Capercaillie

Capercaillie Biography

Having recently celebrated 40 years at the forefront of traditional music, Celtic music trailblazers Capercaillie continue bring their unique blend of Gaelic roots and contemporary sounds to audiences across the world. Since releasing their last album ReLoved - a collection of symphonic arrangements recorded with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra – they have delighted audiences across European festivals and sold-out UK shows with their potent mix of strident Hebridean work songs, hypnotic instrumentals, and poignant love songs. Capercaillie have been credited with being a major force in bringing traditional music to the world stage and inspiring the great resurgence so evident today. And even four decades after they first performed as teenagers in the village halls of Argyll, they continue the worldwide musical journey that’s taken them from the Brazilian rainforests to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, while exploring musical terrains from electronica and sampling to jazz and global music influences. Since the band’s first innovative recordings they have toured in 30 countries across the world (including South America, the Middle East, and North Africa), released 10 award-winning albums (notching up over a million sales world-wide), performed and appeared in the United Artists movie ‘Rob Roy’, and had the first Gaelic top 40 single, ‘Coisich a Ruin’. Capercaillie’s line-up comprises some of the world’s most sought-after Celtic musicians, with Karen Matheson (vocals), Donald Shaw (accordion), Charlie McKerron (fiddle), Manus Lunny (Bouzouki), Michael McGoldrick (flutes & pipes), David Robertson (percussion), James Mackintosh (Drums), and bassist Ewen Vernal.

The story of Capercaillie is an incredible journey that mirrors Scotland’s renaissance and elevation of cultural identity through traditional music.

Capercaillie reviews

“Nobody does it better.” Q Magazine

“The most vibrant and exciting band in the field of Celtic music.” Billboard

“Securely ranked among the Celtic world’s top live bands... Capercaillie walk the trad/contemporary line with admirable poise” Songlines

Capercaillie availability

Contact us to find out when Capercaillie are available for bookings.