Great Big Sea

With a remarkable track record of eleven Gold-certified albums, including four Platinum and two achieving multi-platinum status, Great Big Sea established themselves as one of Canada’s most celebrated folk rock bands. The band, comprising founding members Alan Doyle, Séan McCann, Darrell Power, and Bob Hallett, officially began performing on March 11, 1993. Their debut album, ‘Great Big Sea’, was released in August 1993. Building on their energetic live shows, Great Big Sea signed with Warner Music Canada in 1995.

The band marked a significant milestone in 2012 with the release of their ‘XX’ greatest hits album and an accompanying 20th-anniversary tour. This period of celebration was followed by a transition, as Séan McCann announced his departure from the band at the conclusion of the ‘XX’ tour in 2013. The band officially entered retirement in 2015, as confirmed by Alan Doyle. Throughout their impactful career from 1996 to 2016, Great Big Sea ranked as the sixteenth best-selling Canadian artist and the sixth best-selling Canadian band in Canada, underscoring their profound commercial success and enduring appeal within the Canadian music landscape.

Despite the band’s official retirement, the legacy of Great Big Sea continues through the ongoing solo careers of former members Alan Doyle and Séan McCann, who frequently incorporate Great Big Sea’s cherished music into their individual performances. Beyond their musical achievements, the band also engaged in philanthropic efforts, collaborating with Artists Against Racism on radio public service announcements, further cementing their positive cultural footprint.