Ireland 
Tommy B talks lyrical inspiration, Lord of The Mics and his recent Devlin collaboration
7 years ago
Clannad is an Irish band that gained international recognition for pioneering Celtic music, blending traditional Irish sounds with electronic elements and vocal harmonies, leading to multi-platinum success and numerous awards.
After long and intensive negotiations, MIG succeeded in finalizing the collaboration with another pillar of Irish folk rock, the successful band CLANNAD.
Clannad collaborated with Bono, the lead singer of U2, on their hit single 'In a Lifetime'. This duet began with Máire teaching Bono some Irish during the introduction.
Clannad collaborated with Bruce Hornsby on the song "Something to Believe In," where he contributed vocals and keyboards.
Clannad collaborated with Steve Perry of Journey, who made guest appearances on their album "Sirius."
JD Souther made guest appearances on Clannad's album "Sirius."
Clannad collaborated with singer Paul Young, releasing a cover version of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" as a duet. The track was recorded for the Blake Edwards film "Switch."
Clannad collaborated with Duke Special, among other diverse artists.
The group linked with Limerick artist Denise Chaila to re-work their classic song 'In A Lifetime'.
Moya Brennan mentioned Clannad's collaborations with global artists like Vangelis and Zucchero, highlighting the band's independent approach.
Pól Brennan worked with Peter Gabriel as a producer for the WOMAD arts festival and as an acoustic specialist after leaving Clannad in 1989.
Clannad won four Clio Awards for their music used in a US advertisement produced by An Bord Fáilte (Fáilte Ireland), promoting tourism.
Clannad's song "Theme from Harry's Game" gained boosted recognition when it appeared in a Volkswagen television advert in the US.
Clannad recorded a cover of "Both Sides Now" with Paul Young for Blake Edwards' film "Switch."
Clannad wrote "I Will Find You" for Michael Mann's film "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992), with Máire singing in English, Mohican, and Cherokee.
The song "Croí Cróga" ('Brave Heart') was originally written for Mel Gibson's film "Braveheart" (1995), though it did not make the final soundtrack.
Clannad wrote "What Will I Do" for the Kevin Costner romantic-drama film "Message in a Bottle" (1999).
Clannad performed "Theme from Harry's Game" with vocal ensemble Anúna on RTÉ's "The Late Late Show."
Moya/Máire Brennan, Brídín Brennan, and other family members performed as guests on Scottish band Runrig's 1993 album "Amazing Things."
Clannad was formed in 1970 in Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland, by siblings Ciarán, Pól, and Máire (Moya) Brennan, and their twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Duggan. The group initially performed as an acoustic folk band, rearranging traditional Irish songs in Gaelic and English. Their early days were centred around Leo’s Tavern, a music bar owned by Leo Brennan where the family regularly performed. In 1970, they won the Slógadh Youth Festival competition, securing a recording contract with Polydor Records and releasing their debut album, “Clannad,” in 1973. This period saw them establishing a unique sound that would later evolve.
The band’s career progression included a significant turning point in 1982 when they recorded “Theme from Harry’s Game” for a television drama. This single became a commercial breakthrough, reaching No. 5 in the UK and No. 2 in Ireland, and remains the only UK hit single sung entirely in Irish. This success led to further experimentation with new age and pop-influenced sounds, resulting in albums like “Legend” (1984), for which they won a BAFTA, and “Macalla” (1985), featuring a duet with Bono. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Clannad continued to expand their global reach, incorporating elements of rock, Celtic, and smooth jazz.
After a period of individual solo projects, the band reunited in 2007, continuing to tour and release new material, with Pól Brennan rejoining in 2011. Their 2013 album, “Nádúr,” was their first studio release in fifteen years. Despite the passing of Pádraig Duggan in 2016 and Noel Duggan in 2022, Clannad embarked on a farewell tour, concluding with a final concert at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2024. Their legacy is marked by numerous awards, including a Grammy, BAFTA, and Ivor Novello Award, and their role in bringing Irish music and the Irish language to a worldwide audience across six different languages.
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