Hush Hush Biz talks to Ryan Kelly of Celtic Thunder.
Fans of Celtic Thunder can rejoice. The band is in Australia and ready to embark on a tour of every city. It’s a blessing for singer and songwriter Ryan Kelly, who after a fall last year was in a coma for three and half weeks. “I am very blessed with all the support and prayers I had from all my family and close friends at that time in June last year 2012 and this has given me a new lease at life.”
Talking from Sydney, Kelly has been enjoying the summer weather in preparation for Celtic Thunders second tour of Australia. Kelly, who is from Ireland, has family in Australia, including an Aunt that immigrated almost 40 years ago. “I just love Australia and its natural beauty. It is great to feel the sun on you as you don’t get much of that where I am from.”
2012 was a huge year for the band, which consists of 5 members. Celtic Thunder experienced their highest record sales under Universal Music, receiving a string of platinum and double platinum discs and with the release of their recent DVD The Show, the band have just gone triple platinum; a huge triumph for the band who have gone from strength to strength each year. Kelly says, “To think that 6 years ago I was in a job in accounting and banking, life sure has changed from when I went to audition… I had been singing since I was a child in church and choirs, which led me to sing at pubs on the weekends. My dreams come true to become a musical singer and songwriter.”
Kelly, who cites Rod Stewart and Sting as some of his favourite artists (something he is regularly teased for). Kelly also had the opportunity of meeting Sting whilst walking through Central Park in New York. “It was a moment that was really quite unreal to have met him and his wife Trudy, especially because in the show I sing “Every Breath I Take. “
Since his accident last year, Kelly has not taken life or performing for granted. “Now I wake up and look forward to what’s ahead of me every day. I’ve been in places when I wasn’t looking forward to it (the future). I now know the alternative.”
Celtic Thunder is comprised of five diverse performers who are each a powerhouse in both their solo and ensemble songs. The group is backed by the dynamic Celtic Thunder Band with their eye-catching choreography and dramatic lighting, staged within a setting that mimics ancient depictions of Celtic lore.
Celtic Thunder 2013 will feature the band’s popular playlist; their own take on rock ballads and modern pop classics, plus plenty of stirring Irish tunes.
Tickets are on sale 9am August 30 – www.ticketek.com.au / 132 849
2013 TOUR DATES
Cairns Cairns Convention Centre Wednesday 23 January
Townsville Townsville Entertainment Centre Thursday 24 January
Maryborough Brolga Theatre Saturday 26 January
Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre Sunday 27 January
Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre Tuesday 29 January
Tamworth Tamworth Entertainment Centre Thursday 31 January
Newcastle Newcastle Entertainment Centre Friday 1 February
Sydney Allphones Arena Saturday 2 February
Wollongong Wollongong Entertainment Centre Sunday 3 February
Canberra Royal Theatre Canberra Tuesday 5 February
Geelong Geelong Arena Thursday 7 February
Ballarat* Wendoree Performing Arts Centre Friday 8 February
Melbourne Hisense Arena Saturday 9 February
Adelaide Adelaide Entertainment Centre Tuesday 12 February
Adelaide Adelaide Entertainment Centre Wednesday 13 February
Perth Perth Arena Saturday 16 February
*For tickets to Celtic Thunder in Ballarat at Wendoree Performing Arts Centre please go to www.wcpa.com.au / 03 5338 0980
Celtic Thunder’s new CD and DVD ‘Voyage’ is out now.
Celtic Thunder Official Site – www.celticthunder.ie
