Skerryvore have started their 20th anniversary year in style, playing to packed venues across North America and Australia. Their plans now step up in scale with a special Skerryvore XX show at the historic Floors Castle coming up on May 31st, with further big shows for the year ahead including their debut Glastonbury performance, more Stateside touring and extensive UK shows. With all that on the agenda, it’s clearly time for fresh music too as Skerryvore unveil the new single ‘The Sea That Sings’. Listen HERE.
Driven by propulsive rhythms as Skerryvore channel a contemporary feel into their traditional roots, ‘The Sea That Sings’ is a song built for big summer stages. Maximalist energy, widescreen atmospherics and flourishes of accordions, fiddles and whistles inspire a joyous sense of escapism like anything is possible. The lyric “a melody as sweet as the sea that sings” really cuts to the heart of the Celtic romance that gives Skerryvore’s such a broad, rousing appeal.
Vocalist / guitarist Alec Dalglish says, “The intention behind ‘The Sea That Sings’ was to evoke images of the west coast of Scotland in the height of summer. The beauty of the scenery and the feeling of freedom that you’d feel walking along the shore with someone you love.”
With such a big live moment on the horizon, it’s fitting that the accompanying performance video for ‘The Sea That Sings’ focuses on the band’s unbridled energy and enthusiasm. Filmed and recorded at Assumption Studios in Glasgow, its stylistic but naturalistic aesthetic comes with videography from Gary Denholm and lighting and set design by Rob Alexander.
Skerryvore XX will be the biggest headline show of the band’s career, and phenomenal ticket demand saw the initial 5000capacity set-up expanded to 7000. Fans are travelling from all over the world, with some coming from as far afield as the USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Denmark and Australia. And Skerryvore have planned a spectacular event to reward their dedication. The three-times winners of Scotland’s Live Act of the Year Award will reunite on the night with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums. They previously performed together when the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo received a rapturous reception when they guested on ‘Take My Hand’ during Skerryvore’s set at last year’s Hoolie In The Hydro extravaganza – and expect more special guests on the night.
The rest of the line-up features a specially curated bill full of artists that have each played a special part in Skerryvore’s 20-year story. There will be performances from Trail West, The Valtos, The Eves, Nathan Carter, The Laurettes and Western End.
Limited tickets for the show remain available HERE. The band’s official store also offers pre-orders for a range of special event merch.
Skerryvore’s Daniel Gillespie says, “As part of our musical journey over the past 20 years we have been very fortunate to travel the world and cross paths with so many incredible musicians along the way. From artists we first met in the bars and halls of the west coast of Scotland to bright new talents who are thriving in the amazing Scottish music scene, we wanted to fill the Skerryvore XX stage with host of musical pals that we know will help make it an extra special day for everyone making the journey to the castle.”
Their most recent album, 2023’s ‘Tempus’, proved to be a landmark moment of their storied career. The record achieved their strongest chart highlights to date, including their Top 40 breakthrough on the UK’s Official Album Chart as well as their first #1s on both the Official Folks Albums Chart and the Official Scottish Albums Chart.
Skerryvore’s UK tour schedule now spans the following dates. Please see HERE for all international dates and ticket information.
MAY
31st – Kelso, Floors Castle
JUNE
27th – Glastonbury Festival
28th – Pitlochry, Recreation Ground
JULY
11th-13th – Isle of Tiree, Tiree Music Festival
18th – Hamilton, Hamilton Park
19th – Isle of Lewis, HebCelt
AUGUST
22nd – Shrewsbury Folk Festival
23rd – Campbeltown, Mokfest
NOVEMBER
13th – Carlisle, Old Fire Station
14th – Newcastle, Boiler Shop
15th – Stroud, Sub Rooms
16th – London, Islington Assembly Hall
21st – Holmfirth, Picturedrome
