business (and it is a business, like ALL shows) be financially orientated. i honestly dont understand how people percieve these things work. global touring shows is gambling with massive sums of money. contingency plans and expansion are essential for that gamble to pay off. last time i looked, sentimentality wasnt a leading business plan.
when you fall in the entertainment business, you fall hard and fast, so it is important to swim with all your might to be successful. that is why there are things happening such as:
1. a second production being put together to meet demand.
2. understudies being put in place. (paul resigned over the weekend and will be leaving the touring company at the end of the tour)
so what is so difficult for fans to understand?
New touring show
i haven't read all of the previous posts, but a few I did read suggest that Celtic Thunder is a show, and not a group. I think thousands upon thousands of fans would tell you that they are a group of talented individuals, who put on a show. If even one member were to leave, it would hurt the chemestry of the group dramatically. I was not real happy about adding Neal to the group, but he has gelled nicely with the rest of the guys. As far as them eventually going on to pursue individual careers, they are doing that already. But having the group to fall back on is a deffinate plus. I'm not sure any of them, with the exception of Paul, could be a sucessful solo act. It's the chemestry of the group that makes them what they are.
They are Celtic Thunder
Honey all this crap that they are not a singing group but a "SHOW" is all dispelled when you watch the top video on this page. You know, the one with them standing outside the barn door.....AND they say in unison WE ARE CELTIC THUNDER! Of course without PAUL, they might as well change their name the CELTIC BREEZE.
reply
If someone fills in for paul they will prob do the same message, just with a different guy in there. or if there are two productions, maybe there will be a message from each troupe. so the video doesnt make them a band.
they also seem to all have their own solo careers on the go. another reason they are not a band.
Open auditions???
New 5 male vocalist, NO NO. I love the ones you have! Please don't replace any of them!! Celtic Thunder would not be the same!
I hope not...BUT!!
I hope this does not mean that the original group is going to be leaving. They are awesome. Hands down I'm 18 and when i first saw this the thing that drew me was that there was a boy my age. and I still am drawn to this day. In fact I just saw them Sunday (21, Nov) in Jacksonville, Florida.
IT WOULD BE HOWEVER!!! **AWESOME** if they started a second tour of Celtic Thunder. With new guys. putting on a production of BOTH the original and a "new" group.
I think 2 would be great...
What are your intentions?
I hope this doesn't mean the original five will be dissolved. They appeal to a wide range of ages. Celtic Thunder is the best thing that has happened. Thank you Sharon and Phil for creating Celtic Thunder. What are your intentions with more auditions?
Celtic Thunder
Don't change them. I fell in love with all the ones that are in Celtic Thunder the first time I saw them on PBS TV. It is the ones that are in it now that made me buy the tickets to see them in Roanoke and looking to whereelse I can see them. If it is perfect why change it. Without George and the rest of them I doubt I would be interested anymore. PLEASE DON'T CHANGE THEM.
its there in blue and white.
yea they are changing them, it says it on the poster. it says "5 male vocalists between 17-40 to replace the existing touring Production."
it does not say "to replace'
it does not say "to replace' it says they need them for another touring production of CT.
this group is for the rest of the world that has yet to see CT, while the original guys are for the US.
they may act as understudies or something, but that's it.
At least, that's what i have heard.
ask HobbyT for more info--she can answer pretty much everything.
i know
yea i know what it says, i was trying to make a point.
i just find it fascinating how people dont read what it says, and jump to all kinds of wild conclusions.
Say it like it is honey
ha ha ha ha! I peed a little when I read that!
Keith
He's the reason I became hooked on Celtic Thunder. I saw the concert on PBS, and liked them all and their music. But Keith just drew me in. Then I looked him up and found this crazy surfer boy/musician. He's the only one of the group who really is a musician and writes his own music. Not to take anything away from the great voices of the other guys. I know one day Keith is going to leave the group to go out on his own. But for now, I'll love the whole Celtic Thunder experience.
I saw them at the Warner in Erie, Pa., last week. The venue is small and they didn't get to do the songs that need a larger stage, but they were still great. (I missed Caroline Torti's Jesse James.) I just was so thankful to be seeing them in person. When they first came out, I couldn't find Keith. I was so afraid he was missing this performance. Then I realized, he had changed his hair. Once the kid opened his mouth, there was no mistaking it. He's amazing. Hallelujah. He makes that song happen. Can you guess? I'm a Keith Harkin fan. Kick up you heels kid. You are going places.
CT
Just because they are casting more members does not really mean anything if you are a true fan. The guys are going to go their own ways eventually and become solo artists. I think that we should respect that decision. I am not saying we have to like it, I am just saying change is inevitable. Because they are a show and not a band means there will be change. Even when you go to a Broadway play they do not have the same actors for the length of their run usually. Would that mean you wouldn't go see a play because there are cast changes? I mean I certainly wouldn't, but to each their own. I am not saying I am happy about it or even that I would like to see this happen, but from the last show I went to it seems to me like some of the chemistry is just not there anymore. Some of the guys seem moody and kind of like they don't want to be there. Maybe it was just our show, but I kinda got that feel from watching them. Not to mention we paid for the meet and greet and only met half the guys. I just think we should embrace the change if there even is one. We might just like some new members as well. I mean if we didn't like there being new singers in the group we would have never embraced Neil....and to tell you the truth he is fast becoming my favorite. So let's not jump to conclusions yet, let's just enjoy the group and show as it is for now and we can talk about taking that next step when we start to see the change.
I am not sure what you mean
I am not sure what you mean by adult choices, but CT has grown in the 3 years since they started and I can only see it getting better as they get more exposure. There are numerous groups that have existed for years with no changes. What ever happened to "don't fix it if it isn't broke. People like a sound and a group and when you play with the formula you have a tendancy to destroy what they became known for.
adult decisions
I read one of the reviews (its on the site somewhere) of the current tour done by a local american paper and they were somewhat confused as to why the guys never talk to the crowd during the show and why there is no "spontaneity" and everything is so tightly choreographed. i know why.... because they are not a group. its a show. and no matter how many times it has been pointed out, some people are not aknowledging it, but i have a feeling they will have to after next year.
aside from that, what did i mean by adult decisions?. If economics has thought us anything, its that nothing goes up and up and up. it eventually falls. imo, if CT dont revamp the show, it will get stale and run aground much sooner than if they develop it. Its also worth keeping in mind that big bands like the rolling stones can fly around the world in 12 months and cover all their fan base, but thats the rolling stones. its a different kind of gig. they play to tens of thousands, play a handful of cities per country (or sometimes just one) and are also paid sums of money that allow them to jet set the production around the globe. it seems that celtic thunder is a road trip tour for the most part that plays to smaller venues and more of them per country, and so the time involved and the workload required would mean they would be 3 years non stop touring before they even rached some parts of the world for the first time. and by that time, demand may have wained. we may all want things to stay the same, but with a bit of insight and logistics, it seems clear that if they keep it the same way, they will not meet global demand. and they can put together a second production because, once again, it is a show, not a group.
lastly, ( sorry this post is a bit long), just how terrible is it to have 10 celtic thunder guys instead of five? if the quality is the same, and sharon and phil do the same as they did the first time round, isnt that twice as good? im looking forward to hearing some new voices with the old ones, some new personalities.
American Newspaper
I agree with the American newspaper! CT is a singing group, not a stage play and it doesn't benefit them to be so scripted! I have seen several plays in L.A. and even in these professional plays/musicals leads have broken character to start talking to the audience. It really endears the performers to the audience.
The thing that has made me a HUGE fan of Canadian Tenors is that in their PBS special, they interact adorably with the audience. Something I wish that CT would do.
last time.
no it isnt a stage play youre right. but it aint a group. its a show. i do like a bit of interaction if im being honest, but with that said, i think the existance of the second auditions clearly indicates that it is indeed, a show. but a show can have interaction as well.
Change inevitable, but ...
Change is inevitable. Sometimes it's good as in Keith Harkin's new hair style. Love the new look, Keith. I also like the insertion of Neil Byrne into some of the songs. But sometimes it's unnerving as in a new group of singers, a sort of generic Celtic Thunder. Still, although I like the present chemistry of the group, I wouldn't mind a couple of replacements ... as long as Keith remains in the group.
So, for me personally, I might watch a new PBS production void of the current men, but I would not attend a Celtic Thunder concert or purchase a CD or DVD without Keith Harkin in the mix. In fact, when I saw "It's Entertainment" at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh -- I've seen every concert; the first twice -- I disappointedly thought there was a fill-in for Keith. Until, of course, I heard his voice.
His voice, his style resonates with me and my husband, who can pick it out on a CD in the group numbers. Even my daughter, who has attended two shows with me, loves his voice. And we simply loved his surfer medley along with his guitar.
But I'm sure other fans have their favorites. The young girl next to me adored Damian and her friend swooned over Ryan. So, please understand that even though American's have an affinity for Ireland and Irish music, Celtic Thunder fans associate the five guys, now six, with "Celtic Thunder."
A final note: As far as any decline in ticket sales, the second production for PBS "Take Me Home," paled in comparison to the first. Damian's voice change, which is fine now, may have contributed to some of that. Nevertheless, "It's Entertainment" made-up for it.
change
I also was at the concert in Pittsburgh and I thought it was wonderful. I think those five guys suit each other well and are amazing and I would not be happy with any replacements, although some may decide to pursue single projects, I hope they remain a group for a long long time. I am not sure about a decline in ticket sales I see this year several concert venues have actually added afternoon matinees. Seems like an increase to me. They are #3 on the world Bill board chart as of yesterday. I love George and would hate to see him leave. Keith is down on my list but he is extremely talented and that is what makes these five guys CT they compliment each other I would not go see a second company that is for sure. While everyone has there favorites, these 5 guys and Neil make them Celtic Thunder!!!!
choice
i think people need to realise that a ADULT choice needs to be made:
a) the existing celtic thunder keeps going for another few years, playing in smaller and smaller venues as time goes on with less money behind it each time or
b) the show is allowed to develop on a worldwide scale by taking on a few new members. its a few new people... big deal. why all the fuss. noone being replaced, just an expansion and it insures the longevity of CT.
maybe some people dont want to go see a new production. fine. dont go. the world is a big place and this is an opportunity for other people around the world to have a similar experience to the one you have had over the last two years. same people? no. same show? yes. Worse or better? noone knows because NOONE HAS SEEN THE SECOND PRODUCTION YET!
i know there are many young fans who might struggle to understand this and thats fine, but i cant understand how some of us grown ups dont get this.
p.s. nothing lasts forever. not even life itself. everything ends, but around every corner is something new and wonderful to discover.
CT fire
I am not sure what you mean by adult choices, but CT has grown in the 3 years since they started and I can only see it getting better as they get more exposure. There are numerous groups that have existed for years with no changes. What ever happened to "don't fix it if it isn't broke. People like a sound and a group and when you play with the formula you have a tendancy to destroy what they became known for.
The second production may be great but people have the right to express ther opinions as to why they do not think so. I can see maybe having back up for illnesses or major problems or a second company for touring places the first company has not been to yet. As far as I am concerned these guys are CT and always will be. I am an adult and I do get it!!
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sorry donna, maybe what i said came across as patronising, thats not what i meant. my point is that these things change for a reason, and the reason is for the financial growth of the show. by "adult" i mean we have to think with heads rather than hearts. sure we want things to stay them same but a show must adapt or else it goes stale. it has grown for 2-3 years but it wont keep doing that. it will get repetitious suprisingly quickly in a couple of years and grind to a halt, and so it is important to adapt it and give it a shake up/ expansion. in order for it to keep growing this is what it needs. the people who put this show togther know what they are doing.
i have always enjoyed the guys but i never thought of them as a band. how can they be? its a show! people deciding to see it as a band doesnt make it a band, as the above recruitment points out. jean butler and michael flatley were great together and were recogniseable, but they werent a band/ group whatever you want to call it. if CT WAS a band, and one of them left, should it end there? if a member leaves a group it should break up right? not in this case thankfully. they would be replaced and we'd all be the happier for it. so im personally glad it IS a show and NOT a band.
New Production of Celtic Thunder
Dear Phil Coulter:
I am upset that you are looking to cast another production of Celtic Thunder. As far as I'm concerned, there is only ONE Celtic Thunder, and that is the one we have now. I will never pay to see a different cast in Celtic Thunder.
Why are you doing this?
Thank you.
Joan McDermott
What is this
I am very upset by this audition poster. To me Celtic Thunder are these current men and no one else. These guys are wonderful and extremely talented and fit perfectly together. Why do people always mess with what is working. I hope this second touring company never comes to the USA. I just watched these guys last evening in a show in Pittsburgh. I was impressed as this is the first "live show" I have seen. They were even better than on TV I will go again and every time they decide to come here.But the first time I go and five different guys walk out on stage I am done. I will get up and walk out. How can you present a group and then change it totally. I can see if someone leaves they need replaced. but come on now...... Why not just start a new group and promote them. What are you people thinking. I do respect what has bben done with them as a group but I don't know what Sahron and Phil could possibly be thinking. These guys are CT don't mess with what is good. They can pursue individual projects and still remain a group.
donna
i think the fact that its a "second" touring production is what i find reassuring. if there is a second production, that means there is also a first. so its very unlikely that you will turn up to a show and 5 new guys (or 6 for that matter) will walk out on stage. not unless all existing members chose to leave. there is nothing to be gained by forced replacement of any members, it makes no sense at all, and there is also no suggestion that this is going to happen so i dont think there is anything to worry about. the only way a "replacement" would happen that sharon mentioned in her posts was a. someone decides to leave, or b. someone is out sick and needs to be temporarily replaced. sharon also said that the second production was for another part of the world, so it suggests the 6 existing guys will remain the darlings of the US. if you havent read sharons posts have a root through this thread, they are there someowhere and are comprehensive explanations.
neither the ad above or sharons posts suggested anyone was getting the boot or leaving. from what i have read, that idea that there was shinanigans afoot all stemmed from a few early posts by people who got the wrong idea and the whole thing ran away with itself.
Exactly!
Exactly! Because of this and I quote you, "sharon also said that the second production was for another part of the world, so it suggests the 6 existing guys will remain the darlings of the US", I am NOT happy about it. I am from another part of the world and a fan of THESE guys since the start in March 2008... But I am sure you are happy since "they will remain the darlings of the US".
Innocent wench of the MSGs!
THANKS FOR RCMH 8th, YOU ARE F A N T A S T I C !!!
[c
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who says im from the U.S.?
look i dont know, to be honest this show is huge, and is not taken lightly considering the money it must draw. whatever the plan is for next year, sharon will let us all know in due course. she has already put her cards on the table more than any other producer ive ever heard of. its actually extraordinarily unique and a bit of a priveledged insight for fans. perhaps if its a new team going to your part of the world they will be introduced to you through new dvd's, and you can decide what you want to do. maybe they'll be great. maybe you'll love them, maybe not. maybe you'll have to travel stateside to see the existing guys, maybe you can go to the two shows and like them near equally. you wont know till you see it. i understand people being attached to the current guys, but lord knows we've all come out of a relationship thinking "ill never meet someone like that again", and most of the time you do better.
the reality is, as sharon says, when a certain part of the world is ready, you go. its a tough, demanding market out there and it must be met in order for the show to thrive.
something is coming anyway, thats for sure, and rather than worry my tiny head about it and conjour up all kinds of terrible scenario's, im going to look forward to it. sharon and phil got it right so far, who says they wont do it again.
ok
Well I hope that this is the case. These guys are fantastic as is and it would be a shame to change anything just to change it. So often what people think is an improvement turns out to be a huge mistake.
I would think Sharon and Phil were smarter than that. CT show in Pittsburgh on the 29th just made me love them even more. TV does not do them justice they are even more impressive "live". Voices are so strong. AlthoughI would like to see Geore showcased slightly more. He has an amazing talent just like the others. Thanks.
good timing!
there you are donna, i was just about to post this link for you. if you read through it carefully it gives a good indication of what is coming up for CT. there's a few loose ends to be had but all in all i found this post from sharon reassuring. quite frankly i am intrigued to see people added to the CT fold. it will bring a new dimension to the whole thing. and if they recruit new guys of the same quality as the existing guys then i dont think anyone will have any reason to complain.!
maybe its the fact that the world is seeing hard times but people seem to be more inclined to expect the worst rather than the best. trust sharon and phil to do as good a job as they did the first time round. their track record certainly warrants it. celtic thunder is growing, thats great news!!!
http://cms.celticthunder.ie/node/526392#comment-102734
Final thought, and then I swear, I'm out...
Hmmm, well as far as I know none of them have been auditioning for other career paths. Paul was already a well-established soloist before his CT days, and both Keith and Ryan have written a few of their own songs, but to my knowledge that's about it. In the here and now, it appears that CT is their primary focus. That seems to be the case for Damian, George, and Neil as well. So there really is no double standard there, or at least not yet. But if at some point any of the guys wanted to pursue or "re-pursue" if you will a full-fledged solo career, I would support them 110% and most certainly buy their music.
I am well aware of the new tour, as my family and I will be in attendance at their stop in my hometown of Buffalo, New York this very evening.
As for the whole "band vs. show" thing it seems we have reached an impasse here, but hear me out: The concept may have started out as "just a show" (along the lines of, say, Phantom of the Opera or Riverdance) but I think it's kind of stupid for the brains behind CT to refer to it that way three years later. Why? Because during the course of those years, we have all come to recognize them as "a band," each member having their own personality and bringing something entirely different to the table. If it really were a show in the truest sense of the word, none of that would matter much because there would be a script to strictly adhere to. (I'm not talking about choreography, which obviously CT relies on heavily; I'm talking about acts and lines and such.) I've seen Phantom on three separate occasions, and I hadn't a clue as to who played any of the characters each time, nor did I care. It didn't matter because the material was exactly the same throughout each minute of every performance. Not one thing different, with the exception of how a particular actor's voice sounded from one performance to another. That's a show, when the material stays consistent from instance to instance. Celtic Woman started out as "a show" nearly seven years ago, and look at them now. They have evolved into and are now recognized as one of the best world music BANDS across the globe, the handful of lineup changes therein notwithstanding. (The trio of Lisa, Chloe, and Mairead have been around since day one.)
Also, exactly what material are these new Celtic guys going to perform anyway? Some have said that they are going to start way back with the material from the first DVD. Great, just what the audiences in Asia want to hear; a retread of songs done across North America three years prior! Guess we had better brace ourselves for a Damian sound-alike doing Puppy Love all over again!
Maybe I "just don't get it" or what have you, but I'm not entirely sold on this idea and think it's nothing more than a cash grab on the part of Sharon and Phil. But hey, as Lord Beckett said in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, "I'm afraid currency is the currency of the realm."
Toodles!
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When they are not on the road they are all usually pretty busy with solo work of some kind.
Don't forget that Damian did audition for Glee and was in the top 25. They may not share publicly what they are doing with their careers, but I am fairly certain that they are working on solo stuff privately. Keith, when he is home is usually quite busy working with his new record label and recording either his stuff or his sister's. I know Keith has been working on one of his own, but it isn't ready yet. He can also be found gigging around his home town. I believe Ryan and George do much the same thing. Ryan is just finishing up his own CD and Neil just released an EP. I believe Paul has another Solo CD coming out too.
--Staci --
"You can always tell where the lamplighter went by the trail he/she left behind." Unknown
[=85][=#400080]Moderator for the Pub forum, Area forums, Photo forum and the Q&A forum.
Feel free to contact me w
Damn...shows what I know,
Damn...shows what I know, lol. I've checked out some of Neil's solo stuff on his MySpace. VERY different from his work in CT, but at the same time VERY cool! Though I couldn't find a link to purchase the EP. Any ideas?
*Edit: Nevermind...seems to only be available on iTunes. Grrrr.
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Check out his YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/user/NeilByrneOfficial
--Staci --
"You can always tell where the lamplighter went by the trail he/she left behind." Unknown
[=85][=#400080]Moderator for the Pub forum, Area forums, Photo forum and the Q&A forum.
Feel free to contact me w
it was good to talk to you
it was good to talk to you about it anyway. enjoy the show. and may the future be bright for those in celtic thunder now, the new arrivals, and the fans alike.
Reply to Celtic Warrior
fair enough on the alternative names comment, but you can see how easy it was to misinterpret that one.
I still dont understand why you think they are being shafted. Neither myself or yourself (unless youre not telling me something) have any idea what is in store for the future. Yes they have worked their arses off to get where they are and there is nothing to suggest they wont still be involved for years to come.... unless they choose to pursue their own careers of course. someone else on this thread made the point that everyone seems to be having a go at sharon and phil for potentially "replacing" the guys, and yet noone is having a go at the guys for going to auditions for other career paths? bit of a double standard that.
With all that aside, the guys are out on a new tour, and judging by their tweets and peoples reviews of their first few shows, they seem to be happy and excited about it. there's no indication of any unrest. So im guessing people are just concerned that the format might change in the future, even though there is no indication that that will happen either. no-one likes to see their favourite band break up, but it seems the show is growing and why shouldnt it. By the way, they are not a band, no matter how much people want to see it that way, im just using the term for convenience. They are not U2, Aerosmith etc. Its a show, whether people like to see it or not, and maybe if people realise that, then the second production being put together would make more sense.
No way.
Sorry, but the idea of Celtic Thunder Mach 2 is, to me, a horrible one. As so many others here have said, when we fans hear the name of the group we immediately think "Ryan, Paul, Keith, George, Damian, and Neil." Not "Bob, Larry, Joe, Rick, Dave, and Simon." (For lack of better examples.) Yes, CT may have started out as "just a show, not a band" but over the last 2 1/2 years the fan-base has increasingly come to view it as just that: a band comprised of six extraordinarily talented singers. The way they feed off of one another in the ensemble numbers is amazing, and you can tell there is a special chemistry/camaraderie there. These aren't just six guys getting together to put on a play every so often, like Phantom of the Opera or Cats. I can certainly understand the need for understudies; for instance, George gets sick and *insert random guy's name here* fills in for a few nights. But to form an entirely new group of the same name is a disgrace and an insult to these six guys who have worked their tails off to entertain us these last couple years.
Some comparisons have been made here to Celtic Woman and the changes made therein. While I do enjoy some of their music and also find them to be very beautiful and talented ladies, I heartily agree with those who have said they are a more generic group than CT. It is often hard to tell who is singing what unless you know by watching the performance or from reading a track list. Even with the lineup changes that were made in that group, I haven't noticed much of an overall difference in sound and said changes hardly constitute a "second touring production."
Others have said that (the real) CT can't tour North America and the rest of the world all in the course of a year for health/personal reasons, and I agree. But why can't they switch off? Example: Do a North American tour for four months, take four months off, then do a European or Asian tour. How hard is that? I know I'm probably oversimplifying this because I don't know much about the music business, but it doesn't seem too complex.
As far as solo careers are concerned, these are six very talented guys and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that any of them would do an amazing job at solo work. Paul has already established himself, and to a lesser extent Keith has as well. I don't know about the others, but I have every bit of faith in the world that they could write/perform some great material that I would definitely pay for.
Sharon and Phil, I respect the hell out of both of you for what you have done with CT. But as much as it pains me to say this, I do hope the two of you have experienced and continue to experience a huge amount of backlash from CT fans outside of this forum. It will only serve you right. Go ahead, form another group of talented guys and send them around the world, give them my blessings. Call them whatever you want...Celtic Tsunami, Celtic Wave, Celtic Earthquake, whatever you like. But they are not going to be Celtic Thunder, now or ever. End of statement.
voice of reason.
i dont think its right for people to make jokes about diasters that happened in asia where people lost their lives.
i have watched this site on and off but never posted. it has always been a great site for positivity and appreciation for all the hard work everyone in celtic thunder has done over the years. but this thread seems to have brought about a very dark side to people, and it doesnt seem to be in the spirit of "thunderheads" at all.
i cant understand why people cant understand the following, because this was my interpretation: a second production for asia is set up, so two groups are touring at the same time or the tours overlap. the asian tour im guessing will take a while to put together (auditions only a few months ago) and with all involved focused on the existing tour, the second troop wouldnt see daylight until next year at some point. meaning the existing tour will have all the original members. come next year, seeing as the existing lads are predominantly popular in america they will continue to tour america. the other troup will be in asia, so why does anyone in america care who is singing in asia? it doesnt affect you.
as for thinking the existing lads are getting shafted, where on earth did that come from? totally plucked from thin air.
stay with me: from the auditions that were held, which was a few months ago by all accounts, they use that troop to cover for the existing line up. just like sharon posted. why do people have a problem with that?
lastly, i think having a go at the two people who brought us CT is ridiculous and i think it is also unfair to judge the second troop when we havent even seen them! if you think they should be called a different name then thats fine, but some people are being rude, unrealistic and unfair.
all the best to the CT team 1 on their new tour, and all the best to the new team, cant wait to see you...... in asia of course.
L.
"i dont think its right for
"i dont think its right for people to make jokes about diasters that happened in asia where people lost their lives."
What, pray tell, are you talking about? Are you assuming that because I used such words as "tsunami" and "earthquake" that I was somehow mocking the terrible things that happened to those in foreign lands? Certainly not! How's about you stay with me on this one: Those, much like "thunder," "storm," and other such words are nature and weather-related terms. THAT is why I suggested them, as potential alternatives to "thunder." Get it? My name isn't Fred Phelps, okay? I didn't do it to poke fun at anything or anyone, and for you to assume that is preposterous. I'm not THAT horrible of a person.
As far as the original CT guys getting "shafted" (not a word I used) or what have you, I believe they are. Why? They have busted their tails these last three or so years, and their hard work has become synonymous with the name Celtic Thunder. Not the work of five or six completely different people. All I'm really saying is that these new guys, whoever they may be, should not adopt the CT name. Just like there is only one group we can call The Beatles, one Metallica, one Black Sabbath, and one U2, there is and can only be ONE Celtic Thunder. It isn't too complicated, dear friend. Suggesting that they be given a different moniker is neither rude, unrealistic, or unfair.
And as for Sharon and Phil, again, much as I respect what they have done for CT up to this point, I think this to be a bad business decision. Who knows, maybe it will turn out to be a great one? I'm not clairvoyant. But I stand by my original statement, to wit, if it blows up in their faces they have only themselves to blame.
CT2
I have to agree with the majority of feedback - when you think Celtic Thunder you think these guys. They've become so familiar to those who follow CT that it wouldn't be the same with other vocalists.
Also, I think they should go back to their Celtic roots in music. They are certainly talented enough to perform other venues but they are Celtic Thunder, not American Thunder. Our favorite CD and concert was the first.
This is soo unfair to
This is soo unfair to everyone except maybe miss sharon. If she wants another irish show then make one but don't try to call it Celtic Thunder. I am sure it would be sucessful but please leave CT as it is.