Celtic Thunder came to the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on March 11 for their Best of Celtic Thunder tour. Since their 2007 debut in Ireland the group’s eclectic and theatrical performances have launched them onto the world stage. From the encyclopedic chattering of the elderly couple behind me, I could tell that they had earned a large, loyal fan base.
With the stage set to look like a craggy Irish coast, the opening number was heavy and rapid on the drums, violin strokes, and matching lightning effects. My expectations rose as the group scattered over the stage in black coats and unleashed an orchestra of vocal harmonies and abrupt marching choreography to an epic Celtic folk song.
But the constant melancholic, nostalgic, and sad lost-love songs were desensitizing and took themselves too seriously at the expense of a natural stage presence.
A few of them were able to stand out as moving or original when they engaged the audience, particularly when Victoria’s sing-along volume was challenged by Abbotsford, but other times the songs came off as stiff imitations.
In contrast, the group rhapsodies were Celtic Thunder’s selling point. Ominous group ballads revealed each of the group’s unique voices: raspy, clarion clear, and deep sultry baritone blended into a single rich sound.
When folk songs may have otherwise sounded hokey, cooperation brought out the singers’ personalities on stage and transformed songs into comedy skits, sending the audience squawking with laughter.
The highest energy came out in “Life with You,” dedicated to the late member of the group, George Donaldson, who was said to respond to funny words by saying something funnier back.
But the concert had more than a few mediocre moments, which dragged down the energy. Clustering the “best” of Celtic Thunder’s numbers may have impeded the show’s variety.
March 11/12 is a very difficult time for the guys. Their “brother”, big George Donaldson, mentioned by the writer of this article, passed away a year ago today.
Give them a break. I have seen them in Seattle several times, as well as on the cruise. I’m a huge fan, and they never, ever disappoint. The Seattle show was rocking, and I’m sure each audience member came away from that experience completely satisfied, and thrilled to have been a part of the ongoing sensation that is Celtic Thunder.
And for the record, nearly every song the men and their very talented band have produced could qualify as “the best.”