Hunting McLeod change

[thatcelticband]

Well I guess I can understand wanting to take it to the next level. All celt bands want that. The conflict here is Friendship. I have often heard never to put together a band with friends. If you become friends,that fine but put a band together with people that can do the job. I our case, thats what I did. Liam, formally of HM is our piper and does a kicka** job, but we've become great friends as a result of the band. In fact, all the guys in the band have become wonderful friends. I'd sooner fold the band than hurt any of them.
Please know that I understand this next statement is none of my business. For 2 years they have been not only friends but close bandmates. Traveling around the country together will do that. How can you tell a good friend that "well, sorry about our friendship, but were moving up without you."
Maybe Im too soft, and I'm sure there is more to this story than this, its unclear if he quit or was sacked. It just appears to seems a bit cold. Its not like the record companies are beating down our collective doors. We're all just (in most cases) working stiffs that do this for the music. I learned at a much younger age if you try to make music your living, prepare to be broke most of the time.
Another lesson I learned is, careful who you p**s of on the way up. They might be waiting there on your way back down.
God bless yall and see you on Nov 3 rd if not sooner

[highlandtide]

I have seen both of HM's previous pipers and Ewan when he was with GB. They are all great pipers but I cannot wait to see Ewan with HM now. They were already an exciting band so this should take them to the next level.

Ewan... tell Steve, Corey and the Boys I said hello and hope to see them at Grandfather Mountain next year.

Hank

[thatcelticband]

Upon second thought I've come to realize none of this is my business. I'll miss Al thats all. I do wish them the best and Al too.

[Kilted Stuart]

What I have noticed in the last year or so is that HM seems to have gotten away from vocals more and been concentrating on the music and stage show. It will be nice to see more complimenting instruments played and a better balance of vocal and vocal harmony.
A good balance of all they have to offer will show a more versatile and richer sound to go with the energy and stage presents they already posses. Ewan is a more versatile and rounded musician because he can bring all of this to the table.

I may be biased because myself and my family are friends of Ewan's but I also have had the pleasure of seeing all these bands play that we have been talking about. The GB were a very tight, well rounded heavy touring Celtic band but the edge seemed to have gone a little while ago. I also think Ewan is at his best when given the freedom to be who he is, a full time hard touring entertainer that enjoys the stage night in and night out.

Kilted Stuart

[ccga3359]

Agreed HM were lacking in vocals. Steve's a good singer but it seems to sap his strength faster. Corey is torn, it was hard for him to see Al leave, yet he's stoked at the prospect that Ewan brings with him. He's looking forward to more vocals. Believe me, Al is a friend but you could see that his background was in pipe and drum marching bands. it pained me to see Al stand up there when he didn't have a piping part and have nothing to contribute.

[Kilted Stuart]

I have just noticed a note in the Glengarry Bhoys roadkill that Graham has lesions on a gland in his throat and the band as a whole has canceled all dates and called it quits. They are no longer. Sad but true.

Kilted Stuart